Making New Friends

Today we got to know Costa Rica -- both the country and the people. We are so lucky to be visiting a country that is so welcoming to us and so appreciative of music. In the morning we had a tour of the city of San Jose which included a tour of the National Museum and a visit the Central Park. In the afternoon and evening we went to the Basilica de Santo Domingo where we rehearsed for our shared evening concert. We had a concert exchange with the Coro Choir, a Costa Rican choir. We sang for them, they sang for us, and we sang a Costa Rican song together. After the rehearsal, we attended a mass at the basilica, then we performed for the congregation. What a wonderful experience! We have truly made many new friends today. Even though we don't speak the same language, our shared love of music made it feel like we had knew each other. The audience was very responsive and made us feel so welcome. The music we have performed here will always remind us of the warm people of Costa Rica.

Visiting the National Museum.

A pedestrian walk in downtown San Jose.

Holly Pellitier, Nicki Bonura and Jack Bonura in front of the National Museum.

The National Museum is in a former fort that was occupied by the army. This room was actually a communal latrine. Talk about multi-tasking!

Kids in the courtyard at the National Museum.

An impromptu concert at the shopping mall where we had lunch.

Meeting the Coro Choir.

Rehearsal at the Basilica.

Performing at the Basilica.

Dillon McGrath and a new friend.

Caitlin Giddings and a Coro Choir member.

Combined Shasta and Coro Choirs performing "Cana Dulce."

Outside the Hotel Bougainvillea where we had a late dinner.

Dinner.

Dinner.

Dinner.

Dessert!

Nicki Sarti and Aaron Vogt dancing after dinner to the sounds of the sax.

The end of a wonderful day.

INBioparque and Conservatory de Castella

Today we went to INBioparque, a conservation park which gives an overview of all the different biodiversity in Costa Rica. We got to see plants and animals from all regions of the country in guided tours. We learned all about Costa Rica's unique approach to conservation and eco-tourism. Twenty-five percent of Costa Rica is set aside as parks and preserves.
We were very lucky to spy a three-toed sloth high above us in the trees.

We saw iguanas like this one all over the park.

Our guides had us search the trees looking for the sloths.

This is our group in the butterfly area. We saw many colorful species...

...including these very rare ones...

...and this friendly species who liked our guide.

Betsy and Krista Judge wanted their photo taken with the iguanas in the background.

Savanna Galloway had butterfly magic.

We had a delicious buffet lunch at the park.

We had an exchange concert with Coro del Conservatorio de Castella, a high school for the arts. We had two different dance classes perform for us, and then we performed for their students.

We were warmly received by the Conservatorio students. They especially liked our rendition of
Cana Dulce, a traditional Costa Rican song.

After the concert, we got to go to a souvenir factory that uses indigenous woods to make jewelry and other gift items

This is relaxing after shopping for souvenirs.

Gavin Graham trying out a hammock. He has found his true talent.

Violet Sharp and Danna Draper like to shop.

Karina and April have spent all their money:)

Austin and Violet enjoyed the tour.

Mr. Perez and our guide Alex are working hard.

Dinner back at Casa Conde. Another great day.

We Have Arrived

Sooo happy to be off the plane!

Not only did our whole group make it to Costa Rica, all our luggage did too.

After long lines at customs. immigration and the currency exchange, our tour guides greeted us with sunny smiles and put us on their luxury buses to take us to our hotel in San Jose.

Arriving at our hotel, Casa Conde.

Happy to be done with our travels for the day.

Relaxing at the patio restaurant.

Sam is thrilled with her lunch (which was delicious, no matter what you think of the look on her face.)

Our hotel is a number of quaint, vine-covered buildings around a central plaza. It is completely self-contained, with only one entrance/exit, its own security, restaurant, pool, jacuzzi, saunas, and exercise room.

The restaurant overlooks the blue-tiled pool.

After 24 hours of travel, a cool swim was welcome.

The weather is humid, but not too hot, with a gentle breeze -- perfect for relaxing outside.

We have all enjoyed the open air dining, and so far no bugs.

The fruit juice if great!

We are touring in the lap of luxury!

On Our Way

Can you see how excited we are to go to Costa Rica? We are excited, but lots of waiting before we get there, starting in the cafeteria.

What a great day to travel! We're all alert and ready to leave.

After a bus ride, a long check-in in San Francisco, and a red-eye flight to Houston, Mr. Perez is ready for a nap!

Tim Mathison needed a rest as well.