Thanksgiving

We had a Thanksgiving surprise. These characters in giant heads showed up to dance with us. It was truly unforgettable.

What's this?

Banana Plantation

Lots of people asked about the bags and those who hypothesized that they were to protect the bananas from insects (and spiders) were correct. They pick them when they reach a light green color and a marketable size. They get hung on the banana train, which carries them into a processing plant. They are being dipped in a dilute chlorine solution near the end (because fungi and insects are so prevalent here). Lastly, people break them into bunches of 5 or 6 to be shipped. Earth University supplies Whole Foods with all their bananas.

A visit to a rural school

We visited a local school on Thanksgiving, which was truly fitting. The teachers and staff treated us with such generosity even though they didn't have much. It made me reflect upon my life and how blessed I am and it made me want to do more to help others. They fed us a traditional breakfast and were so friendly. The kids were shy, but I could converse with them a little in Spanish. The students performed for us and helped us understand what their lives were like. The time flew because it was all very interesting.

On the road

On Wednesday we traveled from San Jose to Guayabo National Monument and then to Earth University. On the way, we saw black vultures.

We started to see lots of plants with ephiphytes growing on them. These plants derive nutrients from the rain and the air. Biology students, what kind of a relationship do the tree and the ephiphytes have?

Don't try to get a bunch of teachers to jump in the air at once. It just doesn't work.

Here's a typical lunch for a vegetarian. It's called pinto gallo and it's rice and beans and here I have a salad made from a cukecumber like plant that grows locally. I also had mashed plantains, which are a like a starchy banana. I think the last dish was potato.

Here's a hog nosed viper that I saw in Guayabo. I wish it were a better picture.

This is the work of leaf cutter ants. I hope to do an entire entry on them at some point because they are really cool!

This is what the countryside looked like. There were many small farms. The road was very, very windy and I came close to getting sick. It was an extremely long day of travel to get to Earth University, so I was relieved to arrive.

More on Blue Valley School

This is a picture of a student- made recycling bin made of plastic bottles ans chicken wire.

This is a super cool student art project. What do you guys think, can this person draw better thn me:)?

This girl gave a presentation on the environmental club and its projects on campus and in the community.

He presented on the literacy program. Is students are from more wealthy families. They spend 80 hours working is more disadvantaged schools on a weekly basis trying to help the kids become more literate. They also help them to see that they can be anything they want t

Finally, this girl presented on a program that worked with less advantaged peers in a nearby neighborhood to teach them how to speak English.

Blue Valley School

We visited a private school in San Jose yesterday. Some teachers monkied around while waiting for school to start (second pic). Classical music played to signal the start of the day and some elementary students put up the flag (first pic).

I spent some time exploring the school. I met two sixth grade science students from Venezuela and they showed me a picture of an experiment they had recently done where they dissolved an eggshell (third pic). I then checked out a chemistry classroom (fourth through sixth pics).

I have lots more to share about this school, but I must go get on the bus now or be left behind.

Bus travel

Here's a picture of one of our guides Isa and some pictures I took on the bus without looking:).

Today we are visiting a school and heading to earth university up in the rain forest. I hope to have time to tell you about yesterday in greater detail, but we're busy until late this evening.

Peeping Tom

Today I heard some noise outside my hotel window and was greeted by this bird trying to crack a nut on the window and window sill.

It's one of those situations where I'm not sure who is watching whom. It's a Hoffman's woodpecker.

Tuesday in San Jose

Hola,

Today we are meeting with the Costa Rican's presidential science advisor. We're also going to the U.S. Embassy. Unfortunately, I'm not allowed to take pictures at the embassy.

San Jose: One item to check of my list

Hello Biologists,

On Sunday, we received lots more information about the Toyota International Teacher Program and about what our trip would be like.

On Monday I had to get up at 3:45am central time, which is even earlier pacific time, to catch a flight. We flew from San Antonio to Houston and then to San Jose, Costa Rica. We arrived and were very tired, but managed the energy to go on a really awesome walking tour. I learned so much about San Jose and took lots of interesting pictures.

Please look below for pictures. Third period, since you asked about McDonalds en Espanol, please check out the pictures of the first Latin American McDonalds. Can you figure out what the menu items are?