2025 Costa Rica: Day 2

Bullis Costa Rica Discovery Days

Hello again, Bullis families!

It has been an eventful, insightful, and collaborative Day #2 in La Fortuna! One-half of our students experienced the value and impact of serving a local community and learned about the process of cheesemaking from a local entrepreneur. Across the way, the other half of our group conquered the thrilling rapids of the Balsa River and enjoyed some relaxing time at the hot springs. 

Students had quite a bit to say about these experiences.

Will O. writes:

"Pura Vida! Today was both wonderful and exhausting. We started off this lovely day with a tour of a cheese farm, where we got to meet a cute piglet and rooster. Then, we had some of the best cheese I've ever had, and squeezed sugarcane to create a tasty drink! After we had homemade nachos for lunch, we went to a local community and either made cement or weeded the ground with a pickaxe. It was hot, but also rewarding! The sidewalk we helped build was really coming together by the end. It felt great to help support locals from this community. The kids all came out and played soccer with us at the end. All in all, it was a wonderful day, and I can't wait to go rafting tomorrow!"

Julieta R. reflects on the day:

"Pura Vida! Today was a really fun day. I woke up and had a delicious breakfast of fruit, strawberry yogurt, and cereal. The view from breakfast was amazing - we could see the whole Arenal Volcano from our table and I could not believe I was there! Then we went back to our rooms and I saw a lizard on the way there. It reminded me that there's always beauty in things if you look closely enough. After getting ready and heading to the bus, we were finally on the way to the white water rafting. I sat with my friends and jubilation was radiating out of me. Eventually, we got to the rafts, made our groups, and dove into a new adventure. The guide gave us directions on how to paddle, and since I speak Spanish, we talked for a while. After coming across a leaf, he showed me that if I pressed it on my skin, it would leave an imprint! So I did and I was walking around with a leaf-shaped tattoo until I went swimming. While we were still on the raft the guide showed us some toucans on the trees having fun, just like myself. After a while, we stopped for a snack. They gave us fresh-cut pineapple and cantaloupe. They were so juicy, fresh, and filled with flavor. Unbelievably delicious! Then we got on the bus and drove to the restaurant where we would get dinner. I sat with my friends and had some iced tea, chicken, rice, and beans. Then we went to the supermarket and I got a tub of ice cream to share with my friends. Later on in the day, we returned to the hotel and got into the pool and hot springs. My friends and I swam and splashed each other - we could not stop laughing! Then, we headed to the common room and did some group activities to reflect on the day. We talked about some challenges we faced, but also the highlights. After reflecting, we went to dinner and the fried chicken was super juicy and tasty. After having some downtime, I caught up with my family, hung with my friends, and eventually went back to my room. As I sit here at this moment writing, I am thinking how these memories will follow me forever."

From the perspective of Sloan B.:

"Today started very early at 6:40 am, but we were greeted by the beaming sun and most importantly PURA VIDA! A bunch of 14-year-olds ready for the day ahead of us. First, community service. We helped the locals construct a sidewalk, which was a fascinating process. Four scoops of the rocks per bucket, a little bit of water, put into a cement mixer, accompanied by tons of sweat. We slowly added more to the pavement. Closer to the end of the community service, we had an amazing lunch with beans, rice, and different fruits. The next stop was a 30-minute drive to a local cheesemaking farm. We learned about the process and soon got to watch it happen. Tasting a freshly made piece of majestic cheese was breathtaking. At that point, my class had already picked out every dog they were trying to adopt when we got back. Lastly, we got on the bus and went to play soccer with the locals. Even though I dropped zero points, I made cool connections with the locals and hope to see them again sometime!"

Today's activities truly offered students the opportunity to engage with and appreciate local culture, while enjoying the beauty that Costa Rica has to offer. Tomorrow, the groups will switch itineraries and live these experiences from different perspectives.

Please enjoy some photos from the day. We will continue to update you about our adventures throughout the week.

Pura Vida!

The 8th Grade Team










Location: Alajuela Province, La Fortuna, Costa Rica

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