Blogs from Monteverde, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, Central America Caribbean - page 13

EVERYBODY WANTS TO GO TO COSTA RICA...! After an early start to catch the 7.30 ferry (it's very punctual and waits for no man) from Ometepe Island we made are way by taxi to the Costa Rica border. As we came to within 3-4 miles of the border crossing we began to notice a few trucks parked on the side of the road. After a short time a few became a solid line of trucks and we were starting to wonder if we would ever reach the border line! The road we were on wasn't a huge road and the conga line of trucks pretty much blocked one whole side of the road so our taxi would rocket up the wrong side of the road until we encountered another vehicle coming from the border. When this ... read more

Hey everyone! So I am finally back in Monteverde with internet, hot showers and a bed. Our field trip was so much fun this time! but now it is time to get back to real life activities such as a huge research project that is turning out to include information from Middleton and Monteverde Costa Rica. I am giving a survey of basic environmental knowledge to both places and comparing my results i am really excited about it. I also move in with my host family on saturday i have 3 sisters and a mom and i am living in Santa Elena. It is like a 10 minute walk from Monteverde and we are all scattered around Monteverde (the region). We also have a bunch of tests that are coming up that i need to study ... read more

It was another early start. We were all in breakfast by 06h35 and were driving down the bumpy main road to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve by 07h00. Although the weather was clearly better than of late, Cloud Forest is a suitable term as the warm Caribbean air meets the cooler Pacific air and envelops all in 100% humidity. There are a number of tracks through the forest but, as we were intent on seeing birds, we chose the shortest route of a couple miles so that we could be back mid-morning. Setting off through the dripping forest, it was noticeable how wet everything was. Leaves were adapted with deep veins and pointed tips thus allowing excess rain to drip away. The constant wind blew cloud up into the forest, resulting in everything being covered by ... read more

I am here in Monteverde, Costa Rica working at the Butterfly Garden. What could be better, surrounded by nature and teaching people about the different insects found here in Costa Rica. It's a dream come true really. I am working as a volunteer and although I don't get paid they provide a room and food so there isn't much more I need. I moved into the kitchen, where I live in a tiny loft that even when you kneel I'll hit my head, but in reality how much space does one really need. I can lay my head down and I have a warm blanket and if I need a midnight snack all I need to do is climb down my latter and grab one. I do share this room though, which I am sure you ... read more

Our alarm clock went off at 6 am and I woke with a start. I could still hear the winds gusting, but they also seemed to calm down a bit. The lodge offers breakfast and so we dressed and decided to eat up in preparation for our hike. We knew we'd be walking for approximately 2 to 3 hours. Breakfast was fantastic and I've had the best eggs of all time. They have their own chickens here that lay eggs as well as grow most of their own fruits and veggies. They make their own jams too! Coffee is the big thing here and so instead of drinking my usual tea in the morning, I've made a switch. Oh boy! For the first time in my life, I LOVE coffee! I add a little sugar and ... read more