Don't be shy!

While walking on the beach this morning the gulls flocked above the water. This drew a large crowd of Costa Ricans realizing the sardines were in shallow and following the sardines would be the larger fish called Jack. From my understanding a Jack is a male yellow tuna.... The fisherman were catching fish and Carlos a nearby fisherman asked if I would like to try. I could not resist and took the opportunity. For the next 10 minutes I ran up and down the rocks fighting the fish, listening to instructions in Spanish and laughing as the drag screamed! I was finally able to real in a Jack about 8 pounds. A smile in Spanish and English says the same thing - my new friend Carlos and I had just made the classic fisherman's bond! Let this be a lesson - if an opportunity exists - don't be shy, get involved!!!! Lars Long

Adventure of a Lifetime

The activities planned by DSA and our awesome Costa Rican tour guide have made this trip nothing less than spectacular. The fun has been perfectly coupled with learning opportunities and training as we prepare to lead our students on our own amazing journey. The trip presents a lot of first-time moments for many of the 29 fantastic teachers - moments that include ziplining above the canopy of a mountain forest, enjoying a hot spring spa, and snorkeling. Thank you DSA for your attention to every little detail. I've learned from this experience that I've made the best choice for planning an amazing and unforgettable adventure for my students.

Dianne M.

What an amazing country! (SAA)

Today we were up bright and early to do some work (it's not all fun and games!). We learned a ton about the trip, our itinerary, and some wonderful fundraiser ideas. When we were done with that we had some free time to explore this fantastic culture. We went horseback riding - this time along the beautiful beaches of Costa Rica. On the way back we passed a bull riding ring (bull fighting is illegal in CR) and even more amazing, an entire tree full of Howler Monkeys - I counted 10 of them! Tomorrow we will be doing some more work and then going on a catamaran (look it up gentleman!) I cannot wait to share everything we've learned with everyone back in Bryn Mawr. Enjoy your weekend - I know we are!

Live from Costa Rica - Mr. Scanlan :)

Helpful Hints and Info

Today, we began with whole group meetings covering topics such as how to build the travel group, fund raising, and basic travel information. We broke into small groups to brainstorm and share what we have done then came together to compile a big list. After the whole group meetings, we met in trip specific groups and received the updated itinerary. Everyone left feeling so much more empowered and excited for the trips. The meetings were such a tremendous help! Plus, we got to know the other teachers who would be on the same trip with us. Thank you so much DSA!

Donna P.

Learning and fun go together

Spent the morning learning about traveling with students. Discovery is an amazing organization- they take care of everything. I can't wait to come back to Costa Rica this summer with the students. After a morning of learning, we had a chance to go into town. I haven't seen any monkeys yet, but I am still looking. It's been another wonderful day!

Elizabeth B.

Did You Know?

One thing I have thoroughly enjoyed about about this trip and the previous trips I have taken with DSA is the continuous learning through our travel guides. I love learning about and immersing myself in the culture, especially eating the food. Through just the short rides on the bus to ZIP LINING! I learned the major export in Costa Rica is pineapple, The army was disbanded around 1950 and armies money is now spent for strengthening the education system, Costa Rica is hoping to be carbon neutral by 2021, students in high school go to school from 7-4, Studying the aspects of volcanoes is mandatory in the curriculum (makes sense). Tilapia is a major export and made up the best lunch I have had in a long time. I love that I can sit back and take it in.

Children, my message is this: 50 Awesome + 50% Learning = 100% Awesome Learning... and the food is great!

JC

Unusual sights ~ Unusual facts

Costa Rica is a wonderful blend of culture and sustainability! It was amazing to learn that by the year 2021, which is the 200th anniversary of Costa Rica's independence from Spain, Costa Rica plans to have a zero carbon footprint. Using power harnessed from their numerous volcanoes, and strategic placement of wind turbines, Costa Rica hopes to reduce its dependence on foreign oil.
Besides the awesome sights and sounds from our travels in the Costa Rica countryside, we also were treated to an amazing sugar cane burn off in the evening sky. Imagine the entire horizon ablaze in flames as the local farmers prepare for a sugar cane harvest the day before.
The last amazing fact is the besides the wonderful arabica coffee that is a long time product of Costa Rica, the pineapple has now imerged as a leading product. If you are going to pick up a pineapple, remember to choose one that is green as it indicates a more natural process than one that may have been chemically assisted to ripen.

We had a great day in Costa Rica!

Cathy and Katrina