First full day in Monteverde!

¡Buenas noches! Today was our first full day in Monteverde, and, as expected, it has been an adventure. I mean, when you wake up at six in the morning and the sun is out in full force, you know the day is at least going to be interesting.

Today was our first arrival at Colegio and we were given the grand tour of the premises, which mostly consisted of giant-sized livestock and more food than we were prepared to eat. Our job was almost completely focused around cleaning a tool shed and the area surrounding it, and we were able to work very closely with the students and their teacher, Jorge. Thankfully, this situation allowed us to develop a working relationship and, perhaps, a blossoming friendship with these kind and enthusiastic people.

After our work day was over, there were still things to be done before we returned to our rooms for the night. Our merry band visited a local shop and bought lots of pants, and we then went back to the hotel for dinner and our Spanish lesson. I think Maggie may not think my attempts at humor are any good. At least she laughs and smiles a lot.

I also believe it pertinent to mention that, among the students we met, we have already made our first "friend." Wilmer, the Machete Master, tried to play the role of the shy little boy at first, but he showed us that he can be funny, friendly, and just as hard-working as anyone. Also, I think he likes Ellie.

Ellie and Wilmer

So ends our first day in Santa Elena. We worked our volunteer tails off for a few hours, and we returned to the inn beaten, muddy, and exhausted. But we will return tomorrow morning to do it all over again, because that's what the students of Colegio will do for their school.

P.S. Ellie went into the boys' bathroom. Also, she said "buenos días" when it was evening.

View of Colegio from forest trail

Entry submitted by: Justin

Message of the Day - Maggie Bjorklund: “I expect to pass through life but once.  If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again.”              - William Penn