Shasta High Choir

Last Day in Costa Rica

2011-06-17T08:53:00.000-07:00

I would not swim in this river. The crocodiles were huge. We traveled back to San Jose and stayed in Casa Conde again. We ate our last lunch at this hotel and it was delicious. We traveled to a local music school for our last concert. There was a band to play for us on our arrival. The school is a fine arts school for the community. After our concert, there was a dance class going on in the hallway, and they allowed us to join in. They are great dancers. After the fun party at the school, we went for our farewell dinner at El Rodeo Steak House. The boys were very proud of themselves for playing Mary had a Little Lamb with glass coke bottles. We are going to miss Costa Rica and its people.

The Crocodiles were huge.

Everyone gazing at the crocodiles.

Our welcome goodies that were home made.

Our Welcome band.

Inside of the school.

Our shared concert.

Our dance party.

Mary had a little lamb.

Farewell Dinner at El Rodeo.

Beach Day

2011-06-16T10:34:00.001-07:00

The most important thing to pack when you travel with a group is flexibility, and we found that to be especially true today. One of our buses wouldn't start this morning, so we ended up putting all the kids and chaperones on one bus (every seat was filled) and our problem-solving tour guides got a large van to transport all the other adults. We started our day with a trip to Manuel Antonio National Park where we took a nature hike and saw sloths, white-faced monkeys, iguanas, howler monkeys, racoons and several species of birds. Then we went to a beach inside the park. We ate lunch, played on the beach a few minutes, and then decided the surf was too big for us to stay and play in the waves. We came back to our hotel and went to the beach connected to the resort. It was much calmer and we had a wonderful time playing on the beach and in the waves. We had dinner at the resort and then had a dance with another school group in the resort's in disco. A great end to a great day.

Trying to jump-start bus #2. (It didn't work. It needed a new starter.)

Dillon McGrath spotting a sloth in Manuel Antonio National Park.

One of the beaches in the National Park.

Ready for a swim!

Madi Harner and a many-legged friend on her arm.

A three-toed sloth posed for us in the Park.

Swimming in the warm water at the beach at our hotel.

Wes Jackman waiting for the surf to come to him.

Hope Collins and Nikki Sarti enjoy the warm Pacific Ocean.

More fun in the waves.

Jumping the waves was a favorite ocean activity.

Our dance party at the disco by the beach.

When the dance was too hot, this group played a game of "Curses" by the pool.

David Fowler shows off his moves at the disco.

Hannah Moty danced the night away with her friends.

Catch up on Videos

2011-06-15T21:01:00.000-07:00

Here are just some videos that I have not been able to download.

This hike was at El Silencio trails. They are on the far west side of Arenal Volcano.
Rainy Hike

This is Mr. Spencer swinging on a vine in the rain forest. Such a great Tarzan.
Tarzan Swing

Here is just a view of a rain storm in Arenal. Such great rain there. So noisy, but really didn't last long.
Rain In Arenal

This is our guide Alex. He is demonstrating a howler monkey call for everyone. Alex has been a great guide, and always has all of the answers for us.
Our guide Alex

This last video is of the bell ringer. This was at the church in San Jose that we sang our second concert.
Bell Ringing

Travel Day

2011-06-14T21:11:00.000-07:00

Today we said goodbye to the Arenal volcano area. We had not seen the top of the volcano since we arrived because it was always shrouded in clouds, but just before we left this morning the clouds parted and we were able to see the summit. What a view! Sadly, we did not witness any volcanic activity. But we did hear thunder at night that we told ourselves was really the volcano. This was a travel day for us as we made our way to the Mid-Pacific Area. It has rained all afternoon and evening so we do not have any other pictures for you today. We arrived at our hotel in time for dinner and we have done a bit of exploring of the resort in the rain, but nothing really picture-worthy. We'll have more for you tomorrow.

Rafting Adventures

2011-06-14T20:46:00.001-07:00

Just thought that we would share some of our pictures from our fun rafting trip. The kids had a blast, and it was the warmest river I have ever been in.

The Farm

2011-06-13T21:03:00.000-07:00

We've had another great day in Costa Rica. We started the day with a bit of souvenir shopping in Fortuna. We were rained on, but our quest for the perfect trip momento was not dampened. After shopping, we went to visit the Don Juan Organic Farm. We got to harvest spinach, tomatoes, radishes, and cassava for our lunch. We saw and learned about many different fruits and vegetables, we got to press sugar cane and drink the the juice and sing "Cana Dulce" to our guide. We then had a delicious lunch made from things we had harvested, and well as other foods grown on the farm, in a covered open air dining room next to a small river. We watched as a downpour surrounded us as we ate. After watching the rain, we can believe that this area of Costa Rica gets nine feet a year of rain. Next we took a hike on the El Silencio trails on the west side of the Arenal volcano. We walked through lush a rain forest and saw howler monkeys, toucans, sloths, vipers and all kinds of interesting plants. It was so interesting to see the rain forest from the forest floor since we had seen it from above when we were zip-lining yesterday. Next we went to the Escotermales Fortuna Hot Springs, a series of pools fed with volcanic hot water. Very relaxing. We had a delicious dinner there before returning to our hotel for the night. Tomorrow we leave Arenal for the Mid Pacific area. This beautiful area has been very good to us!

Sarah Hill harvested cassava for our lunch.

Savanna Galloway and Caitlin Giddings show off the tomatoes they picked.

Michael Sanders and Amanda Jenkins picked radishes for our salad.

Rudi Yniguez and Hope Collins picked a basketful of spinach.

Dominic Mallari and Kyle Matsumoto run a length of sugar cane through a sugar cane press.

Eagle Scout Addison Twede was prepared for a rain shower.

We saw howler monkeys on our hike in the rain forest.

Toucan Sam showed off his beak for us on our hike.

Wes Jackman, Camille buick, Jeff Mayberry and Gavin Graham at the hot springs.

Madi Harner, Sarah Hill, Dominic Mallari and Jordan Sharp relaxing at the hot springs.

Hannah Moty, Addison Twede and Gavin Graham pose for the camera.

Zip Lining Video

2011-06-13T20:55:00.000-07:00

Just thought that you should all be able to see what we experienced while zip lining. This video gives you a good glimpse into what we did. This video is of Camille Buick. In the background you can hear her mother freaking out a little.

Zip Lining

This next video is of Jordan Sharp as he is sailing across the second large zip line.

Be patient with this last video of the zip lining. I started recording and then prepared to zip across the forest. It gives you a good view of what we were looking at when we were 500 feet above the forest ground.

Flying High

Flying High in Costa Rica

2011-06-12T21:10:00.000-07:00

Another exciting day in Costa Rica! We started with a post-mass concert at Iglesia de la Fortuna. Fortuna is a town about ten minutes from our resort. The people were very appreciative and kind. The kids sang beautifully, and the audience especially responded to "My Spirit Sang All Day," "Peace Like a River," and "Cana Dulce." Many people came up to us after the concert and expressed their gratitude for the concert. Our next activity was the much anticipated zip lining. WOW!!! What an exhilarating experience! We "flew" on a series of 8 lines near the Arenal volcano. We went whizzing over the canyons of the rain forest with views of Arenal lake and the surrounding mountains and valleys. The longest line was 650 meters and with speeds up to 50 miles per hour. What a rush!! We had a great dinner at a local restaurant and then spent another lovely evening swimming at our resort. Can't wait till tomorrow.

Concert at Iglesia de la Fortuna.

Kyle Matsumoto with a local who was waiting to hear our concert.

Waiting outside the Iglesia de la Fortuna before our concert.

Waiting on the steps of the church.

Nikki Sarti and Amber Spencer modeling their new rain jackets.

Michele Spencer's lunch in Fortuna was "Volcano Rice."

Sarah Hill and Madi Harner ready to zip line.

Riding the tram up to the zip lines.

Ashley Aboud, Brooke Powell and Hailey Thompson ready for an adventure.

Mr. Perez flying through the rain forest.

Gavin Graham walking to the last zip line.

We're ready!

All smiles before....

Fearless Mary Forbes and Danger-loving Donna Nelson.

Michael Sanders starting out.

Rudi Yniguez and David Fowler at our resort.

View of the Arenal volcano.

Jeff Mayberry and Jared Matheson.

Chris Stadick ready to go.

Relaxing at the resort.

Our first Video

2011-06-12T08:09:00.000-07:00

Listen to the choir sing Peace Like a River at our concert. We performed at the Basilica de Santo Domingo.
Follow the link below to listen.

Peace Like a River

By the way, the kids have been following the blog as we travel. They would love to hear all of your comments about the trip. They feel very supported when they get lots of feedback from the people they love and miss.

Adventures in Costa Rica

2011-06-11T19:31:00.000-07:00

Today we left San Jose and traveled to the Arenal Volcano. On the way we stopped at the Sarapiqui River for a rafting excursion. The river runs through rain forest and we expected to see "Jurassic Park" dinosaurs tromping down to the river to take a drink as we paddled by. The river was warm with just enough rapids to make the trip exciting. A few of us took "unplanned swims" during the trip, but we a had a great time. Then we traveled on through the countryside toward Arenal. We drove through agricultural land and rain forest, arriving at the Arenal Moana Hotel in the late afternoon. Our resort has two pools, bungalow type rooms, an open air restaurant and views of the volcano from every room. We're living the high-life now!

Saying goodbye to Casa Conde in San Jose.

On the rafting company's bus on the way to the Sarapiqui River and our rafting adventure.

All ready for rafting!

Aaron Vogt and Roxie Bailey take a swim in the river.

Every raft had six people and one guide.

Paddling is hard work!

Outfitted and ready to go.

We followed a truck load of bananas on the way to Arenal.

Ashley Aboud enjoys the view from the pool.

Danna, Krista, Aaron, Eliza and Roxie.

The patio and view out one of our rooms.

Amanda Jenkins and Bailey Rehmann on their patio.

The cool pool.

The grounds of our resort.

One of our rooms.

Making New Friends

2011-06-10T22:17:00.000-07:00

Today we got to know Costa Rica -- both the country and the people. We are so lucky to be visiting a country that is so welcoming to us and so appreciative of music. In the morning we had a tour of the city of San Jose which included a tour of the National Museum and a visit the Central Park. In the afternoon and evening we went to the Basilica de Santo Domingo where we rehearsed for our shared evening concert. We had a concert exchange with the Coro Choir, a Costa Rican choir. We sang for them, they sang for us, and we sang a Costa Rican song together. After the rehearsal, we attended a mass at the basilica, then we performed for the congregation. What a wonderful experience! We have truly made many new friends today. Even though we don't speak the same language, our shared love of music made it feel like we had knew each other. The audience was very responsive and made us feel so welcome. The music we have performed here will always remind us of the warm people of Costa Rica.

Visiting the National Museum.

A pedestrian walk in downtown San Jose.

Holly Pellitier, Nicki Bonura and Jack Bonura in front of the National Museum.

The National Museum is in a former fort that was occupied by the army. This room was actually a communal latrine. Talk about multi-tasking!

Kids in the courtyard at the National Museum.

An impromptu concert at the shopping mall where we had lunch.

Meeting the Coro Choir.

Rehearsal at the Basilica.

Performing at the Basilica.

Dillon McGrath and a new friend.

Caitlin Giddings and a Coro Choir member.

Combined Shasta and Coro Choirs performing "Cana Dulce."

Outside the Hotel Bougainvillea where we had a late dinner.

Dinner.

Dessert!

Nicki Sarti and Aaron Vogt dancing after dinner to the sounds of the sax.

The end of a wonderful day.

INBioparque and Conservatory de Castella

2011-06-09T20:31:00.000-07:00

Today we went to INBioparque, a conservation park which gives an overview of all the different biodiversity in Costa Rica. We got to see plants and animals from all regions of the country in guided tours. We learned all about Costa Rica's unique approach to conservation and eco-tourism. Twenty-five percent of Costa Rica is set aside as parks and preserves.
We were very lucky to spy a three-toed sloth high above us in the trees.

We saw iguanas like this one all over the park.

Our guides had us search the trees looking for the sloths.

This is our group in the butterfly area. We saw many colorful species...

...including these very rare ones...

...and this friendly species who liked our guide.

Betsy and Krista Judge wanted their photo taken with the iguanas in the background.

Savanna Galloway had butterfly magic.

We had a delicious buffet lunch at the park.

We had an exchange concert with Coro del Conservatorio de Castella, a high school for the arts. We had two different dance classes perform for us, and then we performed for their students.

We were warmly received by the Conservatorio students. They especially liked our rendition of
Cana Dulce, a traditional Costa Rican song.

After the concert, we got to go to a souvenir factory that uses indigenous woods to make jewelry and other gift items

This is relaxing after shopping for souvenirs.

Gavin Graham trying out a hammock. He has found his true talent.

Violet Sharp and Danna Draper like to shop.

Karina and April have spent all their money:)

Austin and Violet enjoyed the tour.

Mr. Perez and our guide Alex are working hard.

Dinner back at Casa Conde. Another great day.

We Have Arrived

2011-06-08T19:20:00.000-07:00

Sooo happy to be off the plane!

Not only did our whole group make it to Costa Rica, all our luggage did too.

After long lines at customs. immigration and the currency exchange, our tour guides greeted us with sunny smiles and put us on their luxury buses to take us to our hotel in San Jose.

Arriving at our hotel, Casa Conde.

Happy to be done with our travels for the day.

Relaxing at the patio restaurant.

Sam is thrilled with her lunch (which was delicious, no matter what you think of the look on her face.)

Our hotel is a number of quaint, vine-covered buildings around a central plaza. It is completely self-contained, with only one entrance/exit, its own security, restaurant, pool, jacuzzi, saunas, and exercise room.

The restaurant overlooks the blue-tiled pool.

After 24 hours of travel, a cool swim was welcome.

The weather is humid, but not too hot, with a gentle breeze -- perfect for relaxing outside.

We have all enjoyed the open air dining, and so far no bugs.

The fruit juice if great!

We are touring in the lap of luxury!

On Our Way

2011-06-08T05:46:00.000-07:00

Can you see how excited we are to go to Costa Rica? We are excited, but lots of waiting before we get there, starting in the cafeteria.

What a great day to travel! We're all alert and ready to leave.

After a bus ride, a long check-in in San Francisco, and a red-eye flight to Houston, Mr. Perez is ready for a nap!

Tim Mathison needed a rest as well.

Itinerary

2011-05-22T18:16:00.000-07:00

Shasta High School Choir

2011 Performance Tour to Costa Rica
Mr. Gavin Spencer, Director
June 8-17, 2011

June 8, 2011Continental Airlines flight #269Depart: San Francisco ............... 12:25am

Arrive: Houston ........................... 5:57am
Continental Airlines flight #1528
Depart: Houston .......................... 9:15am
Arrive: San Jose ........................ 11:50am

June 17, 2011
Continental Airlines flight #1447
Depart: San Jose .......................... 3:00pm
Arrive: Houston ........................... 7:50pm
Continental Airlines flight #770
Depart: Houston .......................... 9:00pm
Arrive: San Francisco ................ 11:02pm

Hotel Information
1. San Jose ................ June 8-11
Hotel Casa Conde Aparthotel
Costado sur del Parque de la Paz
San Jose
Phone: (506) 226-0808
Fax: (506) 2227-4257
2. Arenal ................. June 11-14
Hotel Arenal Manoa
Del Pueblo de la Fortuna 7
Arenal
Phone: (506) 479-1111
Fax: (506) 2479-1112
3. Mid-Pacific ......... June 14-17
Hotel Punta Leona
Puntarenas, Garabito
Despues del Puente de Playa Agujas
Phone: (506) 2630-1000
Fax: (506) 2625-8844

Tuesday June 7th, 2011
9:30pm Arrive at San Francisco airport for check-in and to clear security

Wednesday June 8th San Jose (D)
12:25am Depart San Francisco on Continental Airlines flight 269
5:57am Arrive Houston
9:15am Depart Houston on Continental Airlines flight 1528
11:50am Arrive in San Jose. Meet your MCI Tour Manager, who will assist
the group to awaiting chartered motorcoach for a transfer to the
hotel via orientation tour of San Jose.
Lunch on own
Afternoon hotel check-in at Casa Conde Aparthotel and Suites
6:30pm Welcome Dinner and overnight at the hotel

Thursday June 9th San Jose (B,D)
Breakfast at the hotel
8:30am Departure from the hotel
9:00am Guided tour of San Jose to get to know the Costa Rican people,
culture and history, discovering the beautiful museums, monuments,
neighborhoods, historical sites of San José and includes a stop for
shopping. It begins with an orientation and drive through the
beautiful Sabana Park, passing by Rohrmoser residential area,
driving through Paseo Colón. In the centre things are wearingly
hectic, with vendors lining the streets. We will visit the National
Museum, a faithful witness of Costa Rica history. We will continue
heading towards the University of Costa Rica, passing by the
Supreme Court of Justice and various sites of interest including the
Central Park, the Cathedral and the Congress Building
Lunch on own
2:00pm Depart for Basilica de Santo Domingo
2:30pm Approximate arrival at the Basilica for rehearsal
5:00pm Rehearsal ends, followed by break
6:00pm Sing/ participate in mass followed by a shared concert
with Coro EMUSA at Basilica Santo Domingo
8:30pm Dinner at Hotel Bougainvillea
Return to hotel for overnight

Friday June 10th San Jose (B,L,D)
6:00am Breakfast at the hotel followed by hotel check-out
6:30am Depature for Poas Volcano Nationial Park
Excursion to the Poas Volcano National park (covering an area of
approximately 16,000 acres, the summit is 8,900 feet). One of the
attractive features about Poás is that you can get all the way to the
edge of the crater. The main crater is 950 feet deep and is quite
active with frequent small geyser and lava eruptions, two more
craters make up parts of the park, the extinct Von Frantzuis crater
and the Botos crater. Botos is a beautiful cold green water crater
lake. Well marked trails will take you to see the two inactive craters.
10:30am Transfer to INBioparque
11:30am Estimate arrival at the park followed by a tour
1:30pm Lunch at INBioparque (included)
2:15pm Departure to Conservatorio de Castella
2:45-3:45pm Rehearsal at venue
4:00pm Shared concert with Coro del Conservatorio de Castella at the
conservatory auditorium
Transfer back to the hotel
6:30pm Dinner and overnight at the hotel

Saturday June 11th San Jose / Arenal (B,L,D)
Breakfast at the hotel followed by hotel check-out
6:30am Transfer to Arenal
9:30am Sarapiqui River Rafting - Flowing freely from two Costa Rican
volcanic national parks and running alongside primary rainforest,
the Sarapiquí is one of the most pristine and cleanest rivers in Costa
Rica. No experience is required as this is rafting for beginners.
Lunch is included
Continue to Arenal
Check into Arenal Manoa
6:30pm Dinner and overnight at the hotel

Sunday June 12th Arenal (B,D)
Breakfast at the hotel
10:00am Departure for Iglesia de la Fortuna
10:30am Sing a post-mass concert at Iglesia de la Fortuna
11:30am Lunch on own
12:30pm Transfer back to the hotel
2:30pm Departure for Sky Tram & Sky Trek Group Tour
3:00pm Today tour the nearby Arenal Rainforest Reserve, where you will be
able to appreciate a natural environment. You also enjoy an Aerial
Tram. The tour includes the ascent by cable car to the top of the
Arenal Reserve, where you can see beautiful landscapes of the
forest, lake and the volcano. On the way back you can choose to
return on the tram or take the Sky Trek which is a secure system of
trails and zip lines that offer visitors the opportunity to observe and
appreciate the nature from different vantage points. The shortest
cable is 195 ft and the longest is 650 ft.
6:30pm Dinner at local restaurant Que Rico
Return to hotel for overnight

Monday June 13th Arenal (B,D)
Breakfast at the hotel
Moring at leisure for additional sightseeing, shopping or other
planned activities
Lunch on own
3:00pm Afternoon sightseeing to El Silencio trails and the lookout point.
Transfer to the far west side of Arenal Volcano, for exploring the
Silencio Trail. Our expert guide will find the animals. Frequent
sightings include: monkeys, wild boars, two types of toucans,
White-Nosed Coatis, Oro Pendula birds, Golden Eyelash Vipers,
Boa Constrictors, White-tailed Deer, Great Curassows.
Before dark, you’ll continue to the Lookout observation point,
which offers the closest, most direct lava flow vista.
5:00pm Evening visit to Escotermales Fortuna Hot springs. These are a
series of pools fed with volcanic hot-water sitting at the foot of the
impressive Arenal Volcano. There are five pools of thermal hot
water between plus one pool of cool water. There is also a small
waterfall and a natural Jacuzzi. This unique oasis is surrounded by
lush gardens and forest and cemented trails. For your enjoyment and
comfort there is a restaurant serving typical food, and dressing
rooms with private lockers.
Dinner at the Hot springs
Return to the hotel for overnight

Tuesday June 14th Arenal / Mid Pacific (B,D)
Breakfast at the hotel
9:00am Transfer to Mid Pacific via Orotina
Lunch on own
Continue to Mid Pacific
Check into for Punta Leona
6:30pm Dinner and overnight at the hotel

Wednesday June 15th Mid Pacific (B,D)
Breakfast at the hotel
7:00am Depart hotel for Manuel Antonio National Park
Visit Manuel Antonio National Park for a guided hike. This park is
considered one of the most beautiful beach and jungles of Costa
Rica. Its main attractions include: two white-sand beaches
(Espadilla & Manuel Antonio), and emerald blue seas against a
background of deep green tropical jungle with excellent walking
trails that will allow the visitor to get glance at the different types of
monkeys, and provide a great opportunity to get some great birdwatching
done too! The park encompasses 1685 acres of land, plus
135.905 acres of marine reserve including 12 islands located a short
distance from shore. The fauna is diverse and some 109 mammalsspecies
and 184 species of birds inhabit the area. From the beach, it
is possible to see two-toed sloths, raccoons, white-nosed coatis,
howler and white-faced monkeys, and squirrels. There is wide range
of marine flora and fauna. Also, numerous dolphins and at times,
migrating whales are sighted.
Lunch on own
Enjoy some time at the beach
6:30pm Dinner and overnight at the hotel

Thursday June 16th Mid Pacific / San Jose (B,D)
Breakfast at the hotel
11:00am Transfer back to San Jose
Check into hotel Casa Conde Aparthotel
Lunch at the hotel
4:45pm Departure for Santa Ana
5:30pm Arrival and rehearsal at Escuela de Musica de Santa Ana
7:00pm Shared concert with Coro EMAI de la Escuela de Musica de
Santa Ana in the school auditorium
8:30pm Evening Farewell Dinner at El Rodeo Steak House
Return to hotel for overnight

Friday June 17th Depart for home (B)
Breakfast at the hotel followed by hotel check-out
8:30am Transfer to San Jose Airport
Arrive at San Jose Airport for return flights to San Francisco
3:00pm Depart San Jose on Continental Airlines flight 1447
7:50pm Arrive Houston
9:50pm Depart Houston on Continental Airlines flight 770
11:02pm Arrive San Francisco