Written by Annie
This week started with a bittersweet goodbye in El Brujo full of dancing and a chow circle where everyone in the community got a chance to say goodbye and thank those they are grateful for. The group decided to leave our mark by painting a mural on the wall with the phrase “Juntos somos mas fuertes” meaning we are stronger together. We then all left our handprints in paint on the wall letting everyone in Brujo add them with us. Saying farewell and heading off to the river to raft our way across the Savegre river. Day one was rough rapids a fun time and strong teamwork. Landing at the campsite we banded together and set up the campsite and tents we would be sleeping in that night. We took a walk down to the river and got to swim and float together. The raft guides whipped up a fantastic dinner where people got to try fish eyeballs if they wanted. After the night in the tents we got up had another great meal and were off. Day two of rafting entailed calm rapids and swimming behind a waterfall before seeing monkeys jumping through trees. A quick bus to the hotel in Uvita and a reset before swimming in the pool and having dinner. For Stephanie’s birthday we had cake and sang. The first night in ac and with hot showers was refreshing for all. Up in the morning a quick breakfast and off to the beach for surfing. Quick safety talk and practice on the sand for the surfboards and into the water we go. Everyone got the hang of it quick and soon you could see 13 kids in the water riding the waves like pros. We got a fresh fruit and cookie break before going back out. By the end no one wanted to leave the water. We made quick burritos and got to enjoy the waves and the sand. Many hours and about 13 sunburns later before leaving the beach we all took a walk next to the water to see a very rare two finger sloth chilling in a tree. We went back to the hotel to get ready for a final dinner and reflection on the trip. Another great sleep and the girls woke up early to spend the last full morning at the beach. Pictures and a refreshing dip couldn’t imagine a better last morning. As we leave the beach we embark on a long day of driving and a stop in a local town and a souvenir store for shopping and gathering all the things we want to take home from Costa Rica. More driving next to gorgeous mountains and to an Italian restaurant for a last dinner and a debate about the right way to eat pizza. The last moments of the trip are full of laughter and sadness and reminiscing the experiences. Leaving in the morning will be hard for all of us but we will be leaving with friendships and memories for a lifetime.
