Harris Rothman's Blog

Boy do I have some stories to tell you! These past two weeks we have been in Costa Rica. We went to San Jose, La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio. The trip has been awesome. I have been to Costa Rica before but going with Logan and S.O.A.R. made the experience completely new.

San Jose 3:00 pm local time: Our plane touched down at San Jose international Airport, we walked through customs, which was surprisingly empty. We went to baggage claim to collect our bags. Then we met our driver His name was Willie. From there we drove to the backpackers hostel in San Jose. After settling in we all got up and went to a market in a square near our hostel. Then that night we walked around the market district and got dinner. It was an awesome place.

La Fortuna 5 o'clock p.m: After riding through the stunning countryside for a few hours it was nice to get back in our cabanas. The next day we went horseback riding up the side of the volcano. Then after that we went and chilled some natural hot springs that are heated by the volcano itself. The day after that we went on a canopy zip line tour. We were right near the bottom of the volcano. I would love to go back there to explore someday.

Manuel Antonio 2:00 pm local time:  This was my favorite part of the trip. I got to go surfing again.  I got a whole bunch of wave. We also got to walk through a small Rainforest. I was considering buying a sword fish sword but in the end I didn’t. After this we went back to San Jose.

I can’t wait to go back to Costa.

Will Calland's Costa Rica expedition

On this expedition we went to Costa Rica. This was by far my favorite expedition so far. This was my first time out of the country. In fact, this was my first time even leaving this land mass. I was very happy that we were flying there. I have only flown about ten times if you are including the flight back as well. When we first got to the Charlotte airport I was very pumped for the flight. My favorite part of the flight is the takeoff and the landing. I like the takeoff because I am a car lover and I live for the feeling of being molded into the seat behind you and the feeling of acceleration. Same as the landing except that you are being thrown forward and the only thing that is keeping you from smashing head first, into the person in front of you is the seat belt. Same as a car except with some car when you floor the brakes, as soon as you stop you must wait until your eyes have been rightly inserted into your eye sockets.

Our flight was not delayed and we got right onto the plane and in about ten minutes we were heading for the runway.

 This is a 757 which is the plane we took to Costa Rica and back.

We took off and our flight only lasted about three hours and then we began our descent. This surprised me because I was expecting a flight that was at least going to be 5 hours or more. When we landed we had to go through customs and Logan had told us that these people didn’t mess around at all. Now, I am not saying Logan doesn’t know what he is talking about, but the lady I was sent to didn’t try to make me uncomfortable. She wasn’t mean but she wasn’t a very talkative person either and in less than two minutes we were done and I was moving on.

Next, we met our trip tour guide, Willie. He was one of the coolest dudes ever. He had a pimped out van with l.e.d lights and movie screens in the front and back of the van. Our first stop was to the Backpackers hostel in the heart of San Jose. The sign at the front door was a little weird considering we weren’t even close to the beach. It had a picture of a turtle with a surfboard at the beach. I liked it there because everyone was very peaceful and calm there. 

Then once we were done with that we had a tour of San Jose and we tried a lot of food, which was all great. Then we headed for la Fortuna. We first went to a waterfall where we swung in with a rope swing. The next we went to the hot springs and horseback riding up a volcano. My favorite part of being there was by far the zip lining and going downs the giant slide in the hot springs. We also went to a little fair where everyone went as pale as a blank sheet of paper after being on a spinning ride.

 Then we went to Manuel Antonio. This was by far my favorite place. We went surfing, boogie boarding, bodysurfing, and sand eating at the beach. I did however get a sunburn towards the end of the trip that was so bad that whenever I bent backwards at all, I would get a serious dose of pain. The snow cones they had there were so different and better than I have ever tasted. They put this stuff called Leche on it, which I guess was a kind of flavoring. It was kind of like caramel, except a different color and less strong aftertaste! I loved it there and I really want to go back with my family during this summer break. This was one of the most incredible places I have ever been to and I will never forget it.

the interview with Nolan Turner

This is an interview between Sophie and I where I ask her questions about her career. This is the 1st time that I've been with Sophie as an instructor. So 1st is been a great field staff and am happy to have her here.

Nolan: How did you learn about S.O.A.R. and why did you want to come?

Sophie: I learned about S.O.A.R. through my white water canoeing instructor and I wanted to work at S.O.A.R. because it sounded like an awesome opportunity to make a positive difference through the outdoors.

Nolan: When you applied for S.O.A.R. what were you hoping to gain?

Sophie: I wanted to gain more experience in my field and have some stories to tell.

Nolan: So far, what have you gained from S.O.A.R.?

Sophie: I thought at 1st that I would only gain professional growth but my students have given me so much more. They have taught me greater patience, how to love unconditionally and to move forward on failures.

Nolan: What has been your favorite part about S.O.A.R.?

Sophie: mischief, stealth missions, ninja wars, penguins and seeing students realize that they’re worth something.

Nolan: Who is your model at S.O.A.R.? Why?

Sophie: John Wilson fro his pranks, Laura Pate for her work ethic, Joe Grier for his McGrier skills, Richard for his first aid, Catey Terry for her money management, Kylie for her communication skills, Cate Walker for her sarcasm, Julie for her smiles, the teachers for their dedication, Mr. Logan Walters for his master strategies and Judson for being the best field staff ever.

Alex Solomon                                                       3/13/12

I have really enjoyed my SOAR experience so far. Compared to the beginning of the semester it is firkin awesome. Some of the kids in my group are incredibly annoying; some are really chill. Because of my performance at SOAR so far I have been given extra privileges which are awesome and stuffs. Living with people means, I can’t get away from them!!!

At this point I have learned some very important lessons at soar like being able to cope with people. Another thing I love about SOAR is a number system called “Life Skills”. They always rank our performance 1 thru 5 at the end of the week. Based on that they determine whether or not to give us privileges or not. According to that they separate you into one of these 3 categories Average, Performing, and Super Performing.

The privileges aren’t really limited except by some very loose rules. You can use your iPods and computers if you write proposals. I really like it!

 It takes 3 weeks of 4s and 5s to become performing. There is no real easy way in to it. At the moment there are 4 performers, me and 3 others.

Thanks for reading guys I appreciate it!

alex R costa rica

Alex R

3/9/12

On this expedition we were out of the country for a school trip in Costa Rica. Yeah it was fun. We got to walk around San Jose for 2 days. I bought some stuff. A hammock, 2 vases, coffee, and finger food. After we were done in San Jose we went to La Fortuna (a volcano). We went Zip Lining, horse back riding on the base of the volcano, and got to chill in a hot spring water park for 2 days.

After that we went to Manuel Antonio. That is a beach town. There we went surfing for 2 days. That was really fun. I caught a lot of waves the second day we were there. I still like California surfing better! 

The person who drove us around was Willy. He was a Tiko. His driving skills were very impressive. I wish I could drive like him. So overall I had a really great time on this trip. I hope to come back sometime in the next how every long I am alive for.