Day 2- Visiting the Bribri People !

Tuesday was extraordinary! We woke up at 5 am to board our bus that led us on an excursion through the rainforest. Our bus traveled up windy hills, crossed streams, and tackled the brush as we arrived in Puerto Viejo. From there, we traveled by canoe miles away to meet the indigenous people of Costa Rica, the Bribri people. Our journey alone was an experience, teaching us first hand the way of life of another culture.

We met the leader of the tribe who showed us around his village, taught us how to shoot the bow and arrow, weave a common village hut roof, and make chocolate from the cocoa crop. We ate a scrumptious lunch, including chicken, breadfruit, rice, beans, heart of palm, star fruit juice, and money tail (Don’t worry, it’s a veggie!)

The entire day was a humbling experience. Malcolm decided he should write Hershey’s and stop them from putting in preservatives and chemicals because “ that chocolate was way better!” We said goodbye to the Bribri people after supporting their women’s group and purchasing some homemade souvenirs.

Our journey back was just as beautiful as the first, but was even better when we returned to the bus to find out about an exciting surprise. Because we trekked so far and missed the sea turtle Wednesday night, the sea turtle conservation group invited us to help with the release of hour-old leatherback baby sea turtles!

After saying good-bye to the newborns, we did some body surfing and took advantage of being in a very well known surf spot. We took a cab and went back into town to do some souvenir shopping. (Parents – You’re getting some great presents!)

I am sure none of the students will ever forget this day. They experienced a completely different way of life, spending the day with the Bribri people. They got to hold and release baby sea turtles into their natural habitat! It was an amazing day that has opened our eyes to just how lucky we are to be here.