Entry 2: 5/28/11

San Luis Biological Reserve: Zip-lining and Tarzan jump experience

This morning we took the trek to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. The entire drive was uphill and very bumpy but the ride was definitely worth it for what we were about to experience! Once we put all of our equipment on, we headed out to zip-line! Before we actually arrived at Selvatura I was sure I would not be nervous at all, but once I was actually up on the zip-line I was more worried than I thought. The stopping part really made me nervous, I was worried I would not see the stop signal or not be able to stop myself. In the end I did not have a problem with any of it!

Prior to zip-lining I was picturing one big zip-line but we actually went on 13 zip-lines total. Some of zip-lines required you to ride with someone else, where the person in the front doesn’t have to do anything and the person in the back controls the movements. Zip-lining was such an awesome experience with a great view and provided an adrenaline rush! This has been my favorite part of my study-abroad experience so far because it was great to see how encouraging all of the girls were. It was also great to see the girls conquer their fear of heights! I am so lucky to be able to share this experience with a great group of girls!

Entry 1: 5/16/11

This Monday morning we visited and toured the Chiquita banana plantation where we learned about Chiquita’s Nature and Community Project, as well as the field and manufacturing process of bananas.

As a group we first went out into the field and the first process we saw was re-planting where an older banana plant was uprooted and replanted in order to regenerate its growth. We also saw the process of fruit protection, and after visiting the plantation I now understand how important it is to keep the bananas as unharmed as possible. If a banana has a bad spot or bruise it is discarded and does not make it through the process. The last part we saw was the manufacturing part of the plantation where the bananas are inspected, checked for size and then cleaned. The process may sound somewhat slow but in actuality it a very quick process.

After we left the plantation we went back to the main offices and were able to look at homemade crafts made by some of the women. Many of the crafts were made from banana fiber and I actually purchased a handmade toucan figurine in a banana fiber box. The whole trip to the plantation was very interesting to see and learn about the process that the bananas go through before they arrive at the supermarket.