2026 Costa Rica: Day 1

2026 Bullis Middle School Discovery Days - Costa Rica

Greetings from Costa Rica!

It has been quite a day for our 8th grade students! They started with early morning flights, and ended the night with a closing circle to give shout-outs, talk logistics, and prepare for the following day. Students also met our phenomenal Global Works leaders for the first time and discussed expectations for the trip to ensure a safe and positive experience. The trip is off to a great start, and students are enjoying themselves as they settle into La Fortuna.

Here are two first hand perspectives from our young world travelers about their day and initial experiences in Costa Rica:

Akhil K. '30 writes:

The day started off with us meeting at the DCA airport. Even though we had to wait for a while, I enjoyed hanging out with my friends for a long time. After we got through check in and dropped off our bags, we went through TSA. After TSA, we went to the gate and boarded our first flight to Miami. We were able to sit with our peers, so that made the flight easier. Our first flight was about two hours and I passed the time by watching shows on my phone. After we landed, we had a two-hour layover in Miami. During that layover, I had some pizza for lunch, and it was delicious! After our flight in Miami, we finally landed in San Jose. Customs took around an hour and 15 minutes, which wasn’t as bad as I was expecting. At last, we started our drive to our first hotel, in La Fortuna. We stopped for lunch at this cool buffet, where I had pasta and chicken. They also had traditional Costa Rican food, like rice and beans, potatoes, plantains, chicken, pork, and many other choices that students could try. Finally, we finished the drive and reached the hotel, where we had a closing circle to discuss what we would do tomorrow. We settled into our rooms (which were hard to find in the dark!) and are getting ready for bed. I can’t wait to visit the Chrisley Cheese Farm and meet people we will work with from the local community!

Benji S. '30 reflects:

The journey began at 3 AM, getting ready and driving to the airport. Seeing the roads so empty and lifeless was an unusual, but unique experience. We arrived at the airport, checked our bags, got through security, and went to our gates. We then took off and got to admire the amazing experience of flying. The trees, clouds, and overview of the land were a beautiful sight. When we got off the flight, we got on the bus and drove to get food. Although the drive was lengthy, the amazing food had everybody feeling like a million bucks. In one day, we got to see exotic animals like toucans, sloths, and wild cats, while also being able to admire the beautiful qualities of the Costa Rican land. After we got back to the hotel, we went to our rooms, and finished the night with a delicious dinner. Despite the short stay in the country so far, we have already made so many memories, and I am so excited for what's to come.

After students get some much-needed rest, half of the group will set off for white-water rafting on the Balsa River, while the other half participates in a Community Service event in Santa Ana, and explores traditional Costa Rican cheesemaking at Chrisley Cheese Farm.

Please enjoy some photos from the day, and we will continue to keep you updated about our adventures throughout the week.

Pura vida!

Best,

The 8th Grade Team

 










Location: Alajuela Province, La Fortuna, Costa Rica

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