Friday 2-22-08 - Off to Punta Arenas and visit to elementary school

Friday - It was sad to leave the beautiful "El Establo" and venture off to Punta Arenas. On the way to the DoubleTree Resort, we stopped at a local elementary school. I thought nothing could top the zip lines, but when I saw how Costa Rican students welcomed us with smiles and hugs, this quickly became the highlight of everyone's trip. The students embraced us, our students played soccer with them, and we signed autographs for them...hahaha. It truly was a unique and gratifying experience that touched each and every one of us that visited the school.

The EHHS and Wagner students playing soccer with the Costa Rican kids. They loved it.

Ari actually washed and brushed her hair today.

Shot of the school - It's amazing how the teachers are able to teach effectively and achieve with the little resources they have. It made a lot of us appreciate what we have and how we take it for granted.

Mrs. Marion refused to take her bracelet off after our stay at El Establo. It had been three days and started to reak. That is why none of the kids wanted to take a photo with her. Ari, the good samaritan and model student that she is, felt sorry for Mrs. Marion and decided to take a photo. Ari actually had to hold her breath for this shot.

We actually walked in during an English lesson. Most Costa Ricans know how to speak English.

Larson, Brochu, and Bajana doing research on the correlation of school uniforms and higher order thinking. I think we might see them for the upcoming year. If we do, you can thank those three.

Ummm. I just kicked the ball with my flip flops and I stubbed my toe. Now my toenail is going to turn black and fall off. Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy?

Lindsay, one of the Wagner chaperones and Miles interacting with the little guys.

Lindsay pretty much took over the class and started to sing and dance with the students. I thought the teacher was going to drop kick her.

The students were very ambitious. Most of them were inspired by the show CSI and wanted to get into forensics or some type of police investigative work. Others wanted to be engineers, doctors, and some wanted to get involved in politics.

2-22-08 - Crocodile River Tour/Birdwatch and arrival to Double Tree Hotel

Friday - After what seemed like a 7 hr bus ride, we finally made it to the Crocodile River tour. After a heated debate about the differences between a croc and a gator, we finally came to a consensus: Crocs are ugly shoes and should be banned for two reasons: 1) They are ugly as heck, and 2) they are not safe. Mr. Martinez tripped a couple times when he wore his.

All aboard.

Everyone waiting to see a crocodile. Cody, do not feed the crocodiles or the birds. Cody!!! Don't feed the captain, either.

Below are photos of birds that we also saw on this tour. I will do my best to name them and provide their scientific name from memory. I know, I'm that smart.

Here we have a chicken hawk aka Pollo frito.

The rare yellow beak stork aka Deliverusinfantus.

This is a sharp-beaked quail.

Photo of a baby crocodile getting ready for a swim.

Hope the little turtle can make it back to land because these waters ain't safe!

Two more crocodiles. The scaly one on the left is a lot more vicious than the one on the right.

A red dragon croc. Very rare in these parts.

Mr. Martinez and the crocs. Once you feed them they are very friendly.

Boom and Luke still arguing about the differences between a crocodile and an alligator.

How many more birds are we going to see? You've seen one bird, you've seen them all.

A bald - headed eagle.

A duck.

...and five turkeys.

Diane and Joy hanging out at the gift shop after the tour.

Wagner students getting together for a shot. REPRESENT!!!

2-22-08 - Arrival at the Doubletree Resort in Punta Arenas and hanging out at the beach

Friday afternoon - We arrived at the Doubletree Resort on Friday afternoon. The students were excited because the resort was right on the beach, the pool was huge, and they served food all day and all night!!! The resort was indeed beautiful, and everyone enjoyed the 2 night stay at the Doubletree.

Arrival at the Doubletree after hours on the bus.

EHHS and Wagner students waiting in line to check in to the Doubletree.

Kelly had some shiny leg warmers on and Diane was blinded by the light.

A shot of the pool area.

Mr. Bacon and Michael exploring the options...Hmmmm, fried squirrel back or boiled lizard legs? Opciones, opciones, opciones.

The gals enjoying the buffet. Merrill had the fried Tarantula neck with rice and Diane had the Teriyaki Scorpion with sauteed onions. A delicacy in Costa Rica.

Our Latin Connection eating American food in Costa Rica: pizza, hamburgers, and fries.

Another fabulous shot!!!

Dining canopy - This is where Mr. Martínez allegedly ate 6 hard-boiled eggs, an omelet, bacon, and French toast. On the other hand, Mrs. Marion actually had an omelet, scrambled eggs, 5 strips of bacon, 5 slices of French toast with butter and syrup, and 4 pastries (2 for the afternoon excursion)!!! Mr. Bacon had a slice of toast and water.

Here are some shots of the resort.

En la playa

Travelling can be exhausting!

Enjoying the waves. Natialie, watch out for that riptide!

Get closer...Don't be shy!

There ya go!

Class of '08 should be grateful for this shot. My sneakers were soaked while taking this pic and those Seniors did not forewarn me that the water was getting closer.

Class of '09!!! Lone representee, Ari.

Deeener at the Doubletree. It's OK David. Hay más comida!