Day 15: Our last day of Paradise

This morning we woke up to a comforting breakfast of eggs and gallo pinto. We loaded on the bus around 8 to head to INBioparque, a park located in the heart of San Jose dedicated to nature conservation and education. We walked about 10 yards into the park and instantly felt like we were back in the Veragua Rainforest, less the extreme humidity. As we walked along a concrete path, were surrounded by tall trees filled with singing birds and insects. Complete with a small lake, a swamp, a butterfly garden, an insect house, a volcano room, and a dry and wet forest, walking through the park felt like a brief recap of our whole trip. We finished our tour of the park with lunch and, of course, a quick whip around the gift shop.

     Our next stop was El Museo de los Ninos, the Children's Museum. Housed in an old prison that looks more like a castle, the museum provides numerous interactive learning environments for kids of all ages (or, you know, adults who like to act like kids.) When we entered the building, you could see the eyes widen and feel the excitement build. There were wide, colorful ribbons hanging from the ceiling and bright, flashing lights pointing us to the fun. The group quickly split up and started rushing around the museum, trying on funny masks, standing on earthquake simulators, and posing on shadow walls. Needless to say, the children's museum brought out the inner child and learner in every one of us.

     After another bumpy bus ride, we arrived at Moravia to do some last minute shopping. The street was lined with crowded, sweaty shops filled with colorful clothing and wooden trinkets. We spent about an hour wondering in and out of doorways, searching for the best deals and coolest gifts. From scorpion necklaces to framed Blue Morphos, this street had anything and just about everything Costa Rica.

     Our last stop for dinner was the mall. Yes, you read that correctly, the mall. Adrian arranged for us to stop at a near-by fashion center so some of us could satisfy those intense cravings for ice cream or Starbucks you only get when traveling. While some of us practically ran to see if Forever 21 in Costa Rica had more to offer, others of us strolled the mall with milkshakes or Frappuccinos. 

     

     There is a bitter-sweet feeling in the air as we organize our passports and roll our clothes into plastic bags. Many of us are asking ourselves numerous questions. How am I going to remember all that I learned? How am I going to take home all that I have learned and  apply it  to my everyday life? How am I going to make this experience come to life in my classroom? We have done and seen so much in the past two weeks, it is hard process it all right now. Its been quite the adventure, but all good things must come to an end. This experience has changed many of our lives forever. The Costa Ricans have a way of life that is so simple and pure, and it has left a deep impression on all of us. Hasta luego, Costa Rica, and Pura Vida!!