Wednesday, June 22, 2011
June 5, 2011
Today we went shopping early in the morning for souvenirs, which I bought several things, and this afternoon I met up with two of my friends who live here before coming back to the hotel for our lecture and then our last group dinner.
Our lecture consisted of environmental development within Costa Rica, beginning with the ultimate discussion of what sustainability actually is. Of course we say in loose terms that sustainability is the practice of living within our means today so future generations may live without the consequences of our decisions today, but what does it mean in Costa Rica? Mauricio discussed how Costa Rica has a goal to be completely carbon neutral in the near future, but is it feasible? The slogan for Costa Rica's environmental efforts, and perhaps the tourism industry, is "No Artificial Ingredients." To sustain their slogan with activity, the government is investing in payments for environmental services, purchasing lands (in which there is an international competition), ecotourism and bioprospecting. What are the consequences of such actions though? He mentions things such as islands surrounded by pollution because of the single focus, green and gray conservation agendas wrongly presented as independent when they are interdependent, and conservation of biodiversity is actually threatened with such activity. The focus for Costa Rica is land use: when do they create national parks, what are the hints of subtle deforestation via farmers and their cattle, and is the land sustained but used in a practical manner? I think the point of this discussion was to induce thoughts of provocation: when we say we are doing good, do we realize that every action has a reaction that could potentially be harmful? I think the issues were interesting and were necessary to be presented, and feel that Mauricio presented the material in a very thought-provoking manner. It was the perfect way to end our trip in Costa Rica; essentially, after everything we have seen, what is the future of Costa Rica and its' interdependent business, government, and environmental ideologies? Can it continue with conflicting interests?
Our lecture consisted of environmental development within Costa Rica, beginning with the ultimate discussion of what sustainability actually is. Of course we say in loose terms that sustainability is the practice of living within our means today so future generations may live without the consequences of our decisions today, but what does it mean in Costa Rica? Mauricio discussed how Costa Rica has a goal to be completely carbon neutral in the near future, but is it feasible? The slogan for Costa Rica's environmental efforts, and perhaps the tourism industry, is "No Artificial Ingredients." To sustain their slogan with activity, the government is investing in payments for environmental services, purchasing lands (in which there is an international competition), ecotourism and bioprospecting. What are the consequences of such actions though? He mentions things such as islands surrounded by pollution because of the single focus, green and gray conservation agendas wrongly presented as independent when they are interdependent, and conservation of biodiversity is actually threatened with such activity. The focus for Costa Rica is land use: when do they create national parks, what are the hints of subtle deforestation via farmers and their cattle, and is the land sustained but used in a practical manner? I think the point of this discussion was to induce thoughts of provocation: when we say we are doing good, do we realize that every action has a reaction that could potentially be harmful? I think the issues were interesting and were necessary to be presented, and feel that Mauricio presented the material in a very thought-provoking manner. It was the perfect way to end our trip in Costa Rica; essentially, after everything we have seen, what is the future of Costa Rica and its' interdependent business, government, and environmental ideologies? Can it continue with conflicting interests?
June 4, 2011
The morning was amazing: the kayaking was great, the snorkeling was great, and the scenery was beautiful, and I'm a bit upset that we have to leave the beach. We did see a couple of married men on the island we kayaked too with some of the local young ladies, which is a little scary, but that goes to show many motivations of why people come to Costa Rica I suppose. Our kayaking/snorkeling guide was really laid back - he really made the excursion enjoyable and relaxing. The kayaking was strenuous only because I hadn't been lifting weights in awhile, but swimming around the island with some fins and goggles wasn't as difficult. I'm so glad I chose to do this - it's one of those things you never forget you did.
This afternoon we left Samara to go back to San Jose. We were to have a lecture this evening but postponed it to tomorrow afternoon. We just enjoyed the afternoon in San Jose and all went out to dinner together later on. I am definitely going to miss Costa Rica...not San Jose so much, but the more rural and undeveloped areas are what I will miss. I have enjoyed the people I have had the opportunity to meet and come to know, particularly the people I have been traveling with because let's face it, when everyone smells funny, sleeps on a bus together, hikes through the jungle together and experiences together, you get to know people just a little bit more. I'm looking forward to going home, but I am very lucky to have had the opportunities that Costa Rica has offered.
This afternoon we left Samara to go back to San Jose. We were to have a lecture this evening but postponed it to tomorrow afternoon. We just enjoyed the afternoon in San Jose and all went out to dinner together later on. I am definitely going to miss Costa Rica...not San Jose so much, but the more rural and undeveloped areas are what I will miss. I have enjoyed the people I have had the opportunity to meet and come to know, particularly the people I have been traveling with because let's face it, when everyone smells funny, sleeps on a bus together, hikes through the jungle together and experiences together, you get to know people just a little bit more. I'm looking forward to going home, but I am very lucky to have had the opportunities that Costa Rica has offered.
June 3, 2011
Below are a few photos courtesy of the internet to give you an idea of Samara Beach...we were all too excited to actually take photos during the 24 hours that we were there.
(www.montanasamarabeach.com)
(www.cactustefl.com)
Pretty great, huh? Tomorrow we are doing a little sea kayaking and snorkeling, then heading back to San Jose. I can't complain too much about life currently.
June 2, 2011
After a very early morning breakfast, meaning 4:45am, we met up and and began our trek up the mountains of the community around 5:30. The hike was difficult to do with a walking stick, but the views of the valley were incredible. What I always enjoy about hiking is looking out and feeling minuscule compared to what is before you - makes you reassess things, in a sense. The community guides were very helpful and always made sure everyone was keeping up, so you could tell this was part of their tourism business of the home stays. It makes me wonder how many people actually come for these home stays, because from what I think of Americans, many of them that can afford Costa Rica for a vacation would not choose to live in such rugged and rural areas. The home stay so far was very rough; as in there was an ant farm in my bed and it was so humid you could hardly breathe. This is not complaining by any means, because I prefer these kinds of trips to see how people around the world legitimately live, but for those who enjoy the comforts they often take for granted, this would be an entirely new type of vacation.
In the afternoon we took a boat tour, complete with a blinding thunderstorm, and it was very refreshing to be drenched in all the water. What was great was to meet a few fellow Americans studying at the University of Costa Rica; they really seem to be enjoying what they are doing so far. We saw massive iguanas and crocodiles in the river as well; overall it was a very pleasant afternoon.
This evening we took the time to enjoy our host families, including watching a Sylvester Stallone film "Cobra." Dinner was great, as usual, and after watching the film Kristen and I went to bed instantly. We are on the road again to Samara Beach in the morning - and I don't think this blog post can express the communal excitement to finally get to the famed beaches of Costa Rica.
In the afternoon we took a boat tour, complete with a blinding thunderstorm, and it was very refreshing to be drenched in all the water. What was great was to meet a few fellow Americans studying at the University of Costa Rica; they really seem to be enjoying what they are doing so far. We saw massive iguanas and crocodiles in the river as well; overall it was a very pleasant afternoon.
This evening we took the time to enjoy our host families, including watching a Sylvester Stallone film "Cobra." Dinner was great, as usual, and after watching the film Kristen and I went to bed instantly. We are on the road again to Samara Beach in the morning - and I don't think this blog post can express the communal excitement to finally get to the famed beaches of Costa Rica.
June 1, 2011
Our lecture this morning on the Eco Lodge was similar to the previous one, but the most interesting part is that they continue to expand the number of cabins they have, which is roughly 20 right now I believe, and the horses surrounding the site is owned by the lodge. They do not receive as many visitors as the previous Eco Lodge in La Fortuna, but none the less, it is an impressive and interactive facility. Around the site you will see signs pointing to various plants and wildlife explaining its' significance. I really enjoyed this site and hope to return someday, especially for zip-lining, horse-back riding, and hiking!
Because our morning recreational plans did not happen as anticipated, we continue to our last business meeting with Astra-Rocket, and from there we continued to our second host stay site in Corralilla in the Nicoya region. Astra-Rocket is an intense and very advanced facility; one you wouldn't think would be in this region of Costa Rica. Apparently, though, Nicoya was the first official establishment of the Europeans centuries ago, and its' regional importance continues to exist. Ronald Diaz, the brother of famed Franklin Diaz, an astronaut in Costa Rica but resides in Houston, Texas, is the head of this facility as he is responsible for the technology being produced at Astra-Rocket. What they are working on is the VASIMR engine for space shuttles: an engine very savvy and more efficient for rockets. They are also working on other technologies, such as breaking up waste as a physical rather than chemical reaction. Of course the market for the VASIMR engine is very restricted, but I was not as compelled by the engine as I was their initiatives for waste management: an issue many people do not consider in terms of environmental policies. By 2014 they anticipate sending their VASIMR engine to space, and if all goes as hoped, this engine could be the new technology for space crafts altogether. It's really exciting everything they are doing, and the technology itself in that facility is overwhelming. For those who enjoy technology, this is a place you have to see!
After visiting the coastal areas of Nicoya we continued to our home stays, which is just about as desolate as the previous home stay site. We were welcomed with traditional dancing and merriment upon arrival by the young ladies of the community...everyone was so friendly! We had a great time enjoying the locals, and afterwards we dispersed to our appropriate sites. The dinner we had in the evening was great, and Kristen and me were able to practice our Spanish-speaking skills, asking about their homes and local activities. The people we are staying with are very sweet, and they have very young daughters, and we enjoyed playing with them and enjoying their company. Tomorrow we are going on a hike and boat tour around the community, so I'm excited about seeing more of the environment within this area of Costa Rica.
Because our morning recreational plans did not happen as anticipated, we continue to our last business meeting with Astra-Rocket, and from there we continued to our second host stay site in Corralilla in the Nicoya region. Astra-Rocket is an intense and very advanced facility; one you wouldn't think would be in this region of Costa Rica. Apparently, though, Nicoya was the first official establishment of the Europeans centuries ago, and its' regional importance continues to exist. Ronald Diaz, the brother of famed Franklin Diaz, an astronaut in Costa Rica but resides in Houston, Texas, is the head of this facility as he is responsible for the technology being produced at Astra-Rocket. What they are working on is the VASIMR engine for space shuttles: an engine very savvy and more efficient for rockets. They are also working on other technologies, such as breaking up waste as a physical rather than chemical reaction. Of course the market for the VASIMR engine is very restricted, but I was not as compelled by the engine as I was their initiatives for waste management: an issue many people do not consider in terms of environmental policies. By 2014 they anticipate sending their VASIMR engine to space, and if all goes as hoped, this engine could be the new technology for space crafts altogether. It's really exciting everything they are doing, and the technology itself in that facility is overwhelming. For those who enjoy technology, this is a place you have to see!
After visiting the coastal areas of Nicoya we continued to our home stays, which is just about as desolate as the previous home stay site. We were welcomed with traditional dancing and merriment upon arrival by the young ladies of the community...everyone was so friendly! We had a great time enjoying the locals, and afterwards we dispersed to our appropriate sites. The dinner we had in the evening was great, and Kristen and me were able to practice our Spanish-speaking skills, asking about their homes and local activities. The people we are staying with are very sweet, and they have very young daughters, and we enjoyed playing with them and enjoying their company. Tomorrow we are going on a hike and boat tour around the community, so I'm excited about seeing more of the environment within this area of Costa Rica.
May 31, 2011
We left La Fortuna today to venture off to Rincon de la Vieja, another cool eco-friendly area of Costa Rica. My classmates went on a hike on the way to our overnight site, but unfortunately I had to miss out (catch their blogs for details!). The site itself is pretty great - there are personal cabins tourists can stay in and horses all around the grounds, so for me personally, this was my favorite location to stay overnight. Next time, I would like to ride the horses, though! We enjoyed ourselves for the evening with relaxing (except for us girls, who decided an ab workout and yoga session were in need with the plethora of rice and beans we had been consuming). This site is considered to be another Eco Lodge, and tomorrow morning we anticipate a lecture on how this particular tourist area began.
Please refer to others' blogs for cool photos for the rest of the trip...there were so many beautiful areas we had the opportunity to visit!
Please refer to others' blogs for cool photos for the rest of the trip...there were so many beautiful areas we had the opportunity to visit!
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