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?

Hola,

On Saturday I got to visit the Alamo, which was a block from my hotel. I was stoked because it is featured prominently in one of my favorite movies, Pee Wee's Big Adventure. After traveling all day, it was nice to stretch my legs and learn about the history of the region. I got to meet my fellow teachers on Saturday evening and they are an interesting and lively bunch.

My Biological Scavenger Hunt

First period gave me a list of creatures to look for that is super cool.  They want me to investigate and take pictures of: Huge trees, sloths, monkeys, outlandish birds, poison dart frogs, parrots, spiders (both huge ones and poisonous ones!) and an anthill (preferably photographed with a dollar bill for scale).

Second period provided a laundry list of curious items as well.  They would like me to photograph/video:  sloths, monkeys, ant eater (if they life in Costa Rica), ruins, a video of what the traffic is like, large bugs, interesting fruits, a chameleon eating, a big frog, art of Costa Rica, street performers, water of unusual color and cool plants.

Third period came up with a unique list of scavenger hunt items for me as well.
They proposed that I find and document the following: monkeys, poison dart frogs, birds and parrots, BIG snakes, sloth, any injuries from insects/mites other creatures that I obtain, jaguars (?), leaches, turtles, lemurs, wild looking flowers, lizzards and iguanas, McDonalds in Espanol, weird sights that I encounter, mayan kids who might be cajoled into singing the national anthem in the native language, taco truck (?), people.

Fifth period came up with: poison dart frogs, huge insects, sloth (baby sloth for bonus points!), baby anything and howler monkeys.

Sixth period has interest in frogs, weird plants, birds, crazy water falls/people, rivers and interesting flowers.

This is definitely going to keep me busy!  I'll do my best to find as many of these creatures and sights as I can.