Casas de la Selva, Surfing, Harry Potter, and Dance Lessons:

On Tuesday morning we packed up the van and said good-bye to La Finca. We were all sad to leave, but excited for our next location, Casas de la Selva. The drive was long, but beautiful as we navigated windy mountain roads. We arrived at Casas de la Selva just in time for dinner followed by a slide show about the center. Casas de la Selva is part of an organization called Earth Watch. In the slide show we learned about the various projects Earth Watch has all over the world, while also learning specifically about the ongoing projects at Casas de la Selva. I’m sure we would all say the most memorable part of the presentation was learning about how the waste water was handled at the farm and about compost, including compost toilets, which produce something called humanure. Everyone was a bit grossed out at first, but as we learned more about the process, we realized how great it was for the environment.

The next morning we woke up to an amazing breakfast of French toast and fresh fruit, excellent fuel to keep us going during out morning of trail work. We split into two groups, one group started by cutting away ferns to clear away a new path to move an existing trail. The current trail was too close to the edge of a slope and its presence was causing erosion. Meanwhile, the second group was building stairs, filling in cinder blocks with mud to stabilize them and using pick axes to cut out new stairs. Once the second group finished clearing away the fern, they went to the plant nursery to do some weeding and general maintenance. After completing the stairs the second group, planted some bamboo on the side of the trail to help prevent erosion and threw the remaining bamboo javelin style into the forest. After a long morning we enjoyed our packed lunches and headed down the road to a local swimming hole where we relaxed for a few hours. In the evening the Casas de la Selva staff made us a fire, so we roasted marshmallows and enjoyed a fire poi show put on by one of the staff members.

The next morning we had to pack up the van and say good-bye to the Casas de la Selva staff. We were sad to leave, but everyone was excited to be heading to Aguadilla to go surfing! We drove along the southern coast, which was beautiful, much drier than everywhere else on the island.

On Friday we woke up bright and early to begin our surf lessons. Surfer Dan and Dana met us at the house to chat a bit about surfing and to lead us in some morning stretches, then we headed to Surfer’s beach to actually give the sport a try. We learned to look at the waves and “mind surf”, while we learned about the different parts of a wave. We learned how to paddle and how to pop up on our boards, went over a few safety things and then the first group hit the water. The wind started to pick up making it hard to stay in the area that we wanted to, but everyone was able to get on a few waves and we all learned how difficult surfing can be. The next day we opted for Jobos, a beach that is a bit more protected from the wind, which made for a much easier day. Almost everyone was able to stand up on a wave by the end of the day! In the evenings of our surf days we watched Harry Potter Part 1, in preparation for our Sunday outing to see Part 2.

On Sunday, we slept in and enjoyed an amazing brunch of pancakes, eggs and bacon! After a leisurely morning of food and some soccer, we headed to the movies theaters to see the final Harry Potter film. We all really enjoyed it, although we thought the epilogue should have just been left out.

After a restful Sunday, we picked up the pace again. On Monday we visited las Cuevas de Camuy, or the Camuy Caves, did laundry, and went to the beach. On Tuesday we drove to Rincon, to visit Aubre’s grandparents. They surprised us with dance lessons. A local band came and played for us and we all learned the difference dances from the different regions of Puerto Rico! We all had so much fun! We were sad to say good-bye at the end of the day, but we had to get back on the road to head back to La Finca.

This morning, we are helping out La Finca, planting pineapples and collecting leaves to mulch some gardens. This afternoon we will head to another farm where we will hang out until we head to Old San Juan for our final days together.

This week everyone pulled someone’s name out of a hat and they wrote something about that person. Enjoy!

Asher Kenen: I appreciate that you are a hard worker and always willing to help out. I love that you are willing to try any sport. You are kind and funny. I’m glad I have gotten to know you on this trip!

Michael Grant: Michael is funny, nice, responsible and crazy. I really like his taste in music. I love his random questions and his silliness in general. <3 you!

Wyatt Dileo: You have an awesome sense of humor. Your funny when you not even trying to be. Whenever someone is feeling down you put a smile on their face so quickly. I’m glad I met you J and will miss you a whole bunch.

Vera Armus-Laski: Vera is always smiling and enthusiastic. She’s always ready to chill out, or kick around a ball. Happy and living, she is so awesome. <3

Sienee Dakina: You are very funny and I love your hair. Your positive energy always makes everything more fun. Thanks for being such a great friend!

Nicki Sizing: Nicki is always up for playing cards, and she’s a great person to have on a cook crew. She always does her share, without ever having to be asked. She‘s a great team member and I’ve really enjoyed working with her!

Maya Weiss: There’s so much I could say! You are SO funny and nice! Our dish-a-washing club actually made cleaning fun! I’m so happy to have a friend as awesome as you on this trip! <3 You’ve made my short time in Puerto Rico so memorable and amazing and I don’t think I could possible thank you enough. I love you Ms. Bubbles! J

Joceline Nieves: I admire your willingness to always have fun, even when you are not feeling well (ex: car sickness and dancing when your knee hurt). I love how much you talk when you’re tired. I agree with your taste in food – veggies are yucky L. You’re one of the funniest people here – especially your stories. In so many ways you are indescribable!

Aubre Garand: You lit up the room with your smile wherever you were happy! You have unlimited patience and playfulness with puppies. You are thoughtful, smart, caring and funny. We will miss you - have fun with your family!

Duncan Feiges: You are smart and tell engaging stories. Your mind is equivalent to Wikipedia. Your eyelashes are admired by the whole group. Have an amazing time in Maine!

Mameyes Friendship Camp, Toro Negro Rainforest Ziplines and Waterfalls

Since arriving at La Finca we have been really busy getting to know some of the kids in the community and exploring the farm. The first morning here, we had a relaxing morning swimming in the beautiful river and eating lots of fresh bananas grown on the farm. In the afternoon we went into Mameyes to lead our first Friendship camp. It was pouring rain, so only three students joined us, but we still had a lot of fun teaching our games and learning games from them. The next morning we toured the farm, getting to see a petroglyph carved by the Taino people. We went for a swim and packed up to head to Toro Negro for a weekend of adventure.

The drive to Toro Negro was windy and picturesque. Behind each turn there was an even better view of the valleys and mountains. After a particularly steep climb, we made it to our campsite, which was cool and breezy, a nice break from the hot weather we have been experiencing. Under the bright moon the valley was particularly beautiful. We all went to bed excited for the next day.

On Saturday we met Raymond and his crew from ACAMPA for an adventure up river and later a zip-line tour through the canopy. When we first jumped into the river, we literally jumped into a 12 ft deep hole that was formed by the pounding of a beautiful waterfall. With our helmets on we all plunged in, attempting to reach the bottom and springing back up with huge smiles on our faces. Afterwards, it only got better as we learned scale waterfalls. We climbed up river learning firsthand about the local plant and animal life as we sampled various edible flowers and leaves and felt the river shrimp nipping at our toes. At the end of the river portion of our day, we roped up and rock climbed up a 30 ft waterfall. With our harness on, we hiked up hill to reach the first zip-line. Six zip-lines later we had flown over waterfalls, attempted 360’s and had an amazing time. We returned to camp that afternoon to be rewarded with an amazing lunch featuring local cuisine. We were exhausted but content when lunch finished.

On Sunday we woke up and packed up camp, heading to the river for one last dip before heading out to do laundry! Our first attempt was thwarted as the laundromat was closed, so we headed to another town where the only laundromat had only two working washers. It took longer than we expected, but we all left with lots of clean clothing! We were also able to catch the end of the women’s World Cup finals, which was exciting and disappointing as the USA lost in penalty kicks. Our laundry finished just as the game ended so we piled into the van and drove back to La Finca arriving just in time to enjoy an amazing dinner of burritos.

The next day we had a second attempt at Friendship Camp, a few more kids showed up this time and the weather was nice so we were able to play outside, enjoying many rounds of capture the flag and a modified volleyball game. In the evening we did an activity with Ruben, who lives on the farm and works for amnesty international, we learned about Nicaragua and decorated butterflies to support the women who are suffering there. Everyone went to bed exhausted, I think the jam packed weeks are catching up with us!

This week everyone wrote a post card home. We hope you enjoy them!

Maya Weiss:

Hola Family, Puerto Rico is extremely humid. We have already gone snorkeling, ziplinning, climbed up a waterfall and swam in a waterfall. We have also done many other exciting activities. I have so many bug bites! I am excited to go surfing. Hope you had an amazing time in Idaho. I <3 U so much. Love, Maya Rose

Asher Kenen:

The trip has been awesome. From the beach to the ziplines, it has been jam packed with exciting activities. My favorite day was when we climbed up a river and then ziplined back to camp, where there was a fantastic lunch waiting for us. I’m actually thinking of starting to do some rock climbing at school; it was that fun. The people are really cool. Right now we’re packing to go to Las Casas de la Selva, afterwards we will go surfing on Friday. I’m super excited! I can’t wait to hit the beach again. I miss you all very much and will see you in a little less than 2 weeks. Love, Asher

Joceline Nieves:

Hola! Como estas? J I’m having bunched of fun but I do miss you guys. Wish you could share this experience with me. See you soon. –Joceline

Sienne Dakina:

Hi Mom, Puerto Rico is wonderfully beautiful. Miss and love you! -Sienee Thanks Summer Search!

Wyatt Dileo:

Hey Family! I’m having lots of fun. Te extraño muchisimo! Puerto Rico is so fun! I love you guys! Te quiero! J I’m in a hammock the weather is cool! Wyatt

Aubre Garand:

Hola! Hey mom and David, I miss you guys. Just kidding, they keep us too happy to miss anything. There are a lot of nice dogs here, but they’re all starving. I miss Pepi, but I look forward to surfing. I hope it’s not like skating. -Aubre

Duncan Feiges:

Dear Mom and Dad, I’m having so much fun in Puerto Rico. Today we are going to Casas de la Selva, where we’ll do some community service and trail maintenance. Then we’ll go to Aguadilla where we’ll surf. See you in 4 days! Love, Duncan

Vera Armus-Laski:

Hey, Puerto Rico es muy lindo. Ahora estamos por ir a un lugar que se llama casas de la selva. The weather’s really cool, it’s pretty sunny and sometimes it rains. I’m looking forward to surfing. Puerto Rico’s really fun. Okay, have fun doing stuff in New York. Xoxo gurrlfrands, chau besos! Vera

Michael Grant:

Hello Again! In the time between when we last talked, I have played more games with the locals, cooked my pizza bagels recipe and went camping in El Toro Negro and while there went canyoneering and ziplining. Having loads of fun! See you in 12 days. Sincerely, Michael

Nicki Sizing:

Dear Dad, Jackie and Jessica, I miss you and I’m looking forward to seeing you all. Puerto Rico is beautiful and I wish you were here with me. Next time we go on vacation lets go to the rain forest! Love Nicki

And We Leap...

Toro Negro in 6 Words

What does Vieques mean to you?

First Update: BioBays, Black Beaches, and Birthdays

The group trickled into the San Juan airport all day Wednesday. Once the group was together we headed to the hotel with enough time for some orientation games on the beach and a quick dip before enjoying an authentic Puerto Rican meal. We spent our first full day exploring Old San Juan and getting to know one another. We finished it off with a wonderful dinner of burritos, prepared by Sienee, Asher, Vera and Aubre. The next morning we woke up early to make our way to Fajardo to catch the ferry to Vieques. We settled into our campsite with plenty of time to enjoy the beach. We had an early dinner so that we could go to the BioBay to swim and kayak with the bioluminescence. Over the next few days we went snorkeling off Mosquito Pier, learned about the history of the island at Fort Conde, played in the waves at a black sand beach and got to know the residences of Esperanza. While we were at the black beach, we took a break from the bright sun, to build some sand castles. Check out the photos of all of our wonderful creations! Yesterday we started talking about our upcoming Friendship camps. We will be meeting the Mameyes children tomorrow afternoon, so we wanted to start preparing a few games to play with them. We brainstormed some activities and then spent some time teaching them to one another by playing them – everyone is extremely excited to get started!

Today, we drove to La Finca and were greeted by a decorated porch in honor of Michael’s 14th Birthday. We enjoyed dinner and an amazing all-organic cake, made with bananas from the farm, which we finished off with Root Beer floats, per the birthday boy’s request. Evening activity was a shower for everyone, after many days of only being able to rinse off with salt water this was a much anticipated event.

Tomorrow we will explore La Finca, hopefully go swimming in the morning and then lead our first Friendship Camp!

Student Blurbs:

Asher led an active warm-up for morning exercise today (he was the first student to lead the morning activity), which everyone enjoyed. He loved learning to snorkel, taking to it quickly. He also takes a leadership role in his cooking and cleaning group, always looking for the next dish to wash. Everyone in the group feels his positivity.

Nicki really stepped up during a group initiative that involved using bandanas as stepping stones to cross sandy “lava.” Despite “loosing” an arm she shuttled the group across, staying positive even when it was challenging. She really enjoyed swimming in the BioBay and is excited to return to Old San Juan to explore more.

Maya has been enthusiastic and engaged since she arrived. Her energy and creativity is contagious. She was an integral member to her sand castle group, which created a lovely spiral design, complete with flowers. It might be hard to convince her to leave La Finca behind, she is already asking about whether or not she could rent a room here in the future.

Aubre is super excited to be exploring new parts of Puerto Rico and her heritage. She asked great questions of all of our guides in Vieques. She was particularly excited to hear that an old train that was used to transport sugar in the late 1800’s, which is currently abandoned, is soon going to be moved to become a public monument.

Sienee has been very courageous, embracing all aquatic activities. On the first day of the trip, she swam in the ocean for the first time. After some encouragement, she swam in the BioBay, which was her highlight of the week. She has enjoyed getting to know everyone in the group. She made friends quickly and is looked up to in the group.

Joceline is a natural leader. She sees what needs to be done, and steps up to help make it happen. The group appreciates her enthusiasm and her openness. On many occasions she has supported her peers, helping them to try something new. She loved getting to swim in the BioBay – she was one of the last ones to get back in her kayak, not wanting it to end.

Wyatt is eagerly learning many new words and phrases in Spanish. He loved playing in the ocean at Playa Negra and he added a lot of creativity to the back-story of the family living in his group’s sand castle. He is stepping up to help out often, offering to help with dishes even when it isn’t his day to clean.

Michael celebrated his birthday today with root beer floats! He loved swimming in the BioBay and adds a lot of humor to the group with his enthusiasm and willingness to laugh. Michael’s curiosity and genuine desire to explore the world around him helps the group get more out of our experiences.

Duncan is an enthusiastic member of the group. With his strong background in camping, he has been helping others put up tents and cooking on camp stoves. His cook group made an amazing dinner of pasta with a veggie sauce that everyone is still talking about.

Vera is enjoying getting to know everyone in the group. Everyone really appreciated her willingness to help them with their Spanish. Her cook group made an incredible dinner of BBQ chicken and salad, which took a while to cook, but was well worth the wait. She loves getting to swim in the ocean, and was excited to go snorkeling and see all of the different types of coral and fish.

Good Afternoon Bridge Puerto Rico families,

The students have arrived safely in San Juan and should be phoning home within the next couple hours for a brief check in if they haven't already! Leah and Jonathan assured us that the trip was perfectly uneventful and all the kids are very excited to be getting started!