Day 2

The internet went down at our hotel, so we haven't been able to blog! But the kids just realized we have WiFi at the pizzeria where we just finished lunch in La Fortuna. We don't have much time, but here are some highlights according to Kelvin, Jovan, Joemi, Paularah & Alenson:

*We all made it through the zipline!! In Kelvin's words when he had just finished his first cable on the canopy tour, "That was exhilerating!"At first, some kids (and teachers) were really nervous, but in the end we agree it was one of the most exciting adventure experiences we've ever had. First we put on harnesses and helmets. We went up on a Sky Tram VERY high-- it seemed like we were on eye level with the top of the Volcano Arenal. Then we learned the ropes and did a practice short line. After that, we pretty much flew through the air like Tarzan and Jane in the forest, above the treetops. It was crazy. Get ready for the videos and pictures!

*Hot Springs-- last night we went at night to some very relaxing hot springs. They were naturally warm from the magma that forms the volcano.

*Eliza the Snake-- we went to a Serpentarium where we met and got to hold tons of different kinds of snakes, including an enormous Boa named Eliza that took eight people to carry. We have lots of pictures to prove it.

*Seeing the lava run down the side of the volcano at night-- spotlighted by thunder behind the volcano

*Arenal Waterfalls this morning-- we took a cool dip in the river at the bottom of what was (for most of us) the highest waterfall we'd ever seen after a hike down into the forest.

Now we are off to get some ice cream, and then we are leaving for another two hour bus ride to our next desination, Sarapiqui. We've just found out that our service project will include making a biodigester for a local farm-- it will be able to turn the horse and cow waste into gas that the family will then use for cooking and lights. Pretty cool. More as soon as we can-- fingers crossed for internet fast enough to upload pictures in Sarapiqui!