CTXSCostaRica2023

       After days of going without AC finally we set out on a freezing cold bus to a new location. With the first few lines of Starships by Niki Minaj playing on repeat in our minds and the prospect of having some free beach time we made it through. After a quick pit stop at some grocery stores where we got to buy lots of delicious snacks, including two whole mangos, and a few more hours playing solitaire or napping on the bus we arrived at the hotel. We got a quick rest hour, some lunch (finally) and then headed out to the beach to learn about the different types of sea turtles that Verdiazul works to rescue. Although we were all looking forward to swimming in the ocean, lightning over the bay made us head back to the hotel. My hotel group had a snack and dance party where we got to listen all the way through Starships by Niki Minaj and then play some more solitaire. Dinner was fun, and afterwards we walked with Verdiazul along the beach looking for any turtle egg n...

Today marked the end of our Research Projects, and our groups all presented to the other research teams. Some groups actually found statistical significance, or a relevant trend! After lunch, we said a bittersweet goodbye to the scientists (Dr. Adrian Pinto (he'd get so annoyed that we wrote 'doctor' here, and would call us all by student), Allan Artavia, and Miguel Pacheco) who had been helping us complete our experiments.  We had an hour of free time to play games with the other travelers or rest before a brief tractor ride to our cooking class. We made beans and rice, salad, chicken, tortillas, fried plantain, and mixed vegetables for dinner under the direction of Aricelli of Cafe Campesito. Because of how large our group was, we ended up taking turns in the kitchen, so everyone got to contribute a little bit to a larger meal. In between cooking, we played music and danced or played games together.  Before we go to sleep tonight, we will pack up our things to leave Fin...

Today was an action packed day at the lab. Groups began finishing their experiments, both out in the field and in the lab. A group that was working in the lab drowned ants. Couple of groups went into the jungle and all came back covered in mud (Jason slipped) and found a snake (eyelash viper, it was yellow). At night the termites took over. The End . 

 Day 6: The hike today was extraordinary, with many beautiful views, yet none of them compared to the breathtaking majesty of the waterfall itself. The water was shockingly cool and clear; we were able to see the bottom of the pools from almost every point. It was a fantastic way to start the morning, but it had nothing on the afternoon's activities.  It was the second day of testing on our chosen experiments, and the road had never felt so long as we drove back to the lab. I always knew I was interested in a field work career, it was why I decided to embark on this research trip in the first place, but studying the ants in their natural environments only solidified this idea. Despite the monotonous nature of our experiment, watching the ants' behavior was one of the most interesting and entertaining activities I have ever participated in. All I can envision now is a future where I continue to conduct field research of a similar nature, and it starts with finishing this one on...

This morning, breakfast was 15 minutes earlier than usual because we had to leave to go horseback riding. Breakfast was made up fresh guava, watermelon, and locally grown bananas which were smaller and more citrussy than the bananas back home. We also had beans and rice, and eggs as usual. Then we quickly piled onto the bus to make our way to the horseback riding adventure.  Once we had all lined up in order of least experienced to most we got our horses. The ride was beautiful as we rode through trees, across a river, and through mountainous trails. After we made our way back we saw two toucans at the horse place. They were friendly, to us and to each other, and we saw them eat some tasty fruits.  Then the bus took us to the center of the village, Colonia Libertad, and we learned about the history of how the place was settled and did a scavenger hunt to explore the town and learned about the people that lived there. We got eggs, cheese, ice cream in a bag. We met the singular...

This morning we awoke at the usual time and headed to a deliciously familiar breakfast of pancakes with cacao nibs, eggs, and fruit, plus yet another juice. We walked through the town to the Mariposario (butterfly garden), and some local women walked us through the process of how they raise butterflies from eggs and how their work has changed their lives. We looked at the life stages of the larvae and then got to traverse the butterfly garden as they explained the variety of species present. Then, we had the opportunity to purchase wonderful handmade crafts from the women as a way to give back to the community.  After our expedition, we hiked back to Finca La Anita, where we met with Pinto and Miguel. They led us a short distance to a marked Acromyrmex colony and showed us a demonstration of how to find them and extract their gardens. We had fun watching the ants crawl around and playing with them while we waited for the van to take us to the lab.  Upon arrival to the lab, we ...

Day 3:  It was harder waking up today after a long day of research yesterday. Breakfast was another delicious juice, fresh fruit, coffee, eggs with ham, and rice and beans.  Afterwards, we visited the lab to begin our field research with the ants. After a brief discussion and instructions, we trekked into the jungle to see a huge nest, with big foraging trails and massive soldier ants. Pinto talked to us about different parts of the nest.  Then it was our turn. We went with our groups to go and dig up a (smaller) nest of our own. Equipped with a field pack and a shovel, each group searched for the prized fungus that sat beneath the seemingly endless mounds of dirt. Eventually most of us were able to retrieve the fungus gardens however only a few of us were able to locate the queen. Once we were all drenched in sweat from the extra hot day, we made the uphill hike back to the research facility.  Lunch was awaiting us after a short drive to the dining hall. It included...

Day 1:  Despite rising long before the sun, the trip to Finca La Anita went quite well. Staying in the company of every other tired and hungry student made it a much more bearable journey as we all kept each other entertained for every leg of the journey. Every excursion grew into a large group while we explored the various locations together. Once there it all became worth it, as the farm and staff were equally hospitable. The cabins were pleasantly quaint with amazing front porches to relax with your new cabinmates, in addition to the super comfortable beds and plenty of storage space. The meals were delightful, with fresh ingredients and amazing company to eat them with. All in all, the first day has left me excited and anxious to continue with the trip as we continue to become acquainted with the beautiful environment and begin our research on the various flora and fauna in the area.  Day 2: The morning started bright and early. At breakfast we were greeted with an amazing...