Today we went to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, a Quaker owned private park, and to The Monteverde Institute, a non-profit edcational organization. At Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, we took the Heart of the Forest trail, looking for birds and monkeys. As we walked, we were asked to consider how restricted this reserve was compared to…
Tag: Plus3 Cost Rica
Cloudy With a Chance of Monkeys
Today we had a unique and enjoyable day. We started it off with a nature hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and then spent some time learning about Costa Rica’s culture at Monteverde Institute. The trails at the Cloud Forest very relaxing with a beautiful scenery. At first, it was a little frustrating because we had…
Always Trust the Country Known for Pineapples
Today we spent some time on a Pineapple Tour and then enjoyed a waterfall hike. Both experiences were new to me, but I had so much fun with both. The taste of the fresh pineapple was unmatched; I had never tasted something so fresh. The waterfall hike was also such a great experience with great views. During my time…
Turning Cocoa Beans Into National Pride
Today we visited Sibo Chocolate, Riverside Pizzeria and Gastropub, and La Universidad de Latina to learn about medical devices. During our time at Sibo Chocolate we sampled lots of rich chocolates while learning about the history of it and where it came from. Lots of stuff we learned was super interesting and I heard lots of things…
Starbucks May Have Wi-Fi, but Café Britt Has Flavor
Today we spent we went to Café Britt and learned more about how coffee is made and the business around it. At home, I am a big coffee drinking, so I had this event circled on my calendar. During our pre-departure meetings I was fascinated when I learned about how Ticos prepare their coffee. They have a much…
Warmth of Everyday Life in Costa Rica
There have been many things about the homestays that I did not expect. One of the first things that surprised me was the layout of the house. The front door and garage are basically the same entrance, and the back door to the patio is constantly open all day. I also learned that homes here…
Running on Coffee and Tico Directions
So far on this trip, my experience with my homestay family has been great. I have gotten to practice and improve my Spanish skills and learn more about what living in Costa Rica is truly like. One thing that has surprised me from living with my family is that they always have their front door open during…
What Coffee Taught Me
After two weeks of exploring Costa Rica’s farms. We become aware of a lot of the important policies Costa Rican farms have implanted to balance sustainable practices in their businesses. On the farm, planning begins with sustainable land use and crop layout. Farms we visited grew coffee, bananas, or pineapples didn’t just plant at random….
Bars and Beans: Costa Rica’s Gourmet Scene
Today was our chocolate tasting day! We visited Sibö Chocolate, a small gourmet chocolate company, I admired how they try to mix Costa Rican history into their chocolate. We learned that chocolate, like coffee, originate before colonization, imbedded in native tradition. It was first consumed as a bitter drink believed to have medicinal benefits. Indigenous…
From Crops to Shops, the Growth Never Stops
Today we set off to visit two small family owned farms, the owners taught us how agriculture, sustainability, and community all connect in Costa Rica. Our first stop was a banana farm run by Francini, an entrepreneur who’s using agrotourism to teach visitors about eco friendly farming. Her farm, surrounded by tropical plants and wildlife…
Watch your step
Today, we returned to Sarapiquí to visit a banana plantation. The plantation was beautiful, and our guide, Francini, was incredibly knowledgeable. Her young daughter, Victoria, kept us entertained with her playful energy and charm. At the plantation, we learned how bananas grow from a flower, and how the petals protect the developing fruit. We also discovered…
The Pina Colada Supply Chain
Before today, I never really thought about where pineapples come from, I honestly thought they grew in trees. But after visiting an organic pineapple plantation in Sarapiquí and riding through the fields on a tractor tour, I was surprised by how much work goes into growing just one and they indeed do not grow on…
Tropic Like Its Hot
Today, we visited a Pineapple plantation in Sarapiqui, which was very hot and humid, might I say. This plantation exports around $1.2 billion worth of fruit annually. But this farm isn’t just about mass production, it’s about sustainability, community, and innovation. Pineapple and coffee may be tropical crops, but their journeys from farm to table…
Peace Among the Piñas
Today, we visited an organic pineapple plantation. Massive fields covered the ground as far as the eye could see. The overall process of growing and farming pineapple plants differs greatly from farming coffee, though there are some similarities. The growth process of pineapples is much less complex than that of coffee. In general, the process…