2.  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.

3.  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.

4.  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.

5. 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.

6.  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.

7.  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.

8. 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.

9.  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.

10.  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

11. 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

12.  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.

13.  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

14.  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

15. National Parks of Costa Rica http://centralamerica.com/cr/parks/mobraulio.htm We used this to find out about the national parks we want to visit. Disfruta http://gocentralamerica.about.com/od/costaricaguide/tp/CRBeaches.htm We found information about the beaches in Costa Rica. Go Visit Costa Rica http://www.govisitcostarica.com/category/entertainment/restaurants.asp?rID=3 We used this to find restaurants to eat at. Yahoo Travel http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-2770692-pizzeria_il_pomodoro_san_jose- i;_ylt=A9j8e6_JpulLbSMBlA2JFWoL We used this to find more restaurants. Frommer’s http://www.frommers.com/destinations/sanjosecostarica/D55915.html We used this to find information and reviews on places to go. Destinations 360 http:www.destination360.com/central-america/costa-rica/costa-rica-rainforest// We used this to find information about the many rain forests of Costa Rica