In the Richmond Airport, after saying goodbye to family and making the first steps on our new adventure, we met our first challenge- getting through the airport security without any violation of our 4th amendment rights or overtly ridiculous pat downs in areas we do not wish to share with the public, let alone the TSA agents. Prior to making it to security, the group talked briefly about taking off shoes, belts, removing items from pockets, and placing liquids in the tray before being summoned through what looks like a prop out of Star Trek to check passengers for weapons and contraband.  One of the students mistakenly forgot their belt, and had to go back to the tray to put it through the x-ray machine.  Understandable for a rookie traveler but he forgot the change in his pocket as well, meaning he had to go back to remove the change before being scanned.  At this point, there were a few outspoken individuals behind me huffing and puffing because they had to wait a few extra minutes.  I started thinking pura vida, pura vida.  While I didn’t react to these individuals, I kindly helped the student make sure, one last time, he was ready to go through to the next stage of the security process.  Who do these people think they are to cause a scene like this?  In moments like this, I become confused with human nature and the general lack of respect for others.  I was embarrassed for the individuals who were purposely putting themselves out of breath because a small inconvenience meant they had to stand a few seconds longer.  When we return from Costa Rica as a group, I expect we will be able to handle situations like this with an open mind, peacefully being positive and supportive of those who need a bit of help, caring less about the people who wish to cause commotion and negativity.

On the first flight to Atlanta, the 8 of us sat in the back of the plane in the last two rows.  Cameron sat next to the window looking out over the engine, barely getting a view of the ground or the air, and Tayvon sat next to me, in the only isle whith out a window; this has never happened to me before.  Cameron refused to open the window to take a peak, only periodically cracking it toward the end to see how high we were.  Tayvon, relieved he didn’t even have the option to open the window, was given quite a big shock when the plane hit turbulence, jolting the plane up and down within a second.  Jake and I laughed thinking the experience was entertaining, even putting our hands up like we were on a roller coaster.  “Why do you think this is funny, guys?” Tayvon asked.  There was no quick reply but soon after he started to realize why we were mildly amused; turbulence happens and can happen frequently; you’re either going to embrace it and enjoy it or dwell on some fantasy that the plane will not be able to handle the shock.  He quickly stopped clutching the seat in front of him and enjoyed the rest of the flight! Stephanie was as calm as ever, as I remembered her being in my class two years ago.  Pura vida.

Our second flight out of “Storm”lanta was delayed an hour and a half, causing us to sit on the tarmac, waiting for an opening on the runway.  The storms had caused ground crews to seek shelter, causing a long backup of incoming and departing flights; no big deal.  But boy, were we anxious to get to Costa Rica!  A little turbulent at times and definitely a longer flight, everyone seemed to have a better experience than the first go around.  Cameron was gazing out the window at the lights below, even commentating as we were landing.  Passing over Tampa, Stephanie was intrigued by the city layout and a few of the lights catching her attention.  Tayvon slept through much of the bumpy ride, only after watching Spongebob with Jake during the first two hours.  

Making it quickly through customs and out the door with bags in hand, we met Tony, our guide for the week.  Straight away cracking jokes, and making us feel very welcome; I could tell we would have a great time and were in good hands!  Fifteen minutes to the hotel, five minutes to the rooms, and quickly asleep for the following day!

We are all very grateful to be here and have the opportunity to explore another culture and ecosystem.   Through mild turbulence and overcoming impatient people, we all look forward to embracing pura vida while in Costa Rica; we're off to a stellar start!

Costa Rica- here we come!  I'm excited to have the opportunity to share the experiences of travel and exploration with four of my current and previous students at Hunter B. Andrews PreK-8 School.  Tayvon, Stephanie, Cameron, Jake and his family, and I will be traveling to Costa Rica in June to explore a new area of the world for all of us!

We expect to get down with hands on science in the jungles of this Central American country, exploring flora and fauna to better understand the dynamics of such a rich and diverse ecosystem.  With the trip just around the corner, the students and I need to start thinking about what we're going to take with us.  While the temperatures will be warm, long sleeve shirts and pants will be a must to prevent the mosquitos from draining our blood; apparently they're worse there than in Hampton (I don't know how this is possible).  

Hiking a dormant volcano, zip lining through the canopy, swimming under waterfalls, and learning to salsa are only a few of the items on our agenda.  Be sure to keep up with our blog for videos, pictures, and general impressions from each of us throughout our week long trip!