Today we drove to Monteverde and were able to see some monkeys on the way! While driving through the more rural parts of Costa Rica, I noticed a lot less homes and more businesses. There were very few houses as we got further away from the central continental divide which goes to show how densely populated some areas of Costa Rica are compared to others. Furthermore, this changed my perception of Costa Rica a little, as I assumed since it is such a small country geographically that its population would be spread out evenly throughout the country.

Additionally we heard from guest speaker Don Ricardo Guindon about the immigration of Quakers to Costa Rica. Mr. Guindon shared his personal connection to this migration, as his father was one of the original Quaker settlers who moved to Costa Rica in protest against the draft after WWII. The absence of a military made Costa Rica an appealing destination for the Quakers, and over the past 80 years, they have left a significant impact on both the economy and culture. Their innovative agricultural practices, such as organic farming and sustainable land management, revolutionized the farming sector, boosting productivity and promoting environmentally conscious practices. Additionally, Quaker-led initiatives in education, healthcare, and community development have enriched Costa Rica’s socio-economic landscape, leaving behind a lasting legacy of positive impact.