The travels to Volcan Arenal, and time for Relaxation

VOLCAN ARENAL AND LA FORTUNA

This weekend we traveled to Volcan Arenal in La Fortuna Costa Rica. This weekend was very nice and relaxing after the long weekend in Monteverde. The trip was long and bumpy, but luckily I could catch some rest before we got there. Once we got there we were able to go around the shops and look at all the souvenirs. It was very tourist area I saw many Americans there. We were able to purchase perfume for less than five dollars! It was pretty interesting. After La Fortuna we returned to a beautiful hotel where we stayed. The hotel included a hot springs which was very relaxing and new to me. The hot springs is warmed by the water that is underground near the volcano. It was very hot. But very nice. The next day we explored and hiked a trail that was right in front of the volcano. We saw many new animals and plants I have never seen before. We saw a plant that when touched would close up automatically for about ten minutes. We saw a group of about six howling monkeys that were definitely howling loud. I am deathly afraid of wasp and bees, so of course we saw a few of those. The fun part was that one of our own girls in the group Krysta ate a termite. Very interesting! So now we know if we are lost in the forest, that is one of the few edible things. The nature is so beautiful here and green. Everywhere you look in La Fortuna, Costa Rica is green and full of wild life. We were very fortunate when we got there to get a clear view of the beautiful volcano. After a week full of classes, and learning about the Country Costa Rica it was very nice to get a moment to relax and take in the natural beauty of Costa Rica. I was surprised to see that many of the restaurants are outside restaurants so the air conditioning is the natural wind. It was very nice, even though it was hot. The breeze was cool and comforting. Costa Rica is very different then North Carolina. I was born and raised in North Carolina, and I truely didn't understand the natural beauty before I came to Costa Rica. The nature, the animals, the serene sounds, and natural waters. It is all so beautiful. Using the nature and including it into my classroom setting would be a great way to enhance learning by engagement. The nature is beautiful and so many ways, and it took the hikes here, and the view for me to realize the true beauty of it.