Day 5: Jaco Beach and Universidad Veritas

Buenos to all our family, friends and school colleagues!

Today was simply fantastic. We had a wonderful, relaxed, sun-filled day at Jaco Beach, later followed by an outstanding performance at the Universidad Veritas.

We started out our day bright and early with our tour guide, Charlton, who shared some valuable information about Costa Rica, while on our way to the Beach/Resort. He was able to share with us about some historical landmarks as well as some of the business and economic establishments that keep Costa Rica running. When we got out of the city and into the mountains, this is the kind of view we had...

Just breathtaking mountains and vegetation!

At one point in our trip to the resort, we actually stopped and walked across a bridge. Under which, there were CROCODILES! They were really cool :-) Sorry we don't have a picture yet for you.

When we got to Jaco Beach, we were in paradise....

I know exactly what you're thinking...."Rough Life!" Not so much. We were able to enjoy the warm Pacific ocean, riding the waves and enjoying the grand view. We also had the luxury of a pool in the resort as well. It was truly the best that paradise can offer.

Look! We even made a new friend :-) (Yes, he is real and very friendly)

After spending a few hours relaxing and swimming in the sun (some of us spent a little too much time in the sun...ouch) We made our trip back and prepared for our concert at the Universidad Veritas.

When we arrived at the University, Andres, our friend from the other day, gave us a really cool tour of the campus....

This was a great way for our students to see what higher education is like in Costa Rica. The Universidad Veritas has some of the latest, state-of-the-art facilities and they put it to great use! Some of the things we saw were:

-Library

-Multiple computer labs both Mac and PC

-3D Design Studio and Art displays

-TV and Video Production facilities

-Their wonderfully designed auditorium, where we would be performing....

Acoustic panels and Bose Sound Equipment

The view from the back...

The girls had a brief while to warm-up and get used to singing in the venue and then we waited for what would be an outstanding final performance of the trip. This performance will truly never be forgotten by anyone involved on this trip, especially those singing. Here is a picture of the whole group after the completion of the concert...

A fantastic group of people representing the USA :-)

After the concert, we were given a pizza dinner followed by an awesome DANCE CLASS! This was such a treat for all of us...

Soon after the class was over, we made our way back to the hotel to crash after a long day of Costa Rican fun. For tomorrow, we have an even LONGER day planned. We will be taking a tour of the Arenal Volcano and the Tabacon Hot Springs. We are leaving at 9AM and we don't plan to return until about 11PM. This tour should have some pretty fantastic pictures too! Check back soon!

Pura Vida (pure life, a popular Costa Rican saying)

-SHS WC and CSR WC