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12-12-19 Day two of our field work. So we went on the normal pathway and then went past the little river area to hike up to go the primary forest. We collected our samples for the primary forest but we forgot our ziplock bags. So we used our lunch bags to collect them. This is our last field work, the rest is all lab. So after our hike, we started to do more lab work. Where I got one sample done. Then later, there was a crew doing a video on bats. The hike was very tiring. I think going upwards was a good workout but a little tiring. Straight after the hike, I went straight to the shower which felt so good. The lab work was a little long after that. I don't mind it, in a way, it's very relaxing. Then after dinner, they were going to show the bats. I never seen a bat up close like that and it was very cool. After all of today, I conked out. :')
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12-11-19 Today was a good day! So today we went hiking on the water trail. I thought it was just going to be walking through a path but it was more than that. We went through a steep muddy hill, walked through the creek, and even climbed over a few trees. We still got our 6 soil samples from the ag pasture site. Then we collected half for our secondary forest and did some lab work (testing our samples for bacteria and fungi and the abiotic testing like Nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous). Next thing we had a culture sharing with the indigenous people again. The lady was showing us how they make their little bags which comes from a leaf. Then I was sharing some photos of my home and just continued sharing culture. The hike was a good hike. I felt like I was an actual explorer walking through some treacherous areas. Then after the hike, I took a shower to cool down and it felt so good. Then during our lab work, it was pretty cool to see what I'm helping out with. Then during th
Today was breathtaking. We got a tour of the station and took a hike through the forest. It was very tiring yet worth it. I also got together with my mentor and talked more about the project. We made a plan of where we are going to get our soil samples from. Then later at night, we formally introduced ourselves to the indigenous groups that are here.  Walking through the forest was certainly challenging. There were a couple of times of where I almost slipped because of the mud. But the scenery definitely made up for it. I'm also excited to start the project because we're just going to go deeper into the forest for our project. Then from what I liked about our cultural sharing (saying we're from) was really awesome! I was also surprised that one of the indigenous was at Craters of the Moon in Idaho. So that was really cool. I'm really honored to be in this program! :'D
The ride to the Las Cruces Biological station was long yet beautiful. Very beautiful. Just when you got out the city, and don't see building after building. We went through the mountain range and it was surprising. I didn't expect to see the habitat different than your average rainforest. Then we went on our way to the station. Once we got to the station, it's very stunning. I have yet to explore around and hopefully see a monkey. I have seen a toad once we got to dinner. I also met with my mentor and other mentee. We didn't get into much about the research project but got to know a bit more about each other. I can't wait to get started. So when traveling, we had a few stops. First was a pit stop where we got some snacks for the road. I got this fruit which tasted like a plum and this wafer stick candy and got my first colones. Then we stopped at the mountain (forgot the name) but it was very cool. It was more like a desert rainforest. Like not really any giant l

A new journey

So, today was pretty much a chill day. This morning we got more details about the program and met with our mentors. However, my mentor is still traveling to get here. So I went with another mentor and mentee to hear about their project for the time being.  Then after that, I just relaxed for the rest of the day. It's pretty interesting here in Costa Rica. I seen some plants here at the hotel because there's a little garden outside. And last night, I had my first food here where I payed in American Dollars. I think it's cool that you can still pay in American dollars but I can't wait to start using colones. I also went to the pool and the water was a bit cold and it was cool. I also got to know a little bit of the others here on the trip as well.