by Jeremy Lewan
The Environmental Science group from High Tech flew into Liberia International Airport to traverse the countryside from the Pacific to the Atlantic Oceans. High Tech visited Guanacaste, where the contingent went snorkeling and observed marine life and coral reefs up close.
At La Fortuna, High Tech visited a local school, kayaked at the base of Arenal Volcano, swam at the end of a waterfall, and the contingent immersed itself in beautiful, landscaped hot springs. In Sarapiqui, High Tech went whitewater rafting and zip-lined through the jungle. While at Tortugero, the group explored the mating grounds of endangered turtles and went on boat rides to survey wildlife. Finally, at San Jose, they attended a professional soccer match between two Costa Rican teams.
"It was not only an amazing trip in itself, but it was made more so because of positive interactions among the adults and students,” says William Goold, Science Instructor and Group Leader. “To have a chance to interact with actual students in a Costa Rican school environment was probably the most moving part of the trip for me.”
The High Tech group partook of traditional meals, a definite high point for Lily Israel, a North Bergen resident and a senior at High Tech. "I really enjoyed the rice and beans, and the fresh pineapple and watermelon,” she says. “The food was healthy and the portions were large. My favorite snack was definitely the macadamia nut ice cream.”
