Weekend at the Osa Peninsula

Sunday morning we left for the Osa Peninsula. We knew the bus ride was going to be a long one, but we had no idea how long, and eventful, it would really be. What was supposed to be a 5 to 7 hour drive turned in to more like 8 to 10. It included getting to one point and having a giant hole in the ground where the road should be, turning around and trying to find another way with our giant tour bus and all of us having to get out of the bus as it tried to cross a tiny bridge, just in case it didn´t work haha. We had to take boats the rest of the way to where we were staying since there are not roads to access it. The place we stayed was so cool, in the middle of the rainforest just a little ways up from the beach, and we were the only people staying there.  We stayed in tents built on wooden platforms up on a hill overlooking the forest and the ocean. The place had a big open lodge area where we ate our meals and hung out at night and during our free time. We were the first group to ever stay there and the people were so nice and welcoming to us. 

Monday we went, by boat again, to the national park in the area and hiked all day and swam in a waterfall. My group had this great guide that never wears shoes... even in the middle of the rainforest. He was crazy but super intelligent and showed us tons of cool stuff on our hikes. We had great weather, no rain and tons of sunshine.

Tuesday we took boats out to Cano Island, right off the coast of the peninsula. The weather wasn´t as great as the day before but it was still fun. We hung out on the beach for a little while and went snorkeling at the coral reef right off the coast. I wasn´t sure how I was going to feel about snorkeling since I had never been and am not always a fan of deep water and fish, but I loved it and I got to see so many cool fish. Wednesday was all travel again, this time not as eventful or as long. The whole trip was absolutely incredible and such a cool experience that I know I will never forget. My only regrets is that I forgot to bring my camera (but no worries... I will be stealing tons of pictures from everyone else on the trip) and that I am absolutely covered in bug bites. 

This afternoon we are going to La Selva research station (not sure what to expect there) and then tomorrow to Puerta Viejo, a beach town on the Caribbean coast. I am really excited to hopefully get some good weather and quality beach time in with everyone. It will be one of the last chances we get to hang out like this before we have to leave the country.

We have been super busy but it has been so worth it. I can´t believe all the things we have seen and experienced so far. There is lots more to do in the next week or so, including some school work, a project and presentation, and a final exam. I am not ready for this trip to be over or to leave all the people I have gotten so close with. But I am excited for what the next couple of days has to offer.