Week five is over and done, but let me tell you, the memories from it aren't going anywhere! From a sports day, to learning what makes us who we are, to truly living life to the fullest, I don't know where to start!
This week began with a sports day for all the students at Los Geranios. Each of my students were very excited to participate in different sports all day while learning about the importance of having an active life. We even lucked out with the weather; clear skies, warm sun, and even a little breeze (unheard of here, normally it's just humid and my hair hates me everyday because of it).
My students were able to put their skills to the test through different activities lead by teachers from the school. There was pin the tail on the donkey, Twister, bowling, relay races, sack races, and sprints. I don't think my students stopped smiling all day and neither did I! It was so entertaining to watch the athletic sides of my students come out, I was very impressed!
My students were able to put their skills to the test through different activities lead by teachers from the school. There was pin the tail on the donkey, Twister, bowling, relay races, sack races, and sprints. I don't think my students stopped smiling all day and neither did I! It was so entertaining to watch the athletic sides of my students come out, I was very impressed!
Later in the week, my sixth graders learned about what makes us, us! We talked about our individual characteristics and really dug deep into appreciating how unique we are! To further develop this topic, my students got to design a t-shirt representing who they are. Each of my students have so much to offer to this world, it was a joy to see them realize how much their individual characteristics are valued.
(P.S. We finally got a fan in our classroom, see below!)
(P.S. We finally got a fan in our classroom, see below!)
During the weekend, Lindsay and I were sent on an adventure with Mami's cousin. This wasn't just any adventure though...it was a complete surprise! Our weekend started on Friday night, where we hopped on a bus to San Jose. Once we arrived, way later than expected may I add, Mami's cousin, Xiomara, welcomed us with a huge hug and treated us to dinner. We ate at Popeye's Chicken, which I have never had up until now, and spent the night at her apartment.
Saturday, we were up bright and early to begin our adventure. On our way to our first stop, Volcan Poas, we suddenly stopped and before I knew it I found myself riding in a carreta behind some bulls. If anyone knows me, I am 100% afraid of horses so you can all imagine how freaked out I was by this; no worries though, I lived and it was probably one of the coolest things I've done.
Saturday, we were up bright and early to begin our adventure. On our way to our first stop, Volcan Poas, we suddenly stopped and before I knew it I found myself riding in a carreta behind some bulls. If anyone knows me, I am 100% afraid of horses so you can all imagine how freaked out I was by this; no worries though, I lived and it was probably one of the coolest things I've done.
Following the spur of the moment bull ride, we stopped at a coffee field and enjoyed some coffee overlooking the hills and hills of coffee plants. Once we were finished, we continued on our trek to Volcan Poas. After a long and beautiful drive, we finally made it to the National Park where we were able to hike right up to the crater of the volcano. It was absolutely breath-taking and my pictures don't do it justice.
We continued on towards La Fortuna after our stop at the volcano. On our way, we stopped at a local store to taste fresh strawberries and cherries. We also stopped at some different parks, one consisted of the world's largest carreta and the other was made up of different trees shaped like animals! The little things like these stops makes me continue to appreciate the beautiful world I'm living in.
To end our day, we saw another volcano named La Fortuna. Unfortunately we weren't able to hike this volcano because 1) it was raining and 2) it was so cloudy we couldn't see a thing. All was well though, Lindsay and I ended our night by swimming in the hot springs at a local hotel. On Sunday, we travelled back to Mami and Papi's all day and relaxed once we arrived.
It's insane to think I have been in five of the seven provinces in Costa Rica in just 5 weeks, but the memories and experiences I have gained are worth all the traveling and more. Pura Vida, blog readers :)
"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all."- Helen Keller
"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all."- Helen Keller