Costa Rica Trip Day 3: Service Project and Friendly #2
Written by junior Louis Joslyn
Tuesday, Aug. 5 - Day three was a very busy, very exciting day of our Costa Rica trip. We began the day with another spectacular breakfast provided by our hotel’s staff. Following breakfast we were instructed to pack up and prepare for checkout. We would return to the hotel for lunch, but will not stay there again until the 10th.
After checking out, we boarded the bus and headed towards a care center for underprivileged children in the San Jose area. Upon arrival we were introduced to the center’s principal who told us the center’s mission: to provide the kids with a safe environment where they have positive role models. When we met the kids, they sang songs in unison and shouted bienvenidos (welcome!). In response, we sang ‘if you’re happy and you know it’ and said our names.
After introductions, we were allowed to play with the kids. Some played soccer, but most just wanted us to carry or swing them around. They were ecstatic to see us and it certainly made our day to see them so happy.
After an hour of playing, we were exhausted and the kids had to go to class. We played one last game, hokey-pokey, and then said our goodbyes. We boarded the bus and headed to lunch.
After lunch, we began our journey to the Arenal Volcano Region, about three hours northwest of San Jose. This region is known for its mountainous landscape and rainforest environment. Specifically, we were en route to San Carlos, the destination of our next game. We played San Carlos’s reserve team in a stadium which could potentially hold 10,000 fans. For our game, San Carlos had a dedicated and passionate fan base of around 150. After trailing at halftime 1-0 ( an offsides non-call), we made a couple tactical adjustments. In the 60th minute, we scored off a cross to tie the game up at 1-1. Both sides continued to have chances but the game remained 1-1.
We still remain undefeated in Costa Rica and look forward to our final game later this week.
We once again boarded the bus and traveled another hour to our hotel. When we arrived, we were greeted with another fantastic meal consisting if chicken, spaghetti, vegetables, fruit, and Costa Rican desserts. I think we will all sleep very well after such a busy day.
Pura Vida!
Louis Joslyn