Preperations

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Well, 3 days until I head into the abiss of who knows what in Costa Rica and Central America! Much still to do but also a lot has been sorted...

So where exactly am I headed? Well here is a blurb to start setting the scene:

You awaken to birdcalls and open your eyes to a riot of colors just outside your window. Soon, you head down a winding rural path to the leaf-shaded cafeteria, where you meet with your partners over breakfast to discuss whether today you’ll be, say, trapping birds, counting bees, sampling streams for water quality or venturing into the locally owned and operated coffee plantations to help the locals get certified in environmentally friendly farming by a major coffee company. This is life at the lab if you’re a researcher at UGA’s Ecolodge in San Luis, Costa Rica.

In return for the parcels of land in Finca La Bella (Farm the Beautiful), farmers have agreed to use all-natural controls for their crops, making the area entirely pesticide-free. Maintaining a consistent and diverse population of birds and insects — specifically bees — throughout the year will create natural ecological services within the agricultural system. By growing certain plants that provide resources to birds or bees, a farmer can ensure that crops are sufficiently pollinated to create higher yields and better grades of coffee.

This is my home for 2 weeks, from there? Who knows! I will try be as diligent as possible to keep all who are interested updated with the stories and pics!

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Comments

[Bizzy Lizzy]

ENJOY!!
Hope you been studying Spanish!!My book is collecting dust on the bookshelf ;) Enjoy your trip! Do as much as you can! ;) Hope to read lots about all your experiences! Ciao! Liz

[Sambo Tag]

Dust collection
Yup - Spanish books def collecting dust, but trying to cram before I leave Friday! Sorry we haven't gotten to have coffee, but think we'll have to hassle and nag eachother next year for some catch up time!

[Shakey77]

Don't forget to remind those South American farmers that their burning down of the rainforest to create farmland in accounting for 30% of the worlds carbon emmisions (more than all the transport in the world put together!). Make sure they know that it's their fault that sea levels are rising and that England are not having summers anymore! Having said that, get yourself a petrol guzzling 4x4 for travelling around in. Well, you need to be comfortable. Have a great time Sammy. Bring me back a sombrero and a maid. xxx

[Sambo Tag]

Maid search
I'll work hard on this one ;-)

[Talita]

Where the hell are you???
Hi Sambo It's 1.41pm Sunday afternoon SA time. Are you still on you merry way? Any juicy bits to tell yet. T

[Sambo Tag]

On the way to the Eco-Lodge
It´s been amazing so far! And I´m sure it will only get better :-) Loads of love and big hugs... Miss me lots!

[talita la cock]

Missing Sambo
Hello Sam Can't believe it's more that a week already. How many birds have you counted...Hope you are being inspired it your beau environment. All's well this side. Temputare reached 38 deg over the weekend. Summer is finally here. Final push before a months leave....counting the days. Miss you lots and lots, take care...enjoy!T

[Glenn]

Ola
Hi Sambo, sounds great and you seem to be in great spirits. I am sure you are having a ball. You could have a ball with a yarn of string, meaning you will make the most of any situation. Missing you like crazy. Still at work on my side and leave starts next week Tuesday so I can't wait. Hopefully you are taking pics of the work you are doing as I am quite interested to see that. How are the communication barriers, if any. Did the spanish lessons pay off? Anyway catch you soon. Love ya big Glenn