Independence Day in Costa Rica

Today is Independence Day in Costa Rica as well as Mexico and all the other countries of Central America (they were all together when they became independent from Spain in 1821, and then they split up into separate countries later on).

 

Click here to watch a video about Independence Day.

Last night there were lots of celebrations.  You can see the woman in the black suit, Laura Chinchilla, who is Costa Rica’s President.  She is walking with children carrying faroles, or lanterns, that they make in tons of creative ways as part of the celebration.

Costa Rica does not have an army, so the celebration is more a celebration of peace than a military celebration like in many other countries.

There’s a speech, but keep watching.  Later in the video you can see a torch being lit in the old capital of Cartago, outside of San José.  The torch comes through all the countries of Central America.

If you are one of our Costa Rican readers, how did you celebrate today or last night?

Help Our Costa Rican Friends!

You can help some Costa Rican friends on a project!  Watch and read below.

They are asking people to send them pictures with themselves, a yellow arrow in the size they told in the video, and a smile (the most important part)!

They want to get all the photos possible from around the world.  This is part of a school project they are doing.

If you would like to participate, send your photo to the e-mail mentioned in the video.  If you are a kid, you have to ask permission at home before you take and send a photo.  We have already sent some pictures from Northeast Metro 916 Career and Tech Center in White Bear Lake, MN.  It’d be great to send some more.

Make a comment here if you send a picture.  We’d love to know!

IMPORTANT!  You have to act fast, like THIS WEEKEND.  Their deadline already passed, but they still need help – hope you can do it!

Changing Purpose

This blog is changing its purpose!  It’s been a log of my trip to Costa Rica this last summer, but now it will shift to a record of how the project is evolving between schools in the East Metro, MN and Costa Rica.  Hope you’ll stick with us to hear about all our latest news.

(photo courtesy of Auntie P on Flickr)

Bilingual Joy

I can’t begin to explain how more than ever, at the end of this trip, I am thankful to know two languages. Often people fall into the thought that English is enough – “everyone” learns English and so why bother? But I am so glad I am bilingual. My mind is open, my curiosities are easily satisfied, friendships forged with the first words out of my mouth in my new friend’s own language. So far the blog has not been tremendously personal but on this point I wanted to share my joy.

I have had so many deep conversations with a variety of Costa Rican people about challenges faced here as well as in the US, about perceptions of each culture, and just about hilarious things, too. On a personal level this trip has been very rewarding because of this sharing and friendships, and I wouldn’t have been able to arrive at this happy point without my command of Spanish.

The experience is even richer when both parties are bilingual in each other’s languages, because with the knowledge on both sides together we can really dive deep into any topic, even if one side or the other is missing some vocabulary or cultural background. Having learned another language and some of its culture, each person realizes that cultural practices might be the same or might be different, but for the most part the conversation seems to take place with few assumptions. It’s a very special scenario for me.

I hope you don’t take my post as bragging. Learning Spanish has been a passion of mine for a long time and it is just so wonderful to once again really harvest the sweet fruits of my efforts.

I wish for any language learner to have a similar experience – and one doesn’t need to be super fluent to have it. Even beginning speakers can explore the world of bilingualism – the cultural learning, the empathy gained, the success of even simple communication. So if you are interested in learning languages, GO FOR IT!!

Weekend in Limón

Well, as I sit down to write this blog, I realize we didn’t take any pictures! Oh no!!

We spent this weekend in Limón with Yesenia from CEDES and her family Luis, Lorenzo and Emiliano as well as many aunts, cousins, uncles, etc. On Saturday we went to Cahuita National Park to do snorkeling, which was gorgeous. The sea was warm and clear and the sand soft and squishy – all in all, one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen.

The best part of the weekend, though, was spending it with really kind people and getting to chat about everything under the sun. We also played a rousing game of volleyball!! 🙂 So here’s our one picture of the weekend. Look closely and you might find me in the clothes I was wearing before I got soaked the hose 🙂

– Spread the word about the blog! 🙂 Sra. McCully

The Dogs We’ve Met

Costa Rica is a dog country. I was in several homes and none had cats, but many had dogs. One student I met confirmed this when I asked. Dogs are much more popular than cats in this country!

Since it is nice outside and many houses have a private patio/yard, dogs can safely stay outside in a secure area. They can come in the house as the owner wishes.

Tito and Toti Tito sounds like a little piggy! 🙂

Amy, all fur!

Blackie, the Chihuahua puppy

Nena and Bella, Mom and daughter poodles. Ok, I couldn’t get a picture of both of them. They were two bubbly and active ladies.

– Spread the word about the blog! 🙂 Sra. McCully

Who is Don Bosco?

As you may have already read, CEDES Don Bosco is a Catholic institution. But who is this man for whom the school is named?

Saint John Bosco
(photo from Wikipedia)

Don Bosco was an Italian priest who started the Salesian order. That’s what’s behind the name CEDES: Centro de Educación Salesiana, or Salesian Education Center. Salesians around the world are dedicated to every variety of youth education. There are Salesians on every continent.

Born Giovanni Melchiorre Bosco in Italy in 1815, (English: John Bosco, Spanish: Juan Bosco), Don Bosco had a dream from very young that he interpreted to mean that he was to educate and assist youth. He believed in providing kindness, religion, and reason. In other words, teaching wasn’t just about books and desks for him. It was about community and fulfilling the needs of the students as well as providing a space for academics and religion.

I am not a Don Bosco expert and you can certainly Google him if you would like more information. I hope if any readers from CEDES have other important information to add, you will add it in the comments. It is important to understand at least something about this man whose name and philosophy are such a part of CEDES Don Bosco. It’s the reason why CEDES is located in one of the poorest neighborhoods of San José. It’s the reason for the focus on technical education. It’s the reason for the kindness in the interactions between students and teachers, as well as for the integration of activities such as physical education courses and music classes. It’s the reason there is a dental clinic on site, and why there is the Professional Training Center for students who have dropped out of school.

Why the “Don” in Don Bosco? I read in one place that it is what all Italian priests are called with Don before the family name. In Spanish “don” is for a respected elder – more respectful than “Señor.” Don Bosco became a saint in 1934.

– Spread the word about the blog! 🙂 Sra. McCully

Centro de Formación Profesional

CEDES Don Bosco’s programs are numerous, as you have already seen. I learned about yet another today: Centro de Formación Profesional, or Professional Training Center. This program is an opportunity for students who may have dropped out of school completely or just not succeeded in the typical school environment. They can learn a trade and complete academics through 9th grade. All students also learn computer skills.

We were able to visit the following programs:

Graphic Arts

Electricity

We also visited Refrigeration/A/C. There is also a Cosmetology program.

– Spread the word about the blog! 🙂 Sra. McCully

Animal Extravaganza

On Wednesday we went to Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific Coast.

With the help of our excellent guide, Freddy, we were privileged to see:
-2-toed sloth (2)
-3- toed sloth (4)
-Howler monkeys about to have a fight
-Squirrel monkeys
-Caiman
-Jesus Christ lizard (because it appears to be able to walk on water – it runs on its hind legs)
-Black iguana
-Crabs
-Bats
-Bairds trogon (orange bird) (Freddy had only ever seen one other one in three years of working at this park)
-Baby green iguana

Pictures! (Taken through the telescope)

Howler Monkey

3-toed Sloth

Bairds Trogon

In the afternoon we spent about an hour trying to body surf some waves at this beautiful beach before a thunderstorm blew in and chased us out. Boo! Fun while it lasted, though!

– Spread the word about the blog! 🙂 Sra. McCully

Kayaking

Tuesday was a memorable outing!

We took the bus to a Pacific coast community called Quepos this morning. The ride was hot, but it was beautiful there and worth the ride.

In the afternoon, we kayaked in a mangrove area. Mangroves are almost like bushes that grow in estuaries – where fresh water and salt water mixes. They extend the land into the sea by their aerial roots. We saw lots of wildlife, most notably white-faced monkeys! So curious! These are some of the most intelligent monkeys.

– Spread the word about the blog! 🙂 Sra. McCully