Greetings! Sorry about posting this so late, but we've had a very long day. A very fun day, at that.

Breakfast started at 8am and after getting a good night's sleep we were all bright eyed and bushy tailed and ready to go! We ate eggs, rice and beans, and fresh pineapple, which was incredibly delicious.  Then, Pablo took us on a tour of the plantation to see how the ants are affecting the crops they plant as well as getting a lay of the land. We saw a variety of plants: achiotillo (arsenic plant), cacoa tree, guava, palm, pineapple, macadamia, orange, etc... There was a plant where were were able to squeeze it and wash our hands out in the forest (pictures to come!!). To get back to the cabins, we trekked through the rainforest. Under logs, across streams, over muddy terrains, trying to keep up with Pablo as he was machete-ing his way though. We also had our first leaf-cutter ant sighting! The rainforest is a beautiful place and walking through the midst of all of it was a wonderful experience.
After the long trek, we were all hungry and ready for lunch. Once again, it was beyond delicioius, consisting of rice and beans (also, once again- but they're still stupendous) and beef.
After the nutritious lunch, we had a tour of the local community we are staying in. We bought ice cream made by some local people, in bags, and it only cost fifty cents! Coconut, cacoa, and cream flavors- que deliciosa! We saw the brand new basketball court, less than two months old and made possible by the Peace Corps and financial help from an WNBA player. We viewed the typical home that the locals live in- a very different life from the ones we have back home. Pablo introduced us to a 76 year old man who travels twenty five kilometers on horseback almost every week to continue sustaining his family. Wow! We also visited the local school, church, and saw the clinic we will be helping later this trip. The sun finally came out and we were ready for a swim. The pond we swam in had a bottom that consisted of pure mud. Your feet squished all the way down to the water and even when you got into the water. After enjoying the scenery and the subtle rainfall that had begun, we decided to head back to the cabin. Realizing that the mud was pretty much covering our bodies, we decided it would be a good idea to rinse off in the showers.
In our time before dinner, we were able to relax, photograph the humming birds, and enjoy one another's company while playing cards.
Dinner did not consist of rice and beans (to tell the truth, we kind of missed it...!) but did consist of chicken with caribbean sauce and mashed potatoes- the best I've ever eaten.
After dinner, Dr. Adrian Pinto arrived and we introduced formally to microbes and the scientific method. We found our groups and named them: Los Vaqueros, Las Hormigas de Fuego, Los Scientificos Locos, and Las Tortugas Moradas. Our first experiment was testing to see where microbes are the most present. Doing this at 9:00 at night, you would think that we would be slightly tired. In fact, we were just the opposite! Thrilled to be doing an official experiment!

It has been a long day; it is hard to believe that just yesterday we arrived and two days ago we were celebrating the 4th of July. We have already experienced so much about the Costa Rican culture and learned so much about the beautiful environment that surrounds us. We are looking forward to horseback riding tomorrow, continuing our experiments and improving our spanish skills.

Amanda's Poetry Corner:
Yesterday's poem...
WELCOME
Different scenes scratching the surface of my eyelids like irritating sand.
Once the polish returns, awe sets in.
The magnitude of the mountains, billowing clouds do hide.
Palmate leaves looking like welcoming hands do guide.
Liberia, the pathway's title.
Open air tunnels peak out beyond the trees, touches of civilization. 
Here we come, sweet wholesome stillness.

Today's poem...
PURITY
Clean at last!
That murky water now washed off,
purity by the exquisit crystal clear liquid comming pre-heated by the foucet in the wall.
Alas, as I peer out of the mesh window conjoining my purified world to the outside world.
A sublimly perched humming bird catches the cornner of my eye. 
Please come again soon little bird.
Clarity and calmness now setting in.

FROM!!!!!!!!
Olivia, Amanda, and Katie L   GO CABIN 1! :)