Shocking but true, the Fortaleza cohort´s time in Central America is coming to an end. From April 6th to 9th we spent our days learning about conserving endangered species of animals at KUEMAR´s Sea Turtle Conservation. It is located in Matapalo, Costa Rica. The área consisted of beautuful villas and many small, Pacific Ocean beaches named Longosta, Real, Nombre De Jesús and more. At night, starting around 7pm our group would walk along the beaches to look for sea turtles coming ashore. My first night, I saw a Pacific Green mama sea turtle give birth to her eggs. At the KUEMAR organization, which is nonprofit, they move the eggs to lower the chance of them being poached. Another night, others saw baby sea turtles emerge from the sand.
Walking on the beach
Another thing we did at KUEMAR was Paint a sign to put up at the beach. The sign notified people to be extra careful when having campfires, prohibited atvs on the beach, and had a bunch of cute sea turtles painted on it.
Carefully crafting our turtle protection sign
Showing off our hard work - No ATVs!
For our last day there, we hiked to another beach for the day. I played a game of chicken that I will never forget. I was laughing so hard my stomach hurt. And me and Trey still pushed everyone else down - more tan once. After that I tanned, where I usually am if not the wáter. Later that night, we took a night of patrolling off and had a (carefully made) bonfire on the beach, in an área where sea turtles do not nest. We went night swimming, had lots of laughs, toasted our buns with the warmth of the fire, sang out own versión of "Down By The Bay" which you proabaly do not want to hear, and some of us had a sand fight. Such a memorable night.
Fortaleza <3
Our last night at the beach, bon fire time
We left the next day to the city of Alajuela. After the 6 hour commute, we went out for pizza and the group did karaoke. We have less than 12 hours before we head to the airport. I bought plenty of caffeine drinks- I dont plan on sleeping until Im on the plane. Its crazy to think Ill be in my hometown soon, but Im super ready to see my family again. See you soon my City Of Roses. Central America, its been real.
Yours Truly,
Maria H.
