Spend this summer in Costa Rica!

Last summer, I spent 2 months in Costa Rica volunteering. But I also got a taste of what is arguably, one of the most beautiful countries in the world, a real hidden treasure. Here is a snapshot of my journey across the country – the photos don’t do it justice though so why not go that extra mile when booking your holidays this summer!

These are the places I visited…

Map of Costa Rica

Map of Costa Rica

MANUEL ANTONIO

 

The delights of Manuel Antonio

The delights of Manuel Antonio

PUERTO VIEJO

A taste of the Caribbean in Puerto Viejo

A taste of the Caribbean in Puerto Viejo

LA FORTUNA 

La Fortuna - A volcano, waterfalls and hot springs!

La Fortuna - A volcano, waterfalls and hot springs!

MONTEVERDE 

Monteverde - Nature at it's best!

Monteverde - Nature at it's best!

A trip to another world – Rachel’s story of volunteering in Costa Rica

Rachel playing with Costa Rican children

Rachel playing with Costa Rican children

“Experiences like this are few and far between, the whole trip has been eye-opening and I don’t want to leave.” I wrote this in my diary a couple of days before I left Costa Rica, it had been full of highs and lows but overall the 2 months I spent there changed my life.

Not wanting to spend my summer working part-time behind a bar, I chose to volunteer in Costa Rica over summer 2010, in the capital city of San Jose. I lived with a host family in quite a large house, eating the food they ate and volunteering during the day at a local slum in a neighbouring town.

I was surprised by the standard of living, my host family had cable TV, hot showers and a big garden, not the picture I’d painted before I arrived. It was only when I got to the childcare project that reality hit me.

Only 20 minutes down the road from bustling San Jose and ironically situated next to a resort called ‘Hotel Paradise’ was a slum where I’d be working 4 hours a day 5 days a week. Stepping out of the minibus I was faced by one room houses, piles of rubbish and stray dogs, to say I was shocked is an understatement.

I was given a tour with my fellow volunteers but warned to leave everything of value in the minibus. Walking around the slum, on either side of me were houses made out of rusty corrugated iron, wood and plastic bags. The ground consisted of mud, rubbish, condoms and even human excrement.

Child standing amongst rubbish in Tibas slum, Costa Rica

Child standing amongst rubbish in Tibas slum, Costa Rica

Having never seen anything like this before, it was hard to keep it together and made me think about how much I took for granted back in the UK. We were invited into some of the family’s homes and offered food; even though they were obviously very poor, it didn’t seem to affect their generosity and hospitality.

I met some of the children from the project we would be looking after, they wore dirty clothes on their bodies but smiles on their faces. I remember one boy coming up to me, Esmeli who I became very close to over the weeks saying “I will remember you because my best friend is called Rachel”.

On the first day of volunteering, as a group of 8, we were given full responsibility of just under 40 children. With no solid plan, we sat them down in a circle to say “My name is…” and the numbers 1-10 in Spanish then English.

Despite almost all of them going to school, a great number of children I met couldn’t spell their own name but every morning sung “Heads, shoulders, knees and toes” like they knew English the whole time.

Over the next few weeks, it was a case of finding new things to keep the children entertained. Organising the days events was more challenging than first thought as resources like colouring books and pens, stamps, stickers and play-doh ran out quickly. And we couldn’t play outdoor games as the slum was too dangerous.

Safety on the whole in San Jose is a big issue; for most people, a house is something to be proud of, the only problem is, you can’t see the houses in San Jose as they are covered in bars and gated for fear of being broken into.

Fearing for my own safety also became a number one priority. A number of my friends were mugged at gun-point and there came a time when my host family told me to take separate money out in case I happened to be mugged. I had never been in a position where I was prepared to be mugged and looking back, I still can’t believe it.

Most people would be put off by the risk, but it’s a way of life and just shows how far people will go to be able to live. Contrary to this, 95% of the Costa Ricans I met were sweet-natured and valued living and family above all else.

Costa Rican children

Costa Rican children

People asked me when I came back what I brought away from the trip and I never knew what to say, how do you sum up an experience like this in a couple of sentences? As much as I would like to hope my few weeks drastically changed something, I know it won’t have. But looking long term, maybe it will if others volunteer? If you have ever thought about volunteering, do it now! It’s a once in a life time experience and you might well make a difference somewhere…

Here’s a link to the organisation I went through – International Volunteer HQ

A girl’s cheap guide to Milan

The Duomo Cathedral in Milan, by Stacey Cosens

Romantic old-time glamour, with an urban heartbeat. A place often overlooked for city weekends, Milan has some excellent hidden delights.

Think Milan, and you think fashion. As one of the fashion capitals of the world, Milan hosts designers such as Moschino and Versace. As you walk into the city’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, your eyes are drawn to its two central main players Prada and Louis Vuttion.

The other thing that will grab your eye in the Galleria is its rather posh McDonalds. Careful not to break the elegant theme of the shopping mall too much, it’s usual logo, is black and gold to match it’s neighbours. Everything has a touch of elegance here.

In the main Piazza del Duomo, you will find yourself surrounded by tourists and pidgeons as you stare at the main attraction, the Duomo Cathedral. Visible from throughout the city, and one of the biggest cathedrals in the world, the gothic Duomo cathedral has over 3000 statues built into its walls. As you circle this magnificent building, the sheer detail of this building is remarkable. The cathedral took over five centuries to complete, and it’s easy to see why.

A short walk down the road from the Piazza del Duomo is the Castello Sforzesco. The 14th century castle was once home to the Visconti family and restored to its original splendour by the equally aristocratic Sforza family in the 1450s.

The castle is now considered one of Milan’s most loved attractions, and hosts twelve mini-museums running all the way from Palaeolithic history through to 1950s furniture. If you don’t fancy exploring the museums, just walking through its grounds is entertaining enough. Outside you are greeted by an impressive water fountain and as you walk through the grounds you’ll spot statues and courtyards before you come into Milan’s answer to Central Park.

While you explore Milan’s historic monuments, you’ll have a sense of being transported to another time. The city has so much history, and you’ll get an instant sense of this.

While exploring Milan’s intertwining streets and avoiding getting flattened by the ever present trams, you’ll find yourself on Milan’s main high street, think of it as Milan’s Oxford Street. As you make your way down this road you’ll spot familar brands such as H&M and Mango, as well as less familiar European brands such as Pull and Bear and local boutiques.

No matter what your budget, you should find something that catches your eye. Pull and Bear is a particularly impressive brand with cheap t-shirts and stylish fashion staples; it is the perfect mix of H&M and Topshop. While we have a few of our own Pull and Bear stores in the UK, it’s well worth checking out the Milan store with its blaring dance music and three floors of clothes.

Flights and hotels are cheaper than you think, Ryanair has previously sold return flights to Milan for as little as £2 and hotels can be as little as £35 per night. This city is perfect for a short two day break.

Stacey’s adventures in NYC: Part Two

Stacey Magnolia bakery

Concrete Jungle, where dreams are made of…

Stacey Magnolia bakery

Me at Magnolia Bakery

What most excited me about my trip to New York, as well as the beauty of the city, was the shopping. Never had I been surrounded by so many beautiful clothes and so much spending money.

I had planned ahead well, I knew how much passion I had for shopping and I wanted to be able to shop til I dropped without worrying about money too much. The great thing about the American high street is the overwhelming choice of casual clothes for a small price.

Forever 21 do this best, think of it as a hybrid of Primark and Topshop. It manages to tap into key trends of the season, without looking cheap and without the money draining price tag. Thankfully, Forever 21 has finally made it across the pond and is slowly but surely taking over the country, as well as its UK website. Cheap and chic fashion is here!

 For the preppy casual look, that’s slightly cheaper than Abercrombie and Fitch, American Eagle and Aeropostale is your first port of call. Casual t-shirts, baggy jogging bottoms and comfy hoodies are in no small supply. American Eagle also manages to embrace a more stylish side with cute but casual skirts and dresses.

 However, if you find yourself strolling along Fifth Avenue, it’s impossible to miss the Abercrombie and Fitch building with its blaring techno beat and topless male models welcoming you at the door. It’s not everyday you start your shopping with a Polaroid of you and a handsome scantily clad man. I enjoyed the experience so much; I began collecting pictures of me with the models.

 The clothes in Abercrombie and Fitch are slightly pricier than most shops, but America is the place to stock up, as it will cost you a lot more in the UK. Also, if you’re in New York, these prices are a lot less intimidating than what you’ll find in Bloomingdales and Saks!

 If you prefer more of a unique vintage feel, head down Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village. Here you’ll find boutiques and vintage shops as well as the odd cool designer store. It’s a long road, but the mix of gorgeous shops is worth it, all the more so when you reach Magnolia Bakery. Its cupcakes made famous by Sex and the city.

 While there is always a queue, it’s worth it for the delicious lovingly made cupcakes and being round the corner from Carrie’s famous stoop on Perry Street.

 Finally, I couldn’t end a trip in New York without a trip to Soho. Spring Street has every shop you could ever wish for; from Mango to Urban Outfitters to our very own home-grown Topshop!

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