Professor Troy Abel from Huxley College of the Environment and his students share their insights on ecological citizenship, political biogeography, and immersions in one of the most biologically intense places on the planet. Costa Rica is translated as rich coast, a name originating from Spanish conquistadors who mistakenly thought the land was filled with gold. Many now recognize that Costa Rica’s riches are more green than gold with more than 4 percent of the world’s estimated biodiversity. Costa Rica has universal health care, a longer life expectancy than the U.S., and no military. Only by expanding our attention to all of these facets can one begin to see “Ecotopia’s Prism,” or Costa Rica’s intersections of ecology, economy, and culture fostering and inhibiting sustainability.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Hola from Costa Rica!  Today we had a guide at Monte Verde (Cloud Forest).  We saw a eyelash viper, glasswing butterfly, an array of hummingbirds, some white faced capuchin monkeys and many other creatures.  It was indescribably beautiful there.  Our tour guide was enthusiastic and seemed to know everything about the flora and fauna of the area.  Yesterday we took a hike through the trails of Monte Verde and went over a suspension bridge overlooking the canopy of the forest.  It was very high up and the bridge wobbled quite a bit when walking over it.  We hiked to the continental divide and there was an observation deck that overlooked the jungle.  It was extremely windy but so much fun.  We took our rain jackets and made a sail- everyone almost blew away from the wind.  After our tour guide  we had lunch and packed up our luggage into our backpack and made our way back to San Jose.  It was about a four hour drive and mostly everyone slept on the bus.  It was nice to get some sleep but it started raining and I had a leak over my head and woke up towards the end of the trip.  Tomorrow we are going to the University of Peace for some classes and then we are headed to the beach for surf lessons.

Hello friends and family!  Pura Vida!

Bonnie
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1 comment:

  1. UnknownJuly 8, 2009 at 12:27 PM

    Bonnie: it was great to hear your comments on the tree-top rain forest. I hope you remembered your health-insurance is pending when you walked acroos the swinging bridge. I don't think I could ever made myself do that! Take care and have a wonderful trip.

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