For our last day of exploring Costa Rica, we first toured a strawberry farm. We even had the opportunity to pick strawberries ourselves and later enjoy them with chocolate. We took the bus to La Paz Waterfall Gardens where we saw toucans, sloths, butterflies, and monkeys. We went on a walk through the waterfalls, stopping…
Tag: Rose Genco
Wandering around San Jose
This morning we boarded the train for a quick trip over to San Jose. In the city, we visited the National Monument, the National Museum, and the National Theater. The National Monument portrays the victory of Costa Rica and South American countries against William Walker. William Walker wanted to overtake South America, but the countries…
Today was Juicy!
In the morning, we traveled about two hours from Heredia to a banana plantation. We walked around the farm, observing the different banana plants and various fruit growing there. Although I had thought bananas grew on trees, I learned that they technically grow on plants. Since the trunk is contains of leaves and water, not wood, it is…
I’m loco for coco
Today we visited Sibö Chocolate in the morning. We had a chocolate tasting that ranged from simple milk chocolate to dark chocolate covering a caramel with traces of ginger and coconut milk. As we tried each chocolate, we learned about the history of chocolate and business strategies of Sibö. In Costa Rica, both coffee and chocolate are…
I’m Rooting for Cafe Monteverde!
On the last day in Monteverde, we headed to a small school to help the children paint a large fence outside. We decorated it with the alphabet and paintings of flowers and children. We played games like soccer and Simon says (Simón dice). I really enjoyed getting to talk and play with the young children. In the afternoon, we…
I’m Going to Mist Monteverde
After waking up in Monteverde, I headed to the Cloud Forest Reserve. The group hiked through the forest for a couple hours, stopping to observe birds, insects, and other animals. Unfortunately, there was no rain or mist today in the forest. Because of climate change, the number of days without rain each year has increased from one…
On the Road to Monteverde
As I traveled to Monteverde, my first priority was to avoid motion sickness on the winding roads. Although I could not look out the window for most of the trip, I was able to notice some differences when I peered out. First, I noticed how different the vegetation was as we rode closer to Monteverde….
Touring Cafe Britt
In the morning, I had breakfast with our host mother and her grandson. I was talking to her grandson about his school, and he told me that today he had an exam in Spanish. After wishing Andrew good luck, I walked to meet with the group and travel to Cafe Britt. At Cafe Britt, we…
I have bean busy!
I woke up today with birds chirping outside my window and the sun beaming in. For breakfast, I enjoyed beans and eggs with my host family to start the day before meeting with the group. We went to the beautiful Doka Coffee Plantation for a tour and talk. At the plantation, we learned that Doka…
Walking through Heredia!
As I begin to explore and experience Costa Rica, my first impression is how nature and parks are a major part of the culture. Throughout Heredia, I walked through many beautiful parks. In these areas, many people and animals are gathered. At the Central Park, there is a band playing with many listeners. There is…
Rose is Going to Costa Rica!
My name is Rose Genco, and I just finished my freshman year at the University of Pittsburgh. I am studying Civil Engineering and planning to gain a Sustainability Certificate at Pitt’s Swanson School. I cannot wait to experience Costa Rica! As I am studying sustainability, Costa Rica’s initiatives centered around the environment are very exciting…