Days 3 and 4; Thursday and Friday, Jan. 10-11

Thursday was our first day of classes at the university. We met out teacher Doña Marta and began our studies of Costa Rican culture in the morning. Afterwards, began the grammar section of our studies. By the end of classes we had learned so much culture and taught Doña Marta a few things about American culture. After classes we went to the school cafeteria for lunch and a break from academics. Our group then headed to the mall for the second time to shop and explore.  After the mall we went to Jennifer's house, one of the LPI directors, to cook a delicious meal, gallo pinto. Everyone went for seconds and ended dinner with an amazing tres leches as desert. Friday was our second day of classes and I was surprised when it turned out to be even more fun then the first day. For culture we listened to Costa Rican songs and danced. Then for grammar we had class outside to enjoy the perfect weather. Lunch was relaxing and the cafeteria food is surprisingly very good. After lunch was INBioparque (Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad.) Only a short drive from Heredia to San Jose, the capita, we were filled with excitement to see the animals.  INBioparque has different areas that represent each ecosystem in Costa Rica. The best part of the tour were the animals. We saw a sloth, a frog, a horse, a cow, a sheep, goats, pigs, deer, caymans, birds, ducks, turtles, iguanas, fish, snakes, butterflies, and rabbits. Finally our group got ice cream and then we went home to our families.

Carson

University gardens

In Costa Rica even the leafs are colorful 

Preparing dinner

Preparing the drink

Costa Rica has giant bromeliads

Trying on a tortoise shell at INBioparque