PROGRAM PHOTO ALBUM
TIME CAPSULE LETTER
Written by Brian & the Costa Rica Team
Dear students of Marine Conservation & Sea Turtle Expedition,
Oh how the time has passed. It feels like just yesterday we were at Hotel Robledal, hunched over and devouring some spaghetti as a much needed midnight snack. Early the next morning, we sailed into the gulf of Nicoya with our sights set on the soon-to-be turtle-ridden beaches and howling monkey-filled forests of Montezuma.
From that moment forward, we went on a wild ride together — one that took us up and down the entire pacific side of Costa Rica, all in the name of service, leadership, and adventure.
In Montezuma, we spent hours bagging sand that would help build the hatchery that would serve as a home for thousands of turtle eggs. We also lived true to our values of cooperation and collaboration when we collectively developed a resolution that would sustain the prosperity of local businesses while also ensuring environmental sustainability. Chats with Elon about mindfulness, the self, and our consciousness sparked deep introspection while brain teasers with Brian about bears, cheese, the moon, the number four, black magic, and the fourth destination activated – let’s say – a different part of our brain.
In Parrita, we made our mark alongside the work of GLA students from years past, planting coconut trees to prevent erosion from encroaching on the town’s picturesque shoreline. At homebase, we danced, played pool, drank our weight in Piña Coladas, and went head to head in fierce games of Fish Bowl, Dutch Blitz, and Taps. Unforgettably, we screamed, shouted and hollered (some of us more than others) as we flipped forward, upside down, and all around on ziplines that swung through the Costa Rican jungle. Finally, we gathered around a bonfire on the beach, listening to the ways in which we connect with our consciousness and establish our true sense of selves – another thought-provoking reflection hosted by none other than our philosopher-in-residence Elon.
In Uvita, we did our part to undo the mistakes of fellow tourists, cleaning the beach and creating signs that promote the importance of protecting our environment. We also examined the positive and negative impact that ‘voluntourism’ can have on both a community and ourselves. We asked ourselves: how can we maximize the positive impact of volunteering while minimizing further damage to the communities we are best trying to serve? Under James’ guidance, we gave our shot at surfing for the second time, riding the waves with a bit more ease (for some of us, at least). We also learned more about the story of coral and the important restoration efforts taking place here in Costa Rica. We were left equally awe-struck by James’ knowledge and perspective on the topic as well as Elon’s fascination with James. One of the key takeaways – following your passion first and foremost makes everything else worth it.
The journey both from and back to Hotel Robledal was a long one, but one that we conquered together. Our final leadership activity encompassed a good ole fashioned game of Red Light, Green Light, followed by a session of personal and collective goal-setting. Together, we created a mission to guide our future as we forge a path of civic leadership, responsible consumption, and sustained curiosity: “We the Tuttis, challenge ourselves to continue staying self-motivated following our program’s end through actively volunteering, limiting our overconsumption of materials and food, remaining conscious about our every day actions and always willing to learn more.”
I hope your transition back into home life has been one full of environmental consciousness, community building, philosophical thought, maybe some Gallo Pinto, and a whole lot of SWIS.
Until next time Tuttis,
Your Mentor,
Troye (Brian)
Thanks for the checking out the blog for this Global Leadership Adventures program!
Here are a few things to know and expect:
- Blog posts are written by onsite program staff and/or students and sent to our Headquarters team who will post the blog on this page.
- We typically receive 2-3 blog posts per week from each program, so please don’t be alarmed if you don’t see a blog post every day – that’s totally normal.
- Blog updates received on weekends may not be posted until Monday.
- Due to many factors such as internet accessibility, program staff aren’t always able to send photos, so some blog posts may contain text only.
Thank you for your patience and understanding, and we hope you enjoy following along on these unforgettable adventures.
For frequently asked questions about the blogs, please visit our Program Blog FAQ page.
-The Global Leadership Adventures HQ Team
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BLOG POST FOR JULY 11
Hola everyone!
There’s no better place to capture our first day on program than sitting in the airport writing our first blog!
We welcomed a few students midday – Duncan, Emilie, Raff, Ellina, and Sophia – and had a long wait before the next wave of students arrived. In the meantime, we had swim tests, health checks and some bonding through nature walks, cards, and dinner of spaghetti boloñesa. While the rain threatened to fall, it ended up being a nice day to be outside with the cool air.
The next group to arrive was Lyla, Kendall, Maya A, Presley, Frankie, Kate, Quinn, Marina, and Landon. All were in good spirits to be here!
With Jaden, Jordana, Raquel, Emma, Gabe, Sophie, Clio, and Maya G joining us shortly, we will finally be all together.
It’s been quite the long travel day for many, but we’re super excited to begin our journey together to Montezuma in the morning.
Thanks for reading along with us as we explore, have fun, and grow in service learning here in Costa Rica.
Pura Vida,
Chelsea, International Director
BLOG POST FOR JULY 12
GLA’s Marine Conservation program began with our first group breakfast early at 7 followed by finishing up swim tests for each student. Before our 9am departure for the ferry, the group got to do a few name game icebreakers.
The ferry took our group south from outside San José to Montezuma. It gave a great chance for the students to pair off into groups for lunch on the ferry to enjoy the ocean views and have the opportunity to connect more.
Arriving at our home for the week in Montezuma, we had a quick lunch and hotel tour before playing more icebreaker games and reviewing GLA code of conduct and guidelines for the program.
The night ended with dinner and then a community agreement written and signed off by the students before phones were returned for free time in the night. It’s an early sleep before the first day of service the next morning!
Written by GLA mentor: Elon
BLOG POST FOR JULY 13
Today we had a delicious breakfast with a starter of papaya and pineapple with chia seeds on top. For our full meal we had scrambled eggs, gallo pinto, and plantains.
Promptly after we left for our first day of service at the turtle hatchery! We made a line with shovelers, baggers, and more jobs to bring sand up from the beach and into the hatchery from last hatching season. Between seasons the sand gets contaminated and makes an unfit hatching place for the turtles. After an hour and a half of transporting sand we almost finished the last section of the hatchery!
Once we got back from the service we all took a quick rinse. Most people came and hung out in the hammock area until lunchtime. For lunch we had chickpea soup, lentils, and rice and it was all delicious!
After lunch we had a little bit of free time so we all went to the beach! We had so much fun hanging out in the water and playing tap it and some VERY confusing word games, all and all it was super fun.
We got back from the beach and got to listen to a very informative culture presentation given by our local director. We all learned so much about the norms of Costa Rica and, of course, about some of the fun activities we will get to do before this trip is over – like dance!
After the culture presentation we all got a little bit of free time to hang out and then swiftly to dinner. For dinner we had fish, mash potatoes, and some salad, all of which were so good thanks to the wonderful cooks.
After dinner we had our first session of mentor groups, Troye’s Tuttis and a team that may or may not have forgotten to give themselves a name. We had so much fun playing games for our first night on these groups and it may have gotten a little bit competitive.
All in all today was so much fun and hopefully it’s just going to get better and better.
BLOG POST FOR JULY 14
Today Sunday July 14, we started the day with finishing off the turtle hatchery. We carried the sand bags hand in hand to finish off the last section of the hatchery. after completing the hatchery we went back to the hotel to eat some lunch.
After free time the group decided that the best use of our time was to walk down to the local town. In the town we walked by talented jewelers who created excellent bracelets, necklaces, and rings. We also walked in to the local market and picked up some costa rican snacks to try. Our final stop was the cute gelato shop on the corner. Most of the us wanted an Açaí bowl, while others craved the sweet flavors of ice cream. They also served delicious looking pastries.
Back at the hotel we were told to start getting ready for bioluminescence kayaking. Everyone was super excited. When we arrived we saw a marvelous sunset with vibrant colors paired with a delicious dinner. Once the sun had set, we went over the instructions and how the protein and enzymes in the water work together to allow us to see the amazing light they give off. Once everyone had paddled into the water we started to see the lights. We were all amazed and mesmerized, especially when our tour guide scooped a bunch of the bioluminescence on his shirt to create a galaxy like scene. We concluded the day with a quite peaceful bus ride back reminiscing on all the culture and uniqueness of the environment around us.
BLOG POST FOR JULY 16
On this bright and early morning in Montezuma, we sat at the dining table, finishing our delicious breakfast of some fruit, an omelette, and some toast. Afterwards, we quickly loaded onto the bus to start our journey to Curu National Park. Finishing the hour ride, we step out to be immediately met with the sights of exotic wildlife. Splitting into our mentor groups, we begin the trail with seeing many monkeys, a crocodile, and beautiful flora. The bus ride back was filled good vibes and excitement for the rest of the day as we sang songs together. Back at Hotel Cascada lunch was served with chicken and potatos along with beans and rice.
During lunchtime, the group decided to make the ultimate decision of taking a refreshing trip to the creek during free time as some of the others decided to take a trip into town. After the creek, the group engaged in fierce debate and came to a consensus on how to best address the issues of marine conservation and economic prosperity in our coastal town of Montezuma. At dinner, the group came together and sat down to eat a meal full of bean, rice, pork, avacado, and some chips. We quieted down the night as we met with our mentor groups. One group on night patrol, on the look out for turtles, while the other group played games and conversed about the environment. We then headed to our rooms to get ready for lights out. Shortly after, lights out gets called and we all hit our pillows excited for the next day.
BLOG POST FOR JULY 17
We had an early morning breakfast beginning with chia seed topped watermelon and pineapple followed by avocado toast topped with eggs and sausage!
Directly after we began our journey to Santa Teresa where our surf instructors awaited our arrival. Immediately the first group suited up and was brought into the water, followed shortly by the second group! In the meantime both groups were swimming and snacking while watching the others surf!
After our amazing surf lessons we had delicious chicken rice in the bus and headed into beautiful Santa Teresa for either shopping or an afternoon at a beachside cafe accompanied by fun games!
Once we arrived back at the hotel we were greeted by a beautiful family of monkeys. A small group of us then participated in a hot yoga pilates session while others went to play basketball with the locals!
We all gathered for a delicious dinner of chicken and chorizo. Which was followed directly by an amazing musical performance including some performances from our own GLA team!
Overall today was the most fun so far & will be one to remember!!
BLOG POST FOR JULY 19
We started the day off with a 7am breakfast, consisting of an omelet, toast, hashbrowns and some yummy cereal. After that delicious meal, we went off to our first service work in Parrita. The first thing we did was plant around 150 trees along the beach to help stop the erosion that has affected sea turtles nesting area. After that, we helped reorganize the mini tree nursery, before picking up microplastics along the beach.
Our next meal consisted of fried fish, salad, and crispy fries, and once we finished eating we had some free time. Some people swam in the pool, while others played pool or hung out on the outdoor hammocks. Then, we had an hour of dance lessons! We learned three different styles, all of which we mastered gracefully.
We had a few more hours of free time before our scrumptious dinner, which was a bowl of rice, beans, pork, chips, pico de gallo, and avocado. We decided to call it an early night as everyone was exhausted from the exhilarating day!
BLOG POST FOR JULY 20
Today started out with a breakfast to-go and a lengthy car ride up a mountain … because it was ziplining day! Once we arrived at the canopy, we had some fruit and freshly made, delicious juice before suiting up in our harnesses to prepare for our adventure. We zipped along 10 different lines that included a Tarzan swing and two rappels. On some long cables we got to try fun things like flipping upside down and even attempting a front flip. We laughed and screamed in surprise while having an amazing time.
After our zipline experience, we had a freshly made casado lunch: chicken, beans, rice, salad, and a vegetable medley. The chicken was especially amazing.
The long car ride home was super quiet. Half of the group took naps after too much excitement and an early morning.
Our afternoon continued with some free time. Some students swam in the pool or played pool and foosball, and others rested in their rooms. This home base has a lot of space to do many things! And we’re grateful for Alvero who makes us refreshing drinks to enjoy on these hot days!
At 3pm was a guest lecturer, Maurilio, who taught us all about turtles and conservation efforts. Did you know there’s a tracker app that allows you to follow tagged turtles? You can see it here.
With health checks, Chow Circle and dinner behind us, many of us played card games for a chill evening. The favorites were Dutch Blitz and Uno. And with that, it’s a wrap for the day. Buenas noches!
BLOG POST FOR JULY 21
We started off the day with a 8:00 am breakfast comprised of scrambled eggs, hash browns, watermelon, sausage and some Costa Rican café. Then, we hopped on the bus to start our morning service at a turtle hatchery. Victor, the founder, taught us about the types of turtles in the hatchery and the importance of conservation in Parrita. We then went to work on painting conservation signs and touching up the rusty fence surrounding the nests. When we got back to hotel La Isla we sat down for a tasteful meal of beans, rice and fried meat.
After lunch we headed to Lulu’s house, where we put on some aprons and learned how to make the delicious Costa Rican meal of chorreada. Lulu, a local leader and advocate for rural women within her community, instructed us on the importance and history of corn in Costa Rican cuisine, as it was a key ingredient in our dish. After departing from her house we took a quick stop and grabbed yummy snacks, then it was back to the hotel where we had some mac and cheese and enjoyed a fun game night and karaoke. Buenas noches!!
BLOG POST FOR JULY 22
As the sunrise came to an end, we fueled up on breakfast and embarked on an adventure to Manuel Antonio national park, a national park notorious for its unique and breathtaking wildlife. The trip to Manuel Antonio was filled with amazing mountainous views and stunning ocean sights. Upon arrival, we met up with our tour guides and began our journey into the park. As we ventured through the one-of-a-kind park, we and our tour guides managed to spot many stunning animals including a three-toed sloth, many colorful hummings, and some energetic howler monkeys.
Following our marvelous tour of the local wildlife, we arrived at the Manuel Antonio beach where we enjoyed a variety of activities including resting on the beach which was surrounded by many magnificently bright trees and swimming around in the vivid blue ocean bay. Before departing back to our compound in Parrita, many of us made a pit stop at a quaint little smoothie shop. After we arrived back in Parria, we got together for a leadership activity regarding global environmental conservation and the influences certain aspects of society have on conserving our environment.
After wrapping up the leadership activity and after enjoying some dinner, we got together to end the night by playing some pool and foosball. In addition, we also made sure to get some karaoke and chatting in before the night came to an end. As a whole, the day was a great one, filled with laughter, conservation discussion, and some fantastic animal sightings.
¡buenas noches!
BLOG POST FOR JULY 23
Today we started the day with a yummy breakfast of pancakes, hash browns, and eggs. Then we were off to our morning community service at Corcovado Foundation to pick up trash on the beach.
We then drove back to home base and had rice with vegetables and chicken, salad, and some chips. We followed that with some pool time and played games in the water like sharks and minnows, and hit a ball back and forth to each other. Then, some of us went to the beach to play some games, talk and enjoy the sunset until dinner time, where we ate pasta with meat sauce, salad, and garlic bread, with mellow for dessert!
Later in the evening we had a bonfire and made s’mores and had a fun time! Today was a very good last day in Parrita!
BLOG POST FOR JULY 24
We began our day with a late breakfast starting at 8:30. After packing, we departed for our final home-base in Uvita, after almost a week in Parrita. The drive was an hour half and following our arrival, we had a quick lunch at the buffet of the new home-base before hopping in the pool, playing games and doing Pilates led by one of our very own. After some rest because of the scorching heat and pool activities, we went on a community walk, learning about the history of Uvita and its unique natural characteristics.
We debriefed by going around the corner to the grocery store to buy some sweets before heading to dinner, which included yuca fries and fried chicken. Ironically, we concluded our night by learning about the benefits of veganism in a short lecture. Overall, a great travel day and excited to see what Uvita brings to our final week!
BLOG POST FOR JULY 26
The day started off with a late breakfast at 8:20, before our second service here in Uvita. We decorated trash barrels, touched up signs, and painted buckets that will be used for beach cleanups. We then came back to home base for a delicious lunch of nachos, and a special treat of ice cream for dessert.
The after noon was full of free time. We went into the small town and purchased both souvenirs and snacks. Then, some decided to play taps in the pool, despite the rain that had commenced.
For dinner, we had beef soup with potatoes, corn, and rice. After that tasty meal, we had an interesting conversation about voluntourism. We discussed the meaning of the word, as well has our own personal experiences as people who have travelled to volunteer. Once that meaningful conversation had concluded, some decided to go to bed early while others played a speedy game of dutch blitz.
BLOG POST FOR JULY 27
We woke up at roughly 6am and had breakfast at 6:30, since we went snorkeling today. We got on the boat at about 7am and it was an incredibly choppy ride, yet it was also incredibly fun. Our snorkeling instructor, Michael was incredibly knowledgeable and helped us see 5 SEA TURTLES, yes, today was the day we finally saw sea turtles. We also saw numerous fish such as parrot fish, the white tipped shark, angle fish and pufferfish. We were snorkeling for about 2 hours and then we returned to our home base and rested until 4. At 4 we went to a coral restoration talk. The coral restoration talk was headed by a James, James was one of the previous surf instructor. We talked about how they rescued damaged coral colonies and then cut them up in to smaller pieces in order to promote growth, we also talked about the threats to coral such as warming ocean temperatures and ocean acidification. After that we returned to home base, had dinner and then a leadership activity. Overall today was one of the best days we’ve had.
BLOG POST FOR JULY 28
Today we started off with a breakfast of gallo pinto with pork and a tortilla at 7:30am, and then got ready to head off to the waterfall. The waterfall was beautiful and we all got to swim in three different spots and jump off of a ledge into the water! It was cold but very pretty.
We came back and had lunch, and then had free time where some went in the pool and other rested. Then we went to our last day of community service where we finished painting our signs and then went to the beach to go and put them around so other would see them. We also saw some howler monkeys and toucans on the way in and out. After we got back from that, some of the group went to go and play basketball at a local court and the other went to some shops around the community.
For dinner we had hamburgers and french fries and then we went on a night walk and stopped at at Mexican restaurant to end our stay in Uvita. Tomorrow we head back to San Jose!
BLOG POST FOR JULY 30
It’s finally here: our final day of program. Students are packing, playing a lively game of Dutch Blitz, and hanging out for the last time before our first departures late this evening.
It’s been a bittersweet day, but it began with a fun excursion into the cloud forest to visit Poás Volcano. While our visibility was pretty much nil, we enjoyed a stroll along the giant sombrillas de pobre while getting a spa-like mist experience by the rain. A cafe and souvenir stop for warm beverages and gifts ended the visit before heading out to a nearby restaurant for lunch.
Once we returned to our hotel, tired students took naps and more energetic ones played Taps in the pool as the sun came out. This game brought almost everyone out eventually and as always was unifying in fun and divisive in determining who is out. But we laughed a lot in the end!
Since it is our last night, we celebrated by getting dressed up and gathering for an Appreciation Circle led by staff. A statement was read and then we took turns anonymously tapping the shoulders of people who embodied it. It was very heart warming.
While dinner was a bridge to US cuisine of burgers and fries, we had a truly Costa Rican experience with a performance by traditional dancers after our meal. They invited the group to join in towards the end. We laughed a ton and ended on a high note!
