Early Tuesday Morning in Miami 2-19-08

Tuesday - 2-19-08



3:57 in the morning and they are still kicking. Outside waiting for our shuttle bus.












We arrived at Miami Airport around 2 a.m. Mr. Bacon took the students to the baggage claim even though there was no baggage to claim. The baggage was already being transferred to the other plane for the next flight. Mrs. Marion and I stood in line for about half an hour to book the hotel. Needless to say, American Airlines gave us breakfast, lunch, and dinner vouchers and put us up in a very nice hotel. Although we weren't able to stay in the hotel long (4 hrs), the students had nice rooms to stay in for the night and even received complimentary toothbrushes, toothpaste, deoderant, and razors to shave. After the vultures devoured the gifts, Mr. Bacon and I were left with choices of Lady Speedstick, guano paste, and a wire brush. I'll tell you what, Mr. Bacon did smell powdery fresh the next morning, but by the end of the day he did find out that it was strong enough for a man, but pH balanced for a woman. I didn't bother asking him how he came to that conclusion. :)









We need some sleep!!!









Wake up call was at 7 and we were out of the hotel at 8. Checked in the airport, had a 1200 calorie Burger King breakfast, went through immigration, and we were ready to go. Just a tad tired.
















Hanging out in Miami before our flight to Costa Rica!

Costa Rica - PURA VIDA!!! Tuesday 2-19-08

Tuesday


2-19-08 - Afternoon in Costa Rica







We finally landed in Costa Rica about 1:00, claimed our luggage, went through customs, and on the bus. We were greeted by German the singing tour guide. We were a day behind, so German picked us up and brought us to the hotel where we meet up with the group of students from Wagner, which is a high school in Staten Island. It was a long ride filled with geography, history, and a lot of singing from our tour guide. I

asked him for a CD, but he was fresh out. We finally arrived at the Arenal Country Inn, checked in, and pretty much called it a night. Everyone was pretty much wiped out from the long bus ride, but the night was young, and we had a nice retreat waiting for everyone after a long trip. A nice relaxing soak in the volcanic hot springs.

Here's a clip of German, the singing tour guide showcasing one of his other many talents.

In Arenal, there is an active volcano. That volcano is what heats the springs that we visited that night.


Here's a shot of the waterfall. Sitting under the falls was "very therapeutic" according to Mr. Bacon.









Luke going down the slide into the heated pool.





















I have an important announcement to make. I'm sliding down the slide everyone.
















Tickets to the mini-gun show were included in the price of the trip.



















Mrs. Marion lasted about one hour before she went into the gift shop and purchased the ugliest pink Bahama shorts imaginable and went in the hot springs for a bit with the girls. She was glad she didn't miss out - Only in Costa Rica once!

***UPDATE*** - Fortunately for her, someone walked off with this horrible outfit and now that poor soul is walking around Costa Rica tacky!!!

Hot Springs Dinner 2-19-08

2-19-08 - Tuesday night

After we enjoyed our soak in the hot springs, dinner was provided a-la buffet style for the two groups. This was our first time meeting the group from Staten Island. They had 11 students - 9 girls and 2 boys. Our students mingled into the other group during the excursions.

Getting dried up and ready for deeeener.

Group pic...Some of you should've brought dry shorts for dinner.

They always smile for the camera. Luke got stuck in Boom's locks.

Fabulous!!!

Un brindis. Salud!

Joy trying Sushi for the first time.

Arenal Country Inn pics

Here are some pics of the hotel that is located near the active volcano. You can see the pics of the volcano on the bottom. The peak is covered by the clouds.

We had separate cabins at this hotel. The
students had doubles or triples. A few of us woke up early in the morning and went swimming. Then we had eggs, fruit, toast, OJ, and potatoes at the outside restaurant before getting on the bus.