Pura Vida!!

Sorry to be out of touch for so long, but I am extremely happy to report that we are safe and sound and enjoying a GORGEOUS first full day in Costa Rica.

Our flight was a bit delayed, but otherwise uneventful. As soon as we landed, we were met by Maren and Mane, our awesome tour guides from Student Journeys. They had pizza waiting for us, and we took a quick bus ride... on the chartered, very air conditioned and therefore happy bus that we'll be in all week as we travel through the country... to the hostel we stayed in last night. We ate, had an introduction to the country and a quick explanation of the rules of the trip and the basic itinerary. Then we got to sleep.

We woke up and realized for the first time what an amazing view of the city of San Jose we had from our bright, airy hostel. The hostel keepers made us a breakfast of Gallo Pinto, the traditional Tico breakfast of rice, beans and eggs, and tons of fresh cut watermelon, bananas and pineapple. We had a little down time playing ball outside the hostel and then got on the road. We've just arrived at the Hotel Kokoro, and I can't wait to get some pictures up because the view is just breathtaking. The Volcano Arenal rises straight up from our frontyard basically, with just gorgeous flowers and greenery between us and the volcano. Tummies full from a hearty lunch of arroz con pollo and other typical dishes at an open air restaurant in town, we have a half hour to get ready for the rest of our afternoon and evening... the zipline canopy tour first, then a trip to the Serpentarium and the hot springs before hopefully seeing some lava come out of the active volcano!!

The kids are all in fantastic spirits and we're really proud of everything they've done so far! Pura Vida!