Next, Nicole and I were supposed to meet up with the other girls in Tileran to make our way to Monteverde. This was interesting because even though we left Nicoya at 6 am, we did not arrive in Tileran on time and we had missed the only bus to Monteverde that day. Luckily a taxi driver figured out what was going on and quickly drove us to meet the bus. We did not fully understand what we were doing until we arrived at the bridge.
My snazzy cooperating teacher, Harold
Nicole and I at the windmill project on our way to see Arenal
Lago Arenal
The bridge the bus to Monte Verde travels on was not wide enough to allow the bus to cross so the passengers had to walk across the bridge, a very muddy and wet bridge, to the other side. Here they get on a different bus that continues the trip to Monte Verde and here is where Nicole and I finally made our entrance on the correct bus. I am so glad we were able to meet up with the rest of the group because I really do not know what we would have done otherwise.
Monte Verde was incredible. I loved everything about the town. We stayed a little out of town at the Monte Verde Inn which turned out to also be the trail head for the Hidden Valley Trail. We all went to the canopy tour and it was by far the coolest thing I have ever done. It was truly amazing. We went through a cloud forest on multiple ziplines and all I could see below was the rainforest. Afterwards Nicole and I hiked the Hidden Valley Trail and it is safe to say I have never been on a better hike. Boone trails will never compare to the plants, animals, and pure atmosphere the rainforest has to offer.
This last week I am going to spend as much time with my family as possible. I am really going to miss them. Siany and I communicate in Spanglish a lot and we have decided that she is going to try to come and live with me in the US after she graduates next year. I hope she can because it would be a great experience. I am not ready to leave this place. I love it here!
Me standing in front of the largest tree I have ever seen.
The coolest stump
Waterfall in the rainforest we hiked behind our cabin
Our view of the sunset in Monte Verde
My "mom" Sileny and I
My "sister" Siany and I