It was another jam-packed day of activities here at the Villa! Our morning was spent divided into two groups, making it easier to explore Playa Hermosa and appreciate the natural and cultural beauty in the immediate area. Madi G., Ben S., Nadine, Sara, Maddie S., Nikolaus, and Evgenia joined Jonathan for a camera literacy course, discussing white balances, shutter speeds and exposure times, framing, and other skills useful to young travelers looking to document their adventures abroad. Andrew took the remainder of the crew, Emma, Lilli, Alex, David, Charlie, Hannah, Jack G., and Eleanor on a snorkel adventure in neighboring Playa Panama to learn about the natural wonders right off the Costa Rican coast. After seeing sea turtles, urchins, and tons of tropical fish, we ate pineapple prepared by our local boat captain, identified what we had seen, and discussed the migratory birds circling above our heads.
We reconvened for lunch and siesta before heading to the kitchen to help Danny prepare a classic Latin American snack of Guacamole and “Patacones,” a typical fried plantain dish of the region. In the late afternoon we moseyed down to the beach for a painting and drawing session with Nicole and Kelsey. The theme was “things you can’t find at home.” Students used oil pastels and colored pencils to depict various scenes, people, and items that are uniquely Costa Rican and different from life at home. Some even embraced their entrepreneurial side by selling, bartering, or “trading up” their creations with friendly Tico art aficionados!
We’re off to Lomas Barbudal tomorrow morning so it was early to bed in preparation for another day of adventuring in the Costa Rican countryside!