Pura Vida everyone, from Emilie and Wilber!
This morning we had a later start at 7:15 am with a super relaxing optional yoga session with Ms. Sale at 7:30 am. At 8:00 am, we had a delicious breakfast of tortillas, torta de huevos, and fruit along with coffee, hot chocolate, and orange juice. We had our energizer outside on the lawn in the sun where we played “Simon Says” and “Red Light Green Light.” We then learned about environmental injustice in Costa Rica through a really educational documentary to prepare for the guest speaker we had in the afternoon. The video discussed the issues with tourism in Costa Rica and how it affects the clean water supply, local communities, and the ecosystem.
After that, we had a break where we got to bond, play games, and have fun. We then wrote letters of appreciation to our wonderful Global Glimpse supporters to thank them for helping us have this amazing opportunity. We sat together and brainstormed all the words of gratitude we could express through the letters and what experiences on the trip impacted us the most. It was a lot of fun writing the letters, and we hope our supporters like them. 🙂
Our catering staff provided us with a really yummy lunch of salad with carrots and lettuce, along with ground beef-stuffed pasta and rice with fresh watermelon juice before having another relaxing break. We then welcomed our wonderful guest speaker named Fofo, who taught us about environmental justice and conservation. We were split up into three groups and had a debate regarding the effect of hotels and tourism on the environment and local communities. Group one was assigned to make an argument as to why building a 5-star hotel on than beach would be beneficial in the Osa Peninsula. Group two was assigned to represent the local communities being negatively affected by tourism who disagreed with building the hotel. Group three represented the government, and acted as the judges who listened to both arguments and had to come to a decision about who they agreed with. The local community group won! They all agreed that it’s better to protect the environment and the wetlands. Everyone got super invested in the debate and was still talking about it for the rest of the day.
Afterward, we had a reflection where we talked about our new understanding of environmental justice and how we can help make an impact in helping the environment not only in Cartago but at home in our communities as well.
We later had dinner at 5:30 pm where the catering staff served us estofado carne de res con arroz (soup with meat, vegetables, and rice) and delicious, sweet starfruit juice. We then moved on to our nightly meeting where we passed the torch/sloth the to new leaders of tomorrow, Nelci and Daniella, who earned it with their amazing talents.
Also, last night most of the girls decided to get all dressed up for dinner and took prom-style pictures
Ft. Sebastian and Michael
Fofo teaching us about environmental injustices
Playing soccer during one of our breaks
Featured Photo: The group posing with the notes we used to write appreciation letters to supporters of GG (including you guys who constantly check our blogs and worry so much about us). Big love to all of you <33
P.S. We love and miss you guys! Thank you for all the comments!!
Bella
you look so beautiful per usual!! you’re doing amazing things, this is only the beginning. i can’t wait to hear all about your trip when you get back soon, hope you’re having the best time ever. i miss you so so so much, we all do
with all the love in the world,
liv
Hi Dyl,
I love to wake up in the morning and read the blog while I’m having coffee. The gang just chills all around me. It’s like we are all just contemplating the day ahead of us, while listening to the birds outside. Well, let’s be real, they never stop relaxing all day everyday. Ralph has completely spoiled Sprocket so he waits with anticipation for him to get here so he can beg for food and attention. Sweet boy.
Glad you guys got another chill day and we’re able to have some more fun. Curious to know which side of the debate you were on. I would have loved to watch all of you argue that.
Well, have another spectacular day. Soak up all that you can and store it in that beautiful heart of yours.
Love you forever,
Mom & Dad
Looks like you all are having a great time and have really come together as a group. Enjoy your last few days!
Big thanks to Emilie and Wilber for a great blog post!
The girls look so happy in their “prom” picture. 🙂
Hopefully you will remember the lesson of the balance between economics and environmental justice as you continue through your studies and your professional lives.
Still hungry for Costa Rican food 🙂
Congratulations on the good work you’ve been doing. It’s so important to get just a little taste of what’s important to the local communities and glimpse the ‘outside’ world through their eyes. It’s clearly been an enriching journey for all of you. Now, I’d suggest you eat up big BellaT, because it’s back to bland meals when you leave your lovely chefs behind. BTW Bella, I broke the news to our friend at the supermarket that I am not your mother’s father. Can’t wait to see you. Safe travels.
Thank you for another account of your amazing adventures. It’s wonderful to hear how you have immersed yourselves in the culture and from your report of the Environmental Justice debate, it’s obvious your experiences have made a significant impact on the way you see other communities. I love hearing about how you collaborate in a meaningful way to make a difference. It has been wonderful to read and see how your knowledge and respect for the CR culture has grown with each day. All our love to you Bella darling. We can’t wait to see you. — Mamma
Hi,
I am so glad you all engaged in a debate over such an important topic. Continue to think critically when presented with information and consider all sides of an issue before forming an opinion. You all are really learning in a really amazing way!
Jazz, I hope you have gotten up early for yoga at least once, lol!
Hi Michelle and Glimpsers
Environmental justice seems right up my alley. I feel so involved when these discussions take place.. the big hotel vs. clean foliage and water.. very difficult to express the positives and negatives.. good for you all. Starting a day with yoga and a good breakfast is wonderful. It seems as if the day went very well staying at your base. Will anyone write to us after this expedition? I will miss this daily blog from you wonderful young adults.
Much love
Michelles parents
Hola hijitoSebastian aunque te extraño cantidades estoy muy feliz que estes disfrutando de todolo que te ofrece ese hermoso paÃs, espero verte pronto y darte un gran abrazo. salúdame los chicos y a tus profesores. te amooooooooooooooooo…..hasta el infinito y mucho mas. un beso y un fuerte abrazo.
tu mamá
Good night to all. Another learning experience. You guys are building your communication skill daily. It is important when you can debate and convince the other side to see your argument and get them on your side. What happened to the Boys? Why didn’t they get dressed up too?
To my dear little brother of the soul Sebastian: In four days we will see each other again after such a long time. These last few weeks have felt like forever. I Look at the stars every night with joy knowing that these same stars also adorn your sky. Look forward to hearing your stories of what happened in our time apart. Know they will fill me with pride. Love you and miss you.
Daniel
PS: Greetings to your colleagues and thanks for making my little brother’s stay in that country super nice.
Tai,
We’re so glad you had a “lower-impact” day, but even more so that it was still filled with important and engaging discussions about the future. What all of you are doing now will change the world. Can’t wait to see you when you return.
p.s We love reading the blog.
love you-
Dad and Mom