Introductions

Hey Guys are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Well I am and I can't wait. Wondering who you are going to have to travel with that's not from your own hometown? I know when Leslie first met me in February she had her doubts. Anyway, if you want to get to know me go watch "Ice Age III, The Return of the Dinosaurs." My name is Buck. And I have three rules.....know them well!!

I would love to hear from you and what is the one thing that scares you the most about this trip (besides me).

Countdown T- 12 days!

Knoxville guys don't forget your homework assignment.

Pack for your Adventure

Once your flight takes off there’s no looking back so make sure you’re a perfect packer. Travelers, take note!! It is rainy season in Costa Rica so make sure you avoid clothes that won’t dry quickly. Nylon and spandex are great; cotton, not so good.

Here are our suggestions:

Carry-On Bag: We suggest a small backpack that rests on both shoulders. You will carry this during our activities, so make sure it is ready for an active journey and is comfortable!
• Cell phone, IPod, anything electronically powered
• Book, notepad and pens
• Camera and film/memory card, batteries; a waterproof bag to hold camera
• Sunglasses
• Comb/brush tissues
• 3 oz. maximum amounts of personal hygiene items in Ziploc bag
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• 1 change of clothing
• Snacks; must be professionally and individually packaged
Checked baggage:
• Cotton or lightweight long pants (convertible style pants work great!)
• 2 pairs comfortable walking shorts
• 7 t-shirts, or other comfortable lightweight
• short-sleeved shirts
• Windbreaker/ light sweater / sweatshirt
• 2 long-sleeved shirts for layering and sun protection
• At least 7 changes of underwear/socks
• 1-2 bathing suits with cover-up
• Pajamas
• Poncho for rain
• Comfortable walking/hiking shoes with good ankle support and rubber soles
• Sandals
• Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, waterproof sunblock and Lip balm
• Waterproof insect repellent
• Laundry detergent (purchase individual pouches)
• Empty reusable water bottle/canteen
• Shampoo/conditioner/soap
• Personal Items such as sanitary supplies, shaving kits/cosmetics

WISE words of advise from Costa Rica

The students from Amarillo, New Orleans, and DC had some words of advise...

DON'T leave home withOUT
Madison...dry-fit clothes
Alan...spending money & a way to call your mom to deposit MORE money!
Joe...more than one pair of shoes
Nathaniel...extra socks

Brenda...pants, NOT jeans, to wear through the rainforest
Desiree...pepto chewables
Miranda...travel detergent
Alex-the Driver...OLD shoes, they will get EXTRA muddy & EXTRA wet!
Danny-OUR AWESOME Travel Manager...your best dance moves, with your Idol voice (poonchi, poonchi, poonchi)
Ms. G **especially for the teachers... everything that your wonderful students will FORGET...
Alix (me)...a flashlight!

and the WHOLE GROUP says..."bring your appetite for BEANS & RICE!"

From our new found love, Costa Rica....Pura Vida!

Learning to use Windows Live Writer

There are many places in Costa Rica where we may not have access to the internet (especially in the rain forest) so by using this, the students, teachers and myself will be able to get the blogs out there for the families and friends to follow!  Yeah! –Treana Kay

Learning how to add photos and video to my blogging account.... This is so cool! -Treana Kay



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Spokane, wa

Travel Preparation for Costa Rica

So, packing for 7 days in Costa Rica has become half the fun of getting ready for the trip. I am trying to limit myself and have one bag (a rolling carry-one) plus my backpack for the trip. Every item I'm packing has to do at least 2-3 things- and YES I am already packing!
Forget normal shampoo & condition- I went to REI & found these great little "sheets" of soap that are 1x2 inches in size- talk about light packing! And to top it off, there are 30 in the little packet- I hope I don't have to wash my hair that many times.
I bought the "large ziplock" packing bags that you put your clothes in and remove all the air- 5 shirts (2 long sleeve & 3 short sleeve, for layering) take up less space than 1 normally packed shirts.
I found the perfect backpack- which has built in pockets on the waist to hold my camera, phone, and video player- so that they are never in the back and out of reach! It even can hold a water bladder if I want to use it-some new inventions are just great.
I'll update as I increase my "packing" and will get a couple pictures out for everyone to see how I'm doing- pass on your helpful hints too!

First Follow Me Contest Winner Announced

Congratulations to Madison M.! She is our Follow Me Contest winner for our June 8th trip to Costa Rica. Way to go, Madison! Students, you too can earn a chance to win a free iPod Touch. Just get as many people as you can to register to follow your blog by directing them to DiscoveryStudentsAdventures.com/destinations/blogs. Let them know what dates you are traveling and ask them to register to follow you on your adventures this summer. Good luck!!!