Costa Rica: Chilamate and Sarapique-Rafting Time-Stu

A calmer stretch of the Sarapiqui River-photo courtesy of keywordteam.net

We saw lovely countryside as we wove this way and that along the serpentine 2-lane roads (thankfully paved). It was great to see the difference in the towns and landscape we passed through which became markedly more tropical as we came down from the mountains. There were also smaller villages interspersed with small fields of crops or the occasional grazing horse. We eventually arrived at the delightful Malibu Cabanas Bed and Breakfast in Chilamate just outside Sarapique. The owners spoke very little English which gave me yet more opportunity to mangle Spanish. There was a local soda nearby on the main road that they recommended for al muerzo, and as we were all famished, we decided to take their advice. So glad we did-the food was exceptional and so much of it! We agreed that in future, we would only order two meals to feed us if we splurged at one of these roadside cafes that are universally called Typical Soda.

After eating, we drove a few kilometers to the Sarapique Outdoor Center to check and see if the recommendation made by our B&B host was another hit. When we walked in, the guy behind the counter said, ā€œStu?ā€ I was surprised for a moment until I realized that our our kind host had called ahead and set up a river rafting tour for us in case we liked the place. We got the basic details from a guy by the name of Miguel who was manning the desk. He offered to show us the Sarapique Rio itself which was a short walk across the tributary out back. Itā€™s a great looking river, the kind that just makes you want to jump in a raft or canoe and start exploring. Miguel pointed to his blue shirt shirt and asked if we wanted to see. I guessed he either wanted to show us the actual blue and red poison arrow frog pictured on his shirt or sell us a shirt. Turns out the frogs live all around, so we started looking. Robyn was the first to locate one. Super cute little guy about an inch long with a bright red top half and blue legs. Miguel pointed and said, ā€œBlue jean frog.ā€ very apt, I thought. As they were poisonous, we had to remind Meg not to touch as she was already maneuvering to pick it up…We agreed to a trip, and then left to go to the supermercado (what a treat: they had lots of choices of food in a real supermarket) to get provisions for the next day of what we hoped would be fun on the river.

Our guide on the Sarapiqui Rio the next day was a guy by the name of Roberto. He was extremely knowledgeable about the abundant local plants and wildlife having grown up the area. Heā€™d traveled abroad, but could not face being away from the jungle. He lives with his brother and travels to work on foot on forest paths having decided to live a more traditional way of life in the jungle. The river was flowing fast enough (class II-III) to give an adrenaline boost down the occasional lively rapids, where we almost lost Liam overboard, yet the stately river had very benevolent feel to it as it flowed calmly through the jungle. There were massive trees overhanging the water at times offering shade and secretive little harbors and inlets begging to be explored. Monkeys, toucans, and diving kingfishers kept us company as our little group floated along. Stopping to jump from a 10 foot bank into a deep eddy was a great diversion for the adventurous, and a confidence boost for the unsure, and our guide gave us the opportunity ahead of a larger group that appeared around the last bend weā€™d passed a few minutes before. We tried fresh picked monkey guava (you suck the custard like stuff off the hazelnut-like seeds); slimy vanilla-tasting cacao which is nothing like the chocolate you know from the stores; fresh ginger root (the smell of the flower that grows on the edge of the river was intoxicating and resembled a pretty orchid); and sucked a seemingly endless supply of delicious sugar water from fresh sugar cane. All so good!

Our trip proved to be no mere adrenaline fix, rather it was more a journey to the heart and soul of the jungle. Robyn had tears in her eyes with the spiritual essence of the place which was almost tangible in its power. As we regretfully left the river and rode the 4×4 back to the outdoor center, I decided that this was a river I would love to come back and explore over the course of a multi-day trip deeper into the forest as even our brief excursion resembled a trip back to the prehistoric essence of our human beginnings.

Sarapique Outdoor Center is contactable via their website or on tripadvisor. Give them a look see…

https://costaricaraft.com/
Best Costa Rica Whitewater Rafting & Kayak
Kayaks are popular ways to travel the Sarapiqui River-Photo courtesy of www.oregonkayaking.net

Three, Two, One…Action!-Robyn

Snapshots from videos

For someone who once dreamed of being on stage performing for large audiences, youā€™d think Iā€™d relish the chance to be in front of the camera. Though Iā€™m certain my theatrical training had some impact regarding pronunciation and delivery, it didnā€™t squash the nerves that were certainly bubbling over in preparation for the upcoming videos to be recorded. In collaboration with the Open University and my host professor at JYU, we decided upon a four-part lecture series. Our outline allowed for both separate lectures that can be connected for continuity or utilized as individual lessons. The intent of the lectures is to use them for undergraduate and graduate teacher training programs, professional development, and for research projects being conducted throughout Finland. Each topic taught was based on the foundations of inclusive practices in special education. This cross cultural exchange of sharing best practices to meet the needs of all of our educators in Finland and the US is evidence of how incredible global collaboration can be.

Lecture one emphasized Universal Design for Learning which led to the second lecture of Inclusion, answering the question of where one conducts UDL.  Lecture three dives into pedagogical strategies implemented during inclusive settings leading us to the use of evidence based practice. One such Evidence Based Practice is Social Skills Training, which was the 4th lecture.

The university had reserved a recording studio complete with cameraman and tech support. After a few test runs to ensure my vocal volume was satisfactory (us Americans are known to be far too loud for these sessions) and that my slides were up and working we were good to go. Keep in mind that the entire time, I am lecturing to an audience  of none! (Well actually the lovely cameraman, but I donā€™t think he was my target audience.) I had become somewhat accustomed to a quieter lecture environment as many of the other presentations recently given at the university have been to Finnish graduate students who culturally donā€™t interact during class time the same way we do at home, so I had been prepared for the silences. Yet talking straight into the camera for a period of time with no interaction was definitely a bit odd. I had been working on these lectures and slides extensively for weeks making adjustments to ensure both my Finnish colleagues and educators back home would be able to connect. Considering simple changes in words such as recess to breaks, paraprofessionals to assistants. Even removing specific grade levels, opting to use age groups instead to ensure that both cultures would be able to benefit from what was being shared.

I value the collaboration across thousands of miles to pinpoint the same areas of need to improve the quality of supports that are provided for our students who require special education services. Grateful for having this opportunity and who knows maybe the next time you google special education, these videos will pop up.

Prague Photography-Meggie

Even a rainy day can be interesting

This week I went to Prague, Czeck Republic to meet and vacation with some old family friends. It was great catching up and then looking at some photos from the last time we met and how everyone has grown up so much since then:)

Not only was this a fun exciting experience that comes with being in a new country, but it also provided me a chance to take a lot of photos. Iā€™ve always loved photography and for a while now Iā€™ve been thinking of turning it into a profession when Iā€™m older. As well as posting a lot of my photos on this page for a while, Iā€™m now posting on my new Instagram account dedicated to photos I take when traveling.

Prague is a very beautiful city and has been around for a very long time, so naturally, itā€™s buildings are a mix of old and new. Even from looking down at the ground when your walking, you can tell this city has excellent history. Iā€™ve always been a sucker for stories of kings,queens, empires, etc. so when walking around Prague I tried my best to incorporate as much of the feel and history of the town as much as possible into my pictures.

If anyone is interested, my Instagram is cheye_photography

Grand old buildings


A typical restaurant in Prague


Lots of narrow streets to explore…


Czech This: Prague-Stu


Section of Lennon’s Wall

This past weekend we visited the wonderful city of Prague in the Czech Republic. Prague was busier than we expected and, more importantly, much better value as the exchange rate from dollars to Czech Korunas was on our side (one US dollar = 22.84 czk). Itā€™s a beautiful tourist-friendly city that has a lot to offer. We rented an apartment on Airbnb with friends and their kids close to all the action in the old town area as we all wanted to experience the city on foot.

Czech food is hearty and hot, and there is a multitude of street food vendors located in market places providing a taste sensation! Our favorite spot was the food market on the east side of the River Vltava a little south of the Dancing Building (so named as it was designed to resemble the straight suit and flowing dress of well, dancers). The market was bustling even at 9am, and many people were strolling around eating a variety of mouth-watering roasted meats, pies, cheeses, and baked goods. In fact, many were also drinking beer and hot or cold wine. Another famous market was the StaroměstskĆ© NĆ”m located behind the Astronomical Clock. Known as the Winter Market, a must see during the run up to Christmas, it was now turned over to Spring and Easter. There was music and lots of food. Lots of churches, synagogues, and history too if you can pull yourself away from the culinary offerings. By the way, whenever we went to visit an attraction, for some reason we tended to arrive back at the Astronomical Clock. I guess all roads donā€™t lead to Mecca after all.

Travel over the popular stone Charles Bridge to the western bank, and you can visit the castle and even ride a funicular tram up to the observation tower (modeled on the bigger and more famous Eiffel Tower) on the high ground above the US Embassy. This part of the city is wonderful and houses the worldā€™s narrowest street and the colorful John Lennon Wall where people from all over the world have written or drawn reminders for peace. We all enjoyed following the winding medieval streets as they meandered back and forth. At one point, we stumbled onto a film shoot and watched the action as a man was hauled off by a plain clothes security duo dressed in 1950ā€™s suits, overcoats, and hats. We found out later that it was a German production company, who like many, come to Prague as there are many low-cost skilled tradesmen for set building. Iā€™m not sure if the street was supposed to be East or West Germany, but it did interest all of us.

It was really great to be with friends in an easy and inexpensive city alive with springtime. Moving on foot gave us the opportunity to wander slowly and appreciate conversation and the sights. I would definitely recommend a visit, although make sure you have currency as many places do not take credit or debit cards.

View towards River Vltava and Old Town Prague beyond
Liam taking a break from walking
Robyn and kids enjoying the wall and the Beatles music provided by a street performer
The first of many unintentional visits to the Astronomical Clock (it really is worth a visit)


Contemplating cooling feet in the river after walking all day…

Just Keep Swimming-Robyn

Image result for just keep swimming

When Meggie was little she loved the movie, Finding Nemo and would watch it repeatedly on our dated portable DVD player. ā€œJust keep swimmingā€ soon became a common phrase not just in our home, but everywhere. At some point we all face a difficult situation. We may feel overwhelmed and we may want to give up. But then a friend says, ā€œJust keep swimming,ā€ and it gives us the hope we need to reach our goal ā€“ to finish strong. This movement to continue to propel forward or to just keep going in your life is critical even during the greatest of gifts and adventures. I have recently embraced the idea that these moments of discomfort and being pushed out of your comfort zone absolutely makes you stronger.

Currently, I am going through a very intense and concentrated version of pushing myself further and harder than during the norm back home. And the cycle is really noticeable: Should I do it? Yes, I should; OK, Iā€™m signed up to do it; Oh shoot, now what did I sign up for? Oh no-I donā€™t want to do this; OK-I guess I am doing this; I did it! Oh wow, look at what I just learned! Sweet, that was a cool experience…and so on to the next challenge.

This cycle is experienced on a daily basis from being brave enough to cook something new like squeaky cheese, to diving into contacting a well respected researcher from yet another country about their work, or even agreeing to have lectures recorded by the University.

Fulbright has given me this chance to push myself whether I want to or not. So as soon as the next cycle hits, my family reminds me to just keep swimming…

Prague-Liam

Ready to roll!

Czechoslovakia, or the Czech Republic as it is now known, is a country west of Russia and south of Scandinavia. Me and my family went on an amazing weekend vacation with our friends the Pointner family. We left on a train from our home in JyvƤskylƤ to Helsinki. After that, a short plane ride to the international airport of the Czech Republic.

Finland has spoiled us in many ways such as everyone is very quiet, so when we got to Czech Republic everything seemed very loud. Since we have been in a small town in Finland the Capital of the Czech republic seemed huge and there were lots of cars. While we were there we walked everywhere, and so in the the 3 short days I was there I walked over 20 miles! It was nice to see everything up close not while in a car or tram. We got lost more than a few times, but that was nice to see a part of town not controlled by tourism.

While I was there I got to see some pretty amazing things, such as the John Lennon wall and a massive bridge. The bridge is known as Charles bridge. It is a very wide and long bridge with statues along the edge. I also got to experience the local cuisine. I learned that the Czechs eat more meat than most surrounding areas. I now know that the Czechs like their pubs.  All in all it was a fun and informative trip.

By the start of Charles Bridge

Part of the John Lennon Wall-People write messages of peace on it


Spring?-Psych! (Stu)

Snow!

Sunday was so warm that I again put away the jacket and was enjoying the day in shirtsleeves thinking that Spring was truly underway and Summer must surely be close behind. Psych! Within a few hours we had rain which turned to a snowfall that has continued for nearly 24 hours. This is predicted to continue for at least the same amount of time for the near future. We already have a foot of fluffy new snow!

So glad we hadn’t donated our snow gear yet…I’m wondering if this is actually the first snowfall of Summer šŸ˜‰

April 7th Blog-Liam

Mark II and Mark III Rockets

Our library is much more that just a place to read and find books. It has a cafe and also three little music practice areas which are what I enjoy the most. They are soundproof and come equipped with a piano and a guitar. I have started learning the guitar and so I have been going there and playing them. I went just this last Friday, actually. Iā€™ve also had fun with the melting snow and ice by throwing rocks through the ice on the lake.

Also, this Friday our family went to the local craft museum, but not to look around- they have free entry to a craft room which has a lot of different tools and projects to do. I have had a lot of matchstick heads which are highly combustible, so at the craft place I carved a piece of wood into a rocket shape then drilled a hole in the bottom. On Saturday me and my dad packed it like a civil war cannon and then lit it. Unfortunately, it just flared up pretty far and did not shoot up into the air like I hoped. Back to the old drawing board!

That is all for this week.

I’ll need a bigger rock!

Spring?!-Meggie

Only those who live in Finland would know what I mean when I say, ā€œThe benches keep popping upā€. The city of Jyvaskyla is melting. Snow that once covered every square inch of Finland has seemed to have disappeared in a matter of days. The part of town that has underground heating and that my family calls ā€œspring streetā€ (because it looked like that street was in Spring while the rest of Jyvaskyla was in the dead of Winter), isnā€™t the only street lacking snow now.

And what I meant by ā€œthe benches keep popping upā€, is that the snow here was piled so high that it covered everything, which meant tons of benches were completely submerged. Now when my family and I go for a walk, we notice all the benches that line the sidewalks, or are on the small hills, and also by the lakes, etc.

Iā€™ve been taking advantage of the ground not being icy by going for long runs and also what I like to call photography walks. I brought my really nice heavy duty camera, but until now it’s either been too snowy or too slippery to take it out on a long walk looking for likely picture material. It’s already starting to become the beautiful, lush, and vibrantly colored place that Finland is known to be. During one of our long walks today, we saw our first flower buds peeking out of the earth. I am so excited for spring.

Liam and my Dad


Riverside boat dock


ā˜€ļøHere comes the sunā˜€ļø

Enjoying the sun down by the river

Today is the first day in over 3 months that I have sat outside on a bench with the sun on my face. And oh man it feels so freaking good! Listening to music and reflecting on this journey. I have been craving this sun. It has shown its face this winter, but I have literally had to run to its small little patch of light and look up to absorb its glow like a lizard until I was numb with cold and Iā€™d have to run back inside for warmth. But today the weather is just right.

Spring and sunshine in the air. A time for recharging and rebirth which at this stage of my life means reflection. What a gift to reflect with my family by my side and being away to gain the necessary perspectives of our life back home.