First Day

A 4am start had most students a bit groggy. In spite of that, we made it through security and onto our fight to Houston. With only 30 minutes between Austin and Houston there wasn't much time for naps, but we got time for that during our three hour layover. Houston to Liberia was roughly 4 hours, so I don't think it's wrong to assume that most of us got much needed sleep. The time flew by on that flight! Pun intended...

Finally in Costa Rica! Some of us were wondering if today was still today; it seems so long ago that I missed my alarm. Customs went by without a hitch and suddenly we were in the humid air of Costa Rica. Here we met with the last three of our gang, from Nevada and Virginia, as well as one of our hosts, Ana. Although humid, a lovely breeze was in the air when we packed into the bus that would take us to lunch.

To merely describe the meal we had for lunch would not be remotely satisfactory. Amazingly tender chicken breast with fresh salad and classic rice and beans. A mystery salsa later explained to be fresh chili was very spicy, even for me, a seasoned (yes, another pun) spicy food eater. To drink was an exotic drink most of us were unsure what is was, called tamarindo juice.

Not a long bus ride took us through the countryside into our eco-resort, Finca La Anita. This is where we met our other host, Pablo. After a brief introduction about the land, we went off to dinner. Of course it was another outstanding meal. Freshly breaded sea bass that practically melted in your mouth, served alongside potatoes, green beans, and carrots. Specifically recommended by Pablo was the fresh Costa Rican pesto, which I poured on everything of course. Another amazing juice was served with dinner, this time it was blackberry juice.

We conclude the evening with a group of students running off like fools into the jungle in search of reptiles and another on the patio taking pictures with me writing this summary. Tomorrow will kick off the real adventure... with chocolate!

Wishing Texas the very best,
Emma Quartaro

 (Pictured here is the group of scientists at their final meeting) 

 (A view from our bus ride to La Anita)

 (A view from a pathway at La Anita ranch)

Photos by Mariah Farley

Days Away

We are roughly 14 hours away from our departure to Costa Rica, and it's beginning to set in. Our final pre-trip meeting took place last Sunday, where we discussed everything from plane flights to possible shark attacks. The students are spending their last days in the U.S packing, planning, and getting lots of rest before their 6:30 a.m flight.

While most students are coming from Austin, Texas, a few join us from elsewhere in the U.S such as Las Vegas or Virginia.  These students will arrive in Liberia a few hours before us Austinites, but we'll quickly meet up for lunch at one of the local restaurants.

With a rough week of hiking, researching, horseback riding, Ziplining, swimming, and trekking ahead of us, all the students have done their due diligence in terms of preparation. Whether it be doctor's appointments to get vaccinated, or purchasing anti-coral-bleaching sunscreen, all 16 students are ready to emerge themselves in the beautiful - but often sticky and bug-filled - rainforests of Liberia. Shout out to the parents for doing all the shopping with us!

As we head out for what will surely be the trip of a lifetime, we're all eagerly anticipating the research, recreation, education, and cultural immersion that Costa Rica has to offer. Thanks again to everyone who has made this possible, and we'll be back soon!