Submitted by Racquel Joseph on the 2016 winter session program in Costa Rica sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures…
This past Sunday, we visited Cartago, but more specifically, we visited the Irazú Volcano, the ruins of Ujarrás, and the Basilica of our Lady of the Angels (Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles). While at the Irazú Volcano, we walked inside of an older crater of the volcano, while looking out at the newest crater (that had erupted in 1963). We also traveled to the highest point of the volcano, which is 11,260 feet. At the ruins of Ujarrás, we had time to explore the oldest ruins in Costa Rica. The ruins were very beautiful and impressive, filled with many carvings of initials and various graffiti. At the Basilica, we were able to walk through the most important church in Costa Rica. There were walls containing old charms shaped like body parts that people had left at the Basilica in hopes of curing their ailments. The church was one of the most beautiful buildings I have been into. There was also holy water there, in which many people were filling water bottles.
I have never been to a volcano before; therefore, I was very amazed by the beauty of the volcano. I was not expecting to walk inside of a crater and see such great views. I also knew that there was less oxygen at high altitudes, but I was not expecting it to be as noticeable as it was. I was not expecting the ruins of Ujarrás to be in such a small, quaint place. The environment surrounding the ruins seemed more like a small park, rather than a place where such an important structure remains. I knew that in the Basilica there would be many people praying and really grasping the church, but I was not expecting there to be such a large amount of participation. Everyone had bottles and bottles to fill with holy water. It was truly amazing to see this happening.
This excursion impacted me because I was able to see the world in a whole new way at the top of the volcano. It was remarkable to be above the clouds and be standing in such a powerful piece of nature. I was also very impacted by the Basilica. As I said before, I have never been in such a beautiful building. I am definitely a religious person, but lately in college I have not been as in tune with my religion (Christianity). Going to the Basilica made me feel closer to God and appreciate my life. I think the Irazú Volcano is an important location because it (usually) shows the rapid climatic changes that are possible in Costa Rica. The ruins of Ujarrás are important because they are the oldest ruins still remaining in Costa Rica. The Basilica is important because it is the most important church in Costa Rica; the church also contains a very interesting backstory that is important to Costa Rican culture. I think this excursion was included because it contained a visit to a national park (we are contributing to the economy in Costa Rica, while also having a beautiful view), and a visit to two very important places in the nation. The Basilica was probably included since it is so significant to the “ticos,” for they even have a holiday where they travel to it called “La Romería.”