Hey GG Families!
Today our theme was Arts and Culture. We visited Cartago, which was once the capital of Costa Rica! We took a walking tour guided by Alvaro. He taught us about the history of the city, the ruins of Santiago Apostle Church, the local open-air market, Museo Municipal de Cartago, and Basilica de Los Angeles.
The Basilica is the site of a pilgrimage (Romería) Costa Ricans take on August 2nd. This Romería celebrates La Virgen de Los Angeles. It is an opportunity for folks to demonstrate their dedication and sacrifice for the Virgin pilgrimage. They walk (on foot) from their towns all the way to Cartago to be blessed with holy water and touch the rock where the Virgen was found.
Museo Municipal de Cartago was previously a military base, in October 1949 Costa Rica abolished its military and now the funds are dedicated to Education and Culture in the country, so the building was repurposed. The museum is now home to a massive mural painted by Guadalupe Alvarez that illustrated the history of Costa Rica. Not only was the mural beautiful, but the symbolism and depictions were provocative and thoughtful.
After we spent the day exploring Cartago, we stopped for souvenirs in the city and headed home for team-building games and supper. Throughout the day we also celebrated Reid’s birthday, so we ended our nightly meeting by singing for him with a surprise cake!
Big Love,
Kijai and Lola
How Exciting!! Thank you for the wonderful update! Happy Birthday Reid😊
Wow! Sounds like a great day. So happy to see that the trip is off to such a fantastic start! – Happy Birthday to Reid too! 😉
Katrice and Arion!! Love to see your smiling faces in these photos and read about the start of your trip. I know you’re going to have the trip of a lifetime and I cannot wait to hear all about it in person!! Keep pushing yourselves out of your comfort zones and being the amazing leaders you are. Take care and drink water! Ms. Coffey
Hi Tony Temple, Grandpa and I were thrilled to see you and the group you are with picture on the GG blog. Keep smiling. We love you, Grandma T.
We hope you’re enjoying the trip, Citlali! La familia te manda saludos hermanita:) Take care!
The trip looks so wonderful. Thank you for keeping us posted and keep taking lots of pictures. We miss Tony, but are glad that he’s making good friends and having a great time!