We started our day with an empanada making lesson at doña Sonia’s house. (This is a woman in the local community that works with eco groups to offer a cultural home visit. Most student tours don’t have the sort of family stay that we do and it is an opportunity to take a peek into a family’s home – or in this case their kitchen.) A very humble home occupied by a family of four – we were escorted in to an outdoor kitchen and watched as she mixed together the corn masa and gave a quick demo. Soon we had students gathered around 2 large tables pressing their dough in to thin tortillas, and after sprinkling cheese on top, folding and sealing the half circle for frying. Students branded their empanada with initials and cute emoticons. Sonia’s husband Rodrigo tended the wood-fired stove in the corner and handled frying the empanadas for all.
As the empanadas cooked, we ventured out to the organic garden and sampled local cilantro and spinach. Some sampled a leaf called “gavilana” – used for medicinal purposes. The consensus was they would rather suffer the stomach ache the leaf is used to treat, than chew the oh-so-bitter leaf. The family also had papaya, mango, pitaya, ginger, persimmon, cashew, lime, and taro and yucca plants. Our students were suitably impressed.
After snacking on the freshly cooked empanadas washed down with freshly made passion-fruit juice, we had the opportunity to visit with Yasmin, the 12 y.o. in the house. She had just dressed for school, and there were lots of questions about her uniform. The very simple white blouse and dark blue slacks are typical of any public elementary school here. (Private schools wear uniforms, but the colors differ.) Most surprising was learning that girls may not wear make-up or nail polish, dangling earrings or other jewelry. When our students shared what typical school attire might look like back home, our hosts were quite shocked.
We headed off to the elementary school, only to be greeted by school children reaching to take us by hand to their performance area. It was quite the welcome! A group of 12+ children performed a typical folk dance for us, followed by their national anthem. We reciprocated, by singing our national anthem, followed by the hokey pokey!
A tour of the school grounds showed off their agricultural skills. They tend a large garden, and their weekly lesson includes planting and harvesting, and they seem quite knowledgeable. The foods are cooked on site for daily lunches.
As is tradition, we were challenged to a soccer match with the children. Our handicap was the heat – we were off to a good start – up 4 nothing – and then fell apart with a final score of 8-5.
As we said our good-byes, we were able to leave a donation of assorted school supplies and sports equipment. I also had a serious conversation with the school principal about future visits by high schoolers, to spend a month living with a school family while volunteering at the elementary school. The school principal was quite enthusiastic with the proposal as they are in school during our summer months and could easily accommodate such a request. (This is a GREAT opportunity for those high school students to complete their service hours!)
Leaving the school, we split up the group and were distributed to 4 local homes for lunch. Another opportunity to connect with the Costa Rican culture – this is an area known for its agriculture rather than its dairies like where kids stayed previously. Each home served a uniquely delicious lunch, and then some played cards, others did crafts and at least one group came away with manicures. (YES – even the boys!)
Lastly, we had our first chunk of “free time” in La Fortuna. While catering to tourists, La Fortuna also boasts bookstores, shoe shops, grocery stores and the feel that it is full of locals. Some shopped for souvenirs, while others enjoyed treats at the local grocery.
Back at the hotel we are waiting out an enormous thunder/lightning storm. Understandably, kids are bummed that the pool is off limits, but Ms. Barefield insisted. (Party pooper…)
Without their electronics for entertainment, kids have learned that they can actually talk to one another without the use of their phones. They are singing on the bus, sharing stories at dinner, and finding other activities to pass the time. In keeping with our off-the-grid lifestyle, we have made the hotel computer off limits to students. Not one has complained.
Tomorrow’s excitement includes the bat caves and fresh laundry. Check back tomorrow about this time, to learn which one the kids found to be more thrilling.
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