My trip to Costa Rica

This past summer I went to Costa Rica with a science group from our school. Not knowing anyone else going on the trip, I really didn’t know what to expect. Looking back, it turns out that trip would be one of the most memorable events of my life. I tried many new things, met new people, tasted new foods, and had lots of fun along the way.

The early morning start was probably the worst part of the trip, but all of the tiredness quickly vanished and was replaced with excitement. The rush of flying on my first plane and beginning my trip fought off any sleepiness. My first plane ride was incredible. Flying above the clouds was so peaceful and the sights were amazing.

After landing in San Jose , Costa Rica ’s capital city, we met our tour guide and spent the rest of the day touring the city. By the day’s end, I had a good idea of how different our cultures are, and I had made several new friends.

We traveled around the country by bus, and let’s just say the bus rides were more interesting than you would think. Costa Rica has few paved roads, so our journey across the country was a slow bumpy one.

Kayaking along a lake was one of the fun new things I tried. I’d seen on television how easily people make their kayak glide across the water and I thought it would be easy but man was I wrong. Pushing the kayak across the water took a lot of upper body strength and by the end of our small voyage every muscle in my shoulders, arms, and back were searing with pain. Luckily for me, we traveled up a volcano where hot springs were lined alongside of the mountain. The higher up the volcano you went, the hotter the water got. I got up to 153 degrees; it did wonders on soothing my muscles.

Another new thing I tried was zip-lining. I have to admit the thought of zipping down a cable above the trees was crazy. I tried to push my fear aside and did it anyways, and I’m glad I did. I really enjoyed the whole experience; it literally felt like you were soaring in mid-air. You could see thousands of tree tops below you.

That night we got to witness a once in a lifetime event. Volcano Arenal, a very active volcano in Costa Rica , was erupting. Ash was raining down the sky and clouds of smoky ash shot out of the mouth of the volcano. We were even lucky enough to see some lava flying down the side of the volcano.

The wildlife was also very cool. We saw monkeys and sloth’s climbing their way through the trees. We saw colorful parrots flying and hopping from tree to tree. Over a thousand different species of butterflies fluttered all around. Lizards sneakily crawled around from shadow to shadow and enormous crocodiles drifted along silently in the rivers.

One thing I could not get used to was the food. It is so much different than it is here in the United States . Beans, rice, and fresh fruit are a usual and are served with every meal. Soda is never served; instead you get fruit drinks, tea, or water.

It was sad leaving Costa Rica, even though I was there for nine days I was really going to miss it. Although I was leaving, I was taking everlasting memories and new friends back home with me.