Hot Springs, Horses and Zip Lines...Oh My!

Today was full of adventure. After a whirlwind breakfast, we jumped aboard el autobus de Meyer, and headed out on our two hour commute to the Wellness Gardens. We started our day with group horseback riding and got to figure out whose cabellos were "Natural Leaders," aka who wanted to be in front.

We rode our horses up the mountian and started our high speed zip-lining adventure. There were 10 sections/platforms on our zip-line course and they were all equally amazing, although the very first line was the best to watch. Everyone learned how to hook themselves up to the line and where to place your hands, and of course, how to brake.

There were a lot of screams, one hit tree and a lot of smiles and cheers. There were even some upside down zipliners and some who went without hands. After what seemed like an eternity sailing through the canopy (yet not nearly long enough) we landed back at base camp and enjoyed an amazing meal of authentic Costa Rican dishes.

Shortly after, we enjoyed massages and long soaks in the hot springs, as well as a quick dip in the local river, rapids and all.

-Mia L.

Facing Your Fears and Loving It!

Well, I did it! I know when I get back the first question from my students will be "Did you zipline?". My answer will be a resounding "YES." With my intense fear of heights, I wasn't so sure I could face that fear, but my students have been challenging me just to do it and get on with life. They were so right. Even though I woke this morning sick to my stomach, I knew it was just a case of nerves, and when the time came to take that leap of faith, support from my DSA friends (thanks, Kate) took me right up the stairs and off the platform to the adventure of a lifetime. So...my advice to you, my students, is to remember that life is a balance where facing your fears will allow you to experience some of the greatest joys of life.

-KarenW.

An Overall Amazing First Day

What a wonderful way to spend the first day in Costa Rica. So far this trip has been full of travel to beautiful new places and wonderful new friends. My day started yesterday at 8:00 PM PST when I boarded my flight from Portland, OR to Seattle, WA, and then on my way to Atlanta, GA to meet up with 16 wonderful educators. We took a short flight to Liberia, Costa Rica and were welcomed warmly not only by our fellow Discovery members, but also by an adorable group of Howler Monkeys.

These cute little guys were busy munching on the fresh green leaves of the nearby trees, and I am sure from their vantage point, were spying on the sunbathers.

After watching them for a while, I took the little dirt path around the outer edges of the pool down to La Playa Crystal, or Crystal Beach.

The beaches here in this area of Costa Rica are known for their surfability as well as their beauty, and I could see why. The sand was all small crushed shell and coral, and if you looked closely, you could see these tiny little hermet crabs scrambeling on the edges of the surf.

It wasn't long until the sun went down, and it was time to head back to the hotel to meet up for a dinner comprised of wonderful fresh fruits, lamb and risotto, and wonderful company.

-Mia Leidelmeyer