Orosi Valley
At
the end of their first full week in Costa Rica, the group visited the
agriculturally rich Orosi Valley, known for its production of high grades
of coffee. A road circles the valley and crosses the Cachí Dam, which
generates hydroelectric power for surrounding cities. The Valley is
also home to the historic church ruins at Ujarrás, constructed from
limestone between 1681 and 1683.
After
seeing the ruins, SSTers visited the shop of a woodcarver (at right,
with Corey and Sara P.) who uses coffee roots as his medium, and then
had a picnic lunch overlooking the Valley. On their return to the capital,
the students stopped in Cartago to view the
magnificent Basílica, the cathedral that serves as the catholic
spiritual center for the Costa Rican people.
- Sam, Eliot, Rachel, Kimberly, Leah, Sarah C., Corey and Alison
at the mirador (overlook)
over the Orosi Valley.
- Leah, Sara P., Sam and Jonathan H. fascinated with a lizard.
During
the students' 6-week stay in San José, their typical day consists
of language classes in the morning at CONVERSA, followed by a lecture
at Colegio Universitario de Monterrey (CUM) on such themes as peace
and justice, Latin American theology, Costa Rican politics, and Costa
Rican culture. Each Wednesday noon, Launa and Brent host the students
for lunch at Casa Goshen. A time of worship, sharing, and fun follows
each meal.
- Sarah A., Leah, and Andrea with language teacher Leda at CONVERSA.
- Sara A., Rachel, Sarah C., and Kimberly at Casa Goshen.
