Submitted by Katelyn Shelly on the 2019 winter session program in Costa Rica sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures…
For the first two and a half weeks here in Costa Rica, we mostly stayed within the Central Valley. This is the most populated area right in the center of the country, surrounded on all sides by mountain ranges. It was a great experience exploring this area with our excursions to San José, to Alajuela, to the Irazú Volcano, and other traditional cities. However, during our third week, we finally got to experience a whole different side of this beautiful country. We left the Central Valley for a long weekend in the beach town of Manuel Antonio. This town on the Pacific Coast is home to one of the most famous and beautiful national parks in the world, Manuel Antonio National Park. Inside the park, we were able to walk through densely forested areas full of exotic wildlife to picturesque beaches. I loved watching the monkeys jump from tree to tree playing with each other and even trying to steal snacks from unsuspecting tourists!
Our experience in Manuel Antonio was very different from our time within the Central Valley. There was more wildlife and tropical features that most people think of when they imagine Costa Rica. It was very interesting to compare the two. So far, we have enjoyed moderate/warm weather in the Central Valley (70-80 degrees), cool and windy weather in the high altitudes of the Irazú Volcano mountain range (temperatures in the 50s), and finally in Manuel Antonio the hot and sunny weather of the coast (temperatures in the 90s).
Another important place we visited this week is Café Britt. Café Britt is a Costa Rican company that produces and markets gourmet coffee, chocolate and other products. They create and sponsor coffee-related tourism and education throughout the country and the world. During our coffee tour at Café Britt, we learned all about this in addition to how the coffee is grown, roasted, etc. We all know that coffee is a staple here in Costa Rica and has played an integral role in the country’s history and economy and still does today. Because of this, my experience at Café Britt definitely made me feel more connected and immersed in the Costa Rican culture and has helped me understand and appreciate it even more. From now on, I think I will appreciate my cup of coffee with my host mother each morning a little bit more.
