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.
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