Day 1 & 2


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 juice, eggs, toast, and beans. Afterwards, we went on a walk around the rainforest. Some of us discovered that we had holes in our boots, while wading in a river to take a picture. However, other than that the hike was very interesting as we saw lots of leaf cutter ants, and other insects. After the hike, we learned a brief history of chocolate, dating all the way back to the Mexica.  Pablo made two different beverages using chocolate nibs, that were slightly grainy however dairy free! and delicious. Then we tried different chocolate darknesses. The lowest we tried was 28%, milk chocolate aka. chocolate flavored candy. My personal favorite was 82% however they were all scrumptious and extra tasty with a pinch of salt, basil, mint, or pepper. After the chocolate tasting we got to see the actual cacao trees, and tried the pulp of one. The general consensus was that it tasted mango-like. Lunch was once again delicious. And after a quick siesta we drove up to the lab, for name introductions and group assignments. Wren found lots of weevils. Ben found a moth, as well as many other insects. We did a little scientific experiment with bacteria, the results of which will be discovered tomorrow, and after a while at the lab we finally headed back down to dinner. At dinner we celebrated Kennedy's birthday, a girl from Garrison Forest and had some delicious (lactose free) cake. We had a quick movie night where we did NOT watch Pirates of the Caribbean, but did get to see a video featuring Dr. Pinto, and finished out the night with a night hike where a snake was found and many many toads were caught. One of the guides found an iguana as well. After a brief power outage it is now time for bed!













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