Day 3: Casona Rio Fortuna

Pura Vida, from Costa Rica! This morning we woke up to a little rain, but got right up to start our morning activities. First, we started the morning at 7 and had a great breakfast. After breakfast we got on the bus and headed to a small school and watched many traditional dances and learned about the school. We also played a game of pass the lime, I got second place and received the lime. Next we headed to Casona Rio Fortuna. Casa Rio Fortuna was previously the house of president Iglesias. We then learned how to make homemade tortillas. The tortillas were only 60 calories and gluten free, and also was served with a papaya and potato spread. Served with the tortillas was delicious hot chocolate and coffee. Next, we learned about oxen and sugar cane. We got to sample sugar can meat, juice, and we learned about the process of molasses, and tried the molasses after it was dried, it was almost like fresh brown sugar!  The juice was a very interesting process of how it is made. The Oxen pushed around a wooden machine while the the sugar cane was squeezed draining the juice.  Afterwards we went on an carriage that was driven by a tractor. The tractor drove us to a farmer's house. We got a tour of his medicine garden and learned about the different types of traditions of curing stomach aches, headaches, malaria, etc... The garden was very interesting and informative. Another cool experience was tasting a plant that numbed our whole mouth, that was only for the brave! We then headed to the farm and saw all the fresh crops that were grown! Before we left we had some fresh fruit that were amazing! Then we got back on the tractor and headed back to the Casona Rio Fortuna. We were then served a traditional lunch of meat, rice, and beans. We then bought some of the delicious coffee and started heading to the bus! I really enjoyed this educational experience and learning more about the Costa Rican culture. I can't wait to see what the next 8 days be hold! 

- Carleigh Saunders