Author: Gregory Goldman

The last few weeks have been busy, but I’m sad we’re almost at the end. We had a tiring trip to OTS last weekend, but we managed to get some strong calls for our analysis.

Recording at OTS

Orange-billed Sparrow Call

The true highlights of the trip have been unplanned. Getting lost in San José, having political discussions with Uber drivers, days on the beach, getting caught in the rain in a national park, and playing Uno until 1:00 a.m. in the middle of the forest have all helped make this trip unforgettable.  The staff at CRLA, especially Mariana, have been wonderful, and I cannot thank them enough for their work helping us learn Spanish and with navigating the country.

Mariposas en el Museo Nacional

 

 

Costa Rica, espero que nos veamos muy pronto.

 

Two staples of the trip

It’s been a incredible four weeks. Between Spanish, Engineering, and travelling all over the country, we’ve managed to keep busy. We’ve rafted Río Pacuare, stayed in Quepos/Manuel Antonio, gotten lost in Tapanti national park in pouring rain, been to the top of Irasu, recorded wave energy in Jacó, and most recently stayed in Cahuita on the Caribbean coast. We found the pillow in a cafe during a late breakfast on a much-needed relaxing weekend. Spanish is improving all around despite some pretty interesting linguistic inventions. I’ve been sick with  an unpleasant cold almost since arriving, but luckily that hasn’t slowed things down too much.

Rafting the Pacuare with Cole, Livi, Kerry, Sam, and Christina

The trip hasn’t been without challenges. After staying in our beautiful Manuel Antonio House, a few left with ear infections/other bugs. Translating medical histories across a pharmacy counter was definitely a highlight of the trip.

The pool on the third of four floors

Technology has been a challenge on the trip. Tyler here wasn’t thrilled with our seismometer,  but at least it ended up working, and the rain in Jacó just couldn’t kill it (or my computer). Hopefully we can get some good data from the birds in La Selva!

 

Looking forward to more adventures in weeks to come.

Greg