Noli te Agitare/Freak Not Out

Pura Vida friends and family,

This morning, many of us were so tired from our amazing day yesterday that we slept for an extra half an hour, cutting it close for another spectacular breakfast of Gallo Pinto, eggs, yogurt, and coffee. Today was focused on finishing up our research experiments. Many groups still had several trials left to run, along with creating their final presentation, but everyone kept their spirits high by interspersing hours of science with coloring (in the basically communal adult coloring book) and breaking out our summer reading books (total tally: 8 copies of Unbroken, 5 copies of Of Mice and Men).

Lunch was one of the best meals yet, consisting of “Pancake fish” (-Siggy), a colorful fresh salad, vegetable rice, and smoothies that tasted just like Jamba. After the meal, we had some time before we needed to resume our science experiments, so several people decided to walk into town for one last trip to the mall. We loaded up on Costa Rican candies and ice cream with the intent of bringing some home (sorry, families, it probably won’t make it all the way to the airport, let alone Minnesota). While we were walking, it started pouring and, since most of us opted to leave our raincoats back at the ranch, we got drenched. On the way back in the rain, Carlos, an employee at the ranch who also led our hike to the river with Javier earlier in the week, drove up behind us in a tractor. We climbed into the trailer and rode “like Roman gladiators” back to the ranch with Ellie’s rain poncho blowing behind her.

In the afternoon, groups wrapped up their experiments, and we had a coffee break with empanadas, which were delicious. We worked again until dinner, where were joined by Pablo’s daughter and her friend, who are freshmen by our school system. We loved talking to them about American culture and found similar interests in YouTubers and TV shows. After a dessert of banana flan, we went back to the lab to put the finishing touches on our experiments and presentations and make them ready to present tomorrow.

Lots of love,

 The Ant Farm J

Blog talent by: Jules, Bergen, and the dead ant

So quotable:

“Don’t blow the dead ant at me!”

“It’s freezing here!” “It’s eighty degrees.”

“Pinto, we have a problem”

“They’re all statistically significant, Yes!!”

“The Wi-Fi here is worse than the Wi-Fi at Vis.”

“I was going to bring my Vis sweater on this trip”

“I was so looking forward to playing soccer with boys”

“So apparently ants are trying to start a colony in my backpack, so….”

Early morning view from the dining area

Smiles at breakfast

Working on summer reading during a break

Ants, Horses, and Cooking too!

Dear friends and family,

            Today was another fun and exciting adventure! We began with a delectable breakfast reminiscent of home: pancakes, sausage, eggs, yogurt, and fruit. Fortified for a busy day of learning and fun, we moved on to the lab to test our experiments in, which ranged from spraying leaves with a variety of liquids to determine the ants’ preference, to stimulating ants’ aggression towards other ants, to studying the effects of the ants’ pheromones. Each group is at a different point, but we all ran many trials to gather data, which we will share at our final presentation on Sunday. For example, the Ant Fam group is testing the effect of pH levels on ants’ leaf preferences, and they have run two trials so far. Each trial consists of placing five leaves sprayed with substances of different pH into an ant colony for three hours and determining how much of each leaf has been eaten.

            After working hard on our experiments, we were all ready for lunch, which was a delicious hamburger with chips. Next, we set off for horseback riding! We had a large spectrum of horseback riding experience, from several beginners to a few very experienced girls. Although many of us were a bit nervous to ride for the first time, we learned quickly thanks to a tutorial from Pablo. The excitement built as we began our journey! We travelled through picturesque scenery in the rainforest, such as rivers (we crossed two!), exotic trees, and wildlife. It began raining during our ride, but by now we’re all used to it and had a great time!

            Our next destination was Café Campesino, a restaurant run by a local woman named Aracely, who greeted us with hugs and kisses. Aracely taught us how to make a multitude of foods: we strained cheese, shaped dough into tortillas, fried plantains, and plated a salad beautifully. The Spanish-speakers among us had a wonderful opportunity to practice their Spanish and converse with Aracely and her family. The food was all scrumptious, and it was very satisfying to eat food that we’d prepared ourselves. We also made many friends, and we had fun solving the puzzles that they showed us. After dinner, we had a great time dancing and learning some new moves from one of the women at the restaurant.

            We returned to the lab after dinner to continue working on our experiments. We ran a few more trials, but we have a lot more work for tomorrow! What a fun-filled day!

Lots of love,

The Visitation Scientists

By Abby Rohy and Catherine Link

Science

Horses (and a few mules)

Making dinner at Aracely's

Dance party after dinner at Aracely's

And then more science before bed

As we returned from our horseback ride today Pablo shared the following thoughts:

"We have an expression in Costa Rica,
'God doesn't give you tears if you don't have a handkerchief to dry them.'
This group has had the worst weather with so much rain. I have seen many groups complaining with only a little bit of rain but this group is always positive and smiling. I am so impressed with them. It is a testament to them and to their families that they have such good attitudes no matter the circumstances." - Pablo

We echo Pablo's observations and are so proud to work with these wonderful young women!
Charlotte and Erin

Murals, Zip Lines, and Ants. Oh My!

Dear Friends and Family (But mostly Mrs. Fietl),

            We began our day in the quaint village of Colonia Libertad, painting a mural on the wall of the local recycling center.  Using multiple colors, we created a masterpiece; it had flowers on it.  Directly Following, we hopped in the vans and ventured to the Canopy where we viewed the rainforest from a new, exciting perspective—on a zip line.  What an experience! Some girls even zip lined upside down!

            Back on the ground, we did some science stuff.  We analyzed the results of our bacteria and fungus experiments.  We looked for the presence of Escovopsis at different locations on out leaf cutter colonies.  We then continued designing special projects; further developing our interest in leaf cutter ants and our desire to learn more.  The remainder of our night was spent conducting our special projects.  Our experiences involved a variety of different liquids and objects, including but not limited to, sugar water, lemon juice, coffee, ant paste, and tweezers.  With these liquids and objects, we have been testing ant behavior, ant pheromones, and possible methods of ant eradication.   And then we will sleep, so goodnight! Unless you’re nocturnal, then Good Morning!

Up in the trees and in your hearts, but also in the lab,

Yours Truly,

Abby and Quinlan

To see photos and video of our Rainforest Canopy tour look at "Ecolife Tours Costa Rica" on Facebook. Felix, our guide, took lots of footage for us.

Our Community Service Project

We got a good start on the recycling center mural. 

Our driver let this creature cross the bridge first

And then, back to the lab and Dr Pinto!