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.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

WAHOO!!!


!!! It is exactly one week in Costa Rica and it seems like we’ve been here either a day or a whole month at the same time! WHAT an adventure- everyday is cram packed with new experiences, both small and large, amazing and terrifying. Tarantula would come under the combined category of large AND terrifying. However, there is a good side to everything. The sighting of the gargantuum spider in our room has put quite the perspective on the “smaller ones” that line the wall next to my bed. I now look on them with friendly appreciation, and just hope that nothing ELSE will arrive that will give me perspective on the TARANTULA!!! Although many Costa Ricans do speak English very well, I am making an honest effort to learn some Spanish- practicing on the porch the other day my friend inquired, “Como esta usted?” to which I very enthusiastically replied- “SE LLAMMO WHITNEY!!!” which loosley translated means, “THEY NAMED WHITNEY!!!” fail. Let’s hope my talents lie in other areas.
I have only a short amount of time to write. The wildlife is incredible, biodiversity staggering, people awesome, new friends, new sunburns- but the thing that hits me the most about Costa Rica are the people. Costa Rica is scientifically named the “happiest country in the world” and while this seems cheesy- it is actually very much so true. The atmosphere here is so- relaxed. No one is in a rush or hurry, and every moment of the day- good or bad- is enjoyed. The locals are constantly joking- a teasing sense of humor that I got the best of me the other day while we were at the ziplining place. Observing my terrorized face as the guide attached my harness to the cords that strung over 100 feet high over the canopy, he asked me seriously, “Would you mind telling the guide on the other side that this link is broken? You should be fine for a couple rides more- but just let him know. “
WHAT?!?!?!!? I eventually figured out he WAS joking- but I did spend at least one zipline clutching my harness fearfully, making sure my helmet was on tight, and trying to spot a branch belowthat I could possibly catch onto while I fell to my death.
As many who know me can attest- I would sooner jump off a cliff then wake up in the morning before 10am- but as a ditiful member of the bird team I am actually EXCITED to wake up at the barbaric hour of FIVE THIRTY AM!!! The rainforest wakes up early and the best viewing hours for wildlife and birds is- well in the morning! The possibility of seeing endangered species like the scarlet makaw and spider monkeys is more then enough to get me out of my slightly damp bed. I don’t even need my alarm clock- the local howler monkeys do the job for me :D
BAH have to get back to the station before the snakes come out- hope everyone out there is doing as amazing as I am!

pura vida!

whitney
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