A Quest for Adventure

So that is right, I'll be back in the country of Canada in 11 days. Quite sad indeed. I really like working at The Bridge, spending time with the famillies. Things are always exciting there, always something going on. Recently, theres been a bit of hmm... discussion about a problem with the school. Every week, one teacher always asks her students for money about evrey 2-3 days. It is illlegal in Costa Rica, but as with many other things it happens. One boy, Alejandro has been saving for a long time to buy a bicycle. They cost about $80.00, and he had almost that much money in the bank. (Note, that he is one of the few BriBri WITH a bank account) Over the school year, since Feb. because the Bridge doesn't have the money, and his family doesnt have the money, his family has been using the money to pay the school. At first it was $1 then 2 then 5 then $10. Around here, $10 is ALOT! Anyhow, Alejandros parents and Barry & Nanci are up in arms about this. As the saga goes on, the school isn't doing much about it and the teachers comment was "Don't send you're children to school if you can't afford it." Primary education in Costa Rica for children is mandatory.

Other then the joys of NGO work in peripheral countries, things are great! Nanci and I took a few kids down to Manzanillo and picked some Noni (a really disgusting fruit that grows on trees). The BriBri kids are a lot of fun, and they are the ones to ask if you're ever looking for animals. They can spot em, miles away. Manzanillo is really beautiful. Only a few steps from Panama is how far south we went. The trip was rather uneventful, we stopped at a small tienda and Nanci bought us all an apple. A wonderful very expensive treat. One apple costs about 310 colones.. so about 75 cents for one apple. Delicious.

Yesterday Nanci, Ali and I went to Limon to pick up some school books for the kids. Limon is a untouristy city. I like it, its not BIG like San Jose but more lively then here. We had lunch at a cafe, some great chinese food.. possibly better then anything I've had at home. Except maybe for Hon's. We picked up a few of the books we needed and came back. Its about an hours drive north of here, and thank goodness the roads are paved. Otherwise it would be 3 hours one way!

We've made travel plans for our last few days. On the 25th we're leaving for San Ramon, then up to La Fortuna to see Volcan Arenal and then back down to Sarchi for some arts & craft fare and then to Alajuela for our last day. Thats it for now, unless I can find money to pay for school in September, and I'll stay here for another month.

love,
ashley