Costa Rica has proven to be a continuous learning experience for all of us. Whether we are experiencing new points of view from the people we meet, discovering new ways of life that is very different from what we have known in the United States, or just observing the places, people, and interactions that occur around us our group has been constantly engulfed in new ways to experience all aspects of life.

Not only are we constantly learning things indirectly, the tours and activities planned for us prove to be extremely informational as well. Today we visited Arenal Volcano and our tour guide taught us the various facts of the volcano. The group learned things like, how it grew, when it last erupted, and informed us of the different types of lava and volcanoes.

The scenery was beautiful and different from anything I have ever seen. I was born and raised in Phoenix and I am incredibly used to the dry, brown view of the desert. Here, it is green, flourishing, and full of constant life that I had only known through various National Geographic shows and science classes. Actually experiencing and being apart of the life and beauty today was mesmerizing. Looking from one of the closest observation areas toward the grand volcano was truly breathtaking. I could hear various types of animals and birds in the distance, could feel the soft drops of rain accompanied by the intensified humidity, and could, of course, see all of the bugs the Costa Rica has to offer. While observing the volcano in the evening, our group was privileged enough to see some lava come out of the volcano. The vibrant red color stood out against the brown of the volcano and the dark of the evening. It was an amazing way to end our tour of the day.

In addition to learning and viewing the amazing volcano, we took a guided tour of the rain forest. The group saw different types of wildlife such as snakes, plants, and monkeys! Our guide was determined to have us see a monkey and tried to increase our chances by making a loud monkey noise that might attract specific kinds of monkeys toward our group. We all laughed while trying to mimic the sound, unsuccessfully. Luckily, Gary was able to get a great photo of some monkeys in a tree. We also were able to see different types of bug life and a toucan as well!

AAAAAAAHHHH AAAAAAAAAHHHHH AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!

Hear that? It must be Tarzan!.....

Oh wait, no! It's GARY! Swinging from an actual Piranha plant like the ones Tarzan would swing on!

Not only would I say that today was a fun filled and full of laughter, it was also an experience that will last a lifetime.

Tomorrow we are off to repelling! 200 foot drops don't scare us!