When we arrived, we were met by Meghan who owns and runs the hostel. We are all staying in the same building- the girls are split into two rooms, with six girls to a room, and the boys have two rooms as well. The rooms each have 3 bunk beds. Mr. Spiegel and Dr. Peterson stay at the second floor of the same building and my room (Ms. Choi) is a few steps away in a separate building. We had a quick meeting to explain the ground rules, such as not flushing toilet paper down the drain and turning off the lights when we leave the room.
Then we had about an hour of free time and many of the kids played soccer or relaxed on the many hammocks that are hanging around the lodge. Our dinner was at six and the kids ate very well. It was buffet-style, with tortillas, beef and chicken, vegetables, two kids of rice and lots of fresh fruit. Most of the kids ate two plates.
After we ate dinner, we had a time of learning and getting to know each other. We set the curfew at 9:30PM so that kids can have a full nights rest. Tomorrow, we do have a late start, with breakfast at 8:30AM and then we are off to a hike in the rain forest followed by a swim in the lake. WLS has organized a wonderful schedule for us and I appreciate that they knew that the kids (and teachers!) would be tired and so our first two days are relaxed, without a lot of activities, so that the kids can adjust to their new environment.
Our first view of Costa Rica from the airplane
The lake in front of our lodge that we will swim in tomorrow.
The kids carried their bags across the bridge to the lodge.
For some kids, it was an adventure!
Getting to know the ground rules- Don't leave the lights on!
Some late night ice breakers
