Students Learn Spanish The Fun Way - On Summer Vacation in Costa Rica
From the Lansing State Journal

Spanish classes from East Lansing High School are in Costa Rica, spending time with local families who speak only Spanish.

What better way to learn the language!

The group consists of 15 students, two teachers and one parent chaperone.

George Bitsicas, whose daughter Katina is on the trip, shared this e-mail that the group sent home this week.

Hi to all parents! PURA VIDA! (Super Cool!)

We are having a wonderful time here in Costa Rica!

We spent the first day (4th of July) in Sarchi, the seat of Costa Rican handiwork, and saw artists painting ox carts, and did some shopping.

US dollars and colones are both accepted here.

All the students AND the adults spent time with their families learning how to prepare Costa Rican dishes.

In the evening, each pair had to explain (in Spanish) how they made the dish, and then we got to eat them all.

They all did so well!

We had arroz con pollo, salsa fiesta, salsa vainica, pan, and many other dishes.

Later, with the help of the staff here, we surprised the kids with a bonfire, and marshmallows to roast.

We sang "The Star Spangled Banner," though not very well, in honor of the day, then returned to the dining porch for music, talking and laughing before going back to the family homes for the night.

All of the home(s) are within walking distance from the Rancho. Each morning, the kids walk in pairs to meet us here at the Rancho.

Today, we were taken by bus (air conditioned) to the Tirimbini Rainforest (a national park with ties to the Wisconsin Natural Museum).

The rainforest was spectacular with suspension bridges (very safe) and huge trees.

Surprisingly, no mosquitoes, or at least none that bothered us, but it was hot and humid.

We then went on a boat ride down the Siripiqui River and saw monkeys, crocodiles, iguanas, and viewed the rainforest flora and fauna from below.

... Our guide each day, Alan, speaks both Spanish and English, but tries to give most of the info in Spanish so the kids learn to listen to it.

We really appreciate the lengths the staff goes to here to ensure that we are all having a good time, are well cared for and safe. A very good program!

It is expensive to use the Internet here, so we will be in touch from time to time, but perhaps not each day.

Our itinerary is jam packed with wonderful activities, so we do not always have much down time.

Tomorrow we will travel to the Arenal Volcano and the hot springs, then return for dinner and learning to dance, Costa Rican style!

Please know that we think of you often, we are having fun, learning a lot, and we will be eager to share everything with you when we get home!

Hasta otra vez (Until next time)

- Los Ticos de East Lansing