We traveled by bus to learn about the CENCINAI, an early childhood education program that focuses on children at risk. Outside the center parents were bringing their children to the center for lunch. All the children were wearing the crisp, blue center uniforms as they approached the school hand in hand with their parent. Upon entering the center parents and children were served a lunch of rice, black beans, watermelon and a blackberry fruit drink. Staff supported the parents in providing support while they ate with their children.

After another winding bus ride up the mountain we visited the home of Dona Miriam, a 93 years young native midwife. We learned her life story. She married at age 14 and gave birth at age 15 to the first of 19 children serving as her own midwife. She has delivered over 2000 babies in her community Tres Equis and the surrounding area.

Lunch was at a restaurant up in the mountains with a fabulous view. We were served plate lunches of pork, beef or chicken along with white rice, beans, chaoti squash, yucca, green salad with tomato with cilantro dressing. Hand made white corn tortillas were served from a basket. Pineapple and mango juices were enjoyed. We sampled a very sweet dessert made from sweetened condensed milk, powered milk and sugar. We ended the lunch with more great coffee to enjoy the view and conversation.

After breakfast we gathered to learn more about our host CATIE who’s mission is to increase human well-being and reduce poverty in rural areas through education, research and technical cooperation, promoting sustainable management of competitive agriculture and resources. Many groups come to the campus for research and study. Masters and Ph.d programs are available through a coordinated effort with other universities

We learned about the Costa Rican health care system from Rebecca Turecky from Texas with ties to Rockville, Indiana, and now living in Costa Rica. She is passionate about her profession as a certified midwife with her own practice.

After a welcomed rest, our day began with a beautiful sunrise at CATIE. Several took an early morning walk to experience the wildlife and beauty of the grounds. Most of us were awakened by the early morning unfamiliar songs of birds.

Breakfast in the CATIE cafeteria included fresh fruit plate including papaya, pineapple and watermelon, beans and rice seasoned with cilantro, scrambled eggs, pancakes with syrup, crusty white bread, fruit juices and fantastic coffee.

The group started the day with snow in Indiana!  Luckily we had no flight delays in Indy or Chicago and arrived in Costa Rica early!  Costa Rica is full of culture, warmth, and kind people.  Upon arrive we refueled with our first taste of Costa Rican cuisine.  Passion fruit juice was the drink of choice.  Traditional favorites including plantains, chicken, beans, and rice.  Next we toured San Jose and visited the home of the Patron Saint called Basilica de Los Angeles. Faith and family are an important part of the Costa Rican culture.  We saw many families spending time together at parks, churches, and restaurants.  As we boarded the bus to head towards CATIE we experienced a small rain shower during their “dry season”.  The rain quickly turned into a rainbow over the lush mountains as we approached the continental divide.  The windy roads through the mountains included views of various agriculture fields (including coffee and sugarcane).  Next we arrived at CATIE, a land-grant type university in Costa Rica that specializes in agriculture and natural resources.  Before heading to dinner we stopped at a supermarket and compared products to those we are accustomed to in the United States.  At dinner we felt a little more at home because we had pizza and great conversation about the week ahead.  We got many miles in on our first day as we have already visited 4 of the 7 provinces in Costa Rica.

I get the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica this Sunday with a group of my colleagues at Purdue Extension to experience the “Tico” culture and learn a little Spanish! We have a great group of Extension professionals going on the trip. Seven of the participants are Health and Human Science Educators who work in communities throughout Indiana to improve the quality of lives for Indiana residents through community based education. Two of the participants are Extension Specialists and Administrators in the College of Health and Human Sciences at Purdue University who provide leadership for the identification, development, implementation, and evaluation of Extension programming associated with the College of Health and Human Sciences. And last but certainly not least is our faculty guide from the School of Nursing. I am sure that we will all come to appreciate her throughout the trip for many reasons – but most importantly – she speaks fluent Spanish!!

Please follow this blog to keep up with our journey! Adiós por ahora!