 Costa Rica is a Spanish speaking country, and we would appreciate the opportunity to practice the language we have been studying for two years.  Costa Ricans are very friendly, and accepting of tourists.  Costa Rica is rich in culture, and has spectacular scenic views.  This trip would have educational value because the best way to get a better understanding of the Spanish language is to visit a Spanish speaking country.

 Staying 8 days.  Leaving June 15, and coming back June 23.  We plan on staying at the Clarion Hotel Amon Plaza - Cost is $145 a night, per room. - Buffet breakfast is included  We will be exploring the city in city buses or taxis.

 The average high temperature in Costa Rica in June is around 78˚ F.  The average rainfall for the month is around 11 inches.  It tends to be quite humid.

Café del Teatro Nacional  Is a classic theater from the 1890’s.  We can experience the architecture, and the unique music that wafts in through the windows.  The café is open later when there is a show being performed.  Cheap prices that are in our budget. Sabores De Jerusalem  Some of the best Mediterranean food in Costa Rica  We could eat authentic food that we would never get to taste in the United States  A gathering place for tourists, and is an information center, so we can learn more about the country.

 Tortequero – This beach is one of the best beaches in Costa Rica to experience wildlife first hand.  Starting at 6 p.m. baby turtles are out and about, and available to be viewed by the public.  While we’re staying at the beach, there is a national park nearby, and it is full of natural attractions, and places to learn about Costa Rica’s wildlife.  Wildlife includes bats, iguanas, monkeys, and much more.  There are many unique species of birds that fly by the beach, and it would be a great opportunity to go bird watching.

 There are 1,235 different species of Costa Rican plants and animals  We can go on hikes through the mountains, in order to get plenty of exercise.

La Cocina de Lena  Food is classic Costa Rican.  It is located in downtown San Jose, so we can explore what the natives do on their nights off.  Main courses are affordably priced. Café Mundo  The food is international.  It is open virtually all day, so we could eat either lunch or dinner there.  The food is priced well for our budget.

 This theater has high quality performances, that would broaden our cultural understanding of the arts.  It is considered the oldest historical building in the capital  It’s exquisite interior would give us a new feel for architecture.

 There are many words that we learned in our Spanish 2 class this year, that we can use on our trip to Costa Rica! Airport Words! El boleto - ticket El equipaje - Luggage El itinerario - Itinerary El pasaporte - Passport Pasar por la aduana – Pass through customs Facturar el equipaje – to check one’s luggage Casa de cambio – currency exchange office Hotel Words! El ascensor - elevator La habitación – hotel room La llave - key La recepción – Reception desk

Getting Around Town  A pie – by foot  La calle – street  En autobus – by bus  Encontrar – to find  Llegar – to arrive  Ver las atracciones- to go sightseeing  Visitar un museo – to visit a museum Food Words o el agua – water o Comer – to eat o el pan - bread o costar – to cost o la cuenta – bill o pedir – to order o el sabor – flavor o El supermercado – super market o Cenar – to have dinner o Desayunar – to have breakfast

 The rainforest is a beautiful place to experience nature in a different way.  In order to communicate with the natives, we will put our Spanish speaking skills to the test, and challenge ourselves.

 A restaurant that focuses on international cuisine.  The food is always changing, so if we ate there twice, we could experience something different each time.  The restaurant is rated 3 stars, and is reasonably priced. Barbecue Los Anonos  Well prepared Costa Rican cuisine  Rustic wooden tables, so we can get a feel for historic Costa Rica

 Montar a caballo – ride a horse  Agente de viajes – travel agent  Tomar fotos – to take photos  Acampar – to go camping  Dar una caminata –to take a walk

National Parks of Costa Rica We used this to find out about the national parks we want to visit. Disfruta We found information about the beaches in Costa Rica. Go Visit Costa Rica We used this to find restaurants to eat at. Yahoo Travel i;_ylt=A9j8e6_JpulLbSMBlA2JFWoL We used this to find more restaurants. Frommer’s We used this to find information and reviews on places to go. Destinations We used this to find information about the many rain forests of Costa Rica