Ji's Comments
Thursday June 24, 2004 - Costa Rica:
At 7 o'clock am we went up to the sugar cane field. The hill was steep and high, but it was such a wonderful view. We saw two red birds, and lots of dogs. Cutting the sugar cane was harder than what it seemed. The cut-end of the sugar cane tasted sweet. Two oxen carried the sugar canes down to the "sugar factory". The process of making sugar was very much of old style hand works. Everyone had a chance to cut the sugar canes, and watch the boiling sugar cane juice. It was a little similar to maple syrup, but more refreshing. We had to boil the juice for two hours so that it becomes actual sugar. Waking up early, and the walk and hike seem to make me healthier. I feel very in shape, and healthy. The food is good. I went to Hilda's house today, and had beef and noodle. The juice here is very refreshing. Andre is the cutest boy I've ever seen. People are very friendly and nice. It's so humid and hot, so some people got sick. This is such a valuable experience that can teach me how other people live. Being here makes me forget all my worries and concerns back in home.
Friday June 25,2004:
We went to the waterfall today. This is our latest day in Costa Rica. After all the working and playing and eating with the town people, it's very sad to say good-bye. I'll miss this village a lot, and I want to come back a few years later. We not only helped these people, but also got some lessons. I learned how people can be very happy and bright even when they don't have enough money or modern facilities. Second, I learned how to interact with strangers and know about their worries. Before I came to Costa Rica, I thought we were coming to a jungle. I couldn't imagine that a village like this would have been formed in the middle of the rain forest. At first, I wondered why these people chose to live in such a difficult environment. But now, I realized that compared to other people in other Costa Rica cities, these people are having so much more tranquilities and beauty of the nature around them. With the purity and natural abundance of the rain forest, people have found their own way of leisure and survival. During the trip, I really enjoyed staying here, and I appreciate the love and care that the town people showed us.