Arenal Springs and the unforgettable bus ride

This past weekend we took a trip to the Arenal Volcano. On Saturday we arrived, took a little hike through the forest around the volcano and then checked in the hotel. The resort we stayed at was unbelievable. Each pair or trio got their own small cottage, there were tons of hot springs and a pool, and it was right at the base of the volcano so you had an amazing view everywhere you were! We all had some much need relaxation time in the hot springs and then a buffet dinner. The next day we got to relax a little more and enjoy the sunshine, and then had some free time to explore La Fortuna.  The views I saw this weekend were unforgettable and so surreal. After La Fortuna, it was time to head back to Monteverde. It was about a four hour drive and we had a little adventure along the way. On the way up the mountain to Monteverde, the roads are not paved. In addition to the unpaved roads, it rains a lot so most of the time they are extremely muddy. Our bus driver did his best to avoid holes and muddy spots that would cause us to get stuck. While trying to avoid a huge hole, our bus got stuck in a ditch and up against an embankment. Unfortunately, the side of the bus that was pressed against the embankment was the side of the bus where the door was located. With tree branches blocking us in and a muddy ditch, it was impossible to safely move the bus. So Javier opened the emergency exit at the top of the bus and one by one we all climbed out with our things. Luckily, the embankment we were up against was the same exact level as the bus so we were able to walk right onto it. We then found an area that was level with the road and waited for another bus to come get us. Throughout the experience, we all managed to add humor to the situation and keep calm. It was actually one of the funnier experiences of our trip and one that I am sure none of us will forget. And I even found that it related to teaching! Teachers encounter unexpected, sometimes scary, sometimes stressful situations almost every day. In these situations, it is important to be able to remain calm, stay level headed and do what you can to help your students remain the same way. This is exactly what we did. I also learned the hard way that I should always pack as lightly as possible because if your transportation fails then you’re stuck carrying everything! On another positive note, Justin, our chaperon, is using our story and photos from this experience in the effort to get the roads of Monteverde paved! Many people have been trying to make this happen and it ironically has been in the news recently that the unpaved roads are not safe. So hopefully our experience can help improve Monteverde! Even with our “bump in the road”, this weekend was my favorite yet.