Greenheart Travel

Author: Samuel Tew

  • Field Trip to Okinawa: First Flight Jitters and Museum Experience

    by Jes Stayton, Greenheart Travel High School Abroad Participant

    Another cool event that happens at Japanese schools is the school trip.  Every year a certain grade (in our case, the second year students) goes off on a trip for a few days, usually to another part of Japan.  This trip happens in elementary school, high school, and again in college.  The elementary school trips are usually smaller in scale than the high school and college trips.  For example, one of my current host sisters, who is twelve, told me that for her elementary school trip she went to Fukishima, which is fairly close to Sendai.

    At my school, however, we could choose between Okinawa, and Nagasaki, both of which are fairly far away.  (Although that may be because this is a private school, which would have more money to spend than other schools.)  For my school trip I chose Okinawa, which is the Southernmost prefecture of Japan. (A prefecture is like a state.) It was a lot of fun.

    photo courtesy of Bucknell Shotokan Karate Club

    Our school trip occurred during what was a regular school week for the other two grades, from Tuesday through Friday.  Monday was a regular school day, and, as I was surprised to see, everyone paid attention and did their work.  On the next day, Tuesday, all the students went to the airport.  This year was the first year that all the students went directly to the airport, instead of gathering at the school and leaving as a group.  This is more convenient for many people who live far away from school, but not for us.  We live very near the school, so the airport is almost an hour away by car.  My other host sister, who is in the same grade as me, was going to Nagasaki, so Okasan drove us together.

    We arrived very early, so there was a long wait before we went through security.  When we finally did, there was another long wait by the gate.  Most of the students spent the time taking pictures of themselves and their friends in different poses.  The students bound for Nagasaki left during this time.  When at last we boarded the plane, everyone was very excited.  Because Japan is such a small country, there were a lot of students who had never flown before.  Of those who had, usually they had only been in a plane once or twice.  So many people were nervous or scared as we boarded the plane and found our seats.

    More than half the plane was filled up with students.  I feel bad for the people who had to ride in that plane with us. (Everyone screamed excitedly when the plane lifted off and touched down. )

    Two hours and thirty minutes later, we arrived in Okinawa.  My first thought on exiting the plane was ‘It’s hot.’  Sendai is similar in climate to Massachusetts, so it’s winter here right now.  Okinawa, however, has an almost subtropical climate.  Although it was winter there as well, it was still warm enough to be a big difference.  We were all grateful enough to go into the airport to get our luggage and then ride in the bus that we used for the duration of the trip.  I was also surprised by my first glimpse of Okinawa.  It looked different from America (of course), but also different from Sendai.  The buildings were mostly white and pastel, but the were still modern Japanese style buildings.  There were also plants growing profusely on the sides of buildings, on the ground, everywhere.

    Instead of going directly to the hotel, we went to a small museum that was near the airport.  Our hotel was almost a two hour drive away, so it made more sense to go to the museum first.  My friend told me that it was a kiken, or anniversary museum.  I didn’t understand that, or what the museum was displaying, until one of my teachers was kind enough to get me a translation of the museum’s brochure.  It explained that during World War II, an American submarine torpedoed a Japanese ship carrying refugees, most of whom died when the ship sank.

    None of my fellow students said anything, of course, but I still felt very sad.  In America, everyone knows that America has fought wars in the past, but we never really think about the people who have been killed by American soldiers in other countries.  I think that if people thought about that, we might be a little more hesitant to go to war.

  • Costa Rican “Queen of Christmas”

    by Hannah Nevitt, Greenheart Travel’s Volunteer Abroad Participant

    While December 25th is listed as the official Christmas holiday, it is easy to see that Ticos celebrate throughout the entire month of December! The palm trees have been decorated, the lights have been strung, and the Christmas carols are blaring with cheer…in Spanish of course. And all around I can hear people saying, “Ya llego la Navidad”…Christmas has arrived!

    Since November Dario has been asking me, “Cuantas dias falta hasta Navidad?” or how many days left until Christmas! As this was my first Christmas holiday being away from home, I was also counting down the days…because as I must admit, it was beginning to be a bit hard on me.

    I missed my family, my friends, and all the traditions that came along with the holiday buzz. I missed the smell of freshly cut pine trees, the crispness of the cool December air, and watching my favorite Christmas movies on TV. The warmth of cinnamon spice and peppermint mochas, making gingerbread houses, and listening to Christmas music while I worked on a holiday puzzle with my grandmother. This year was definitely going to be different.

    In an attempt to drown out my scrooge-like depression, I decided to embrace every aspect of the Christmas spirit that Costa Rica had to offer. Besides, the best way to experience a new culture is to see how they celebrate the holidays in their own special way. So in adding a little of my own Christmas flare, my goal was to make this Christmas unforgettable…for both myself, and for my adopted host family!

    Strings of lights, ornaments, ribbons, and bows! My first task as the “Queen of Christmas” was to purchase and decorate my host family’s first ever Christmas tree! This turned out to be a diversion not only for me, but for the kids as well! Their faces lit up with glows of reds, greens, and yellows as we strung the lights and hung ornaments  of glittery stars and little toy drums…Now it was beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

    The next week was spent decorating and preparing for the Christmas holiday. I went to the church with my host mother to help decorate a “Corona,” or a large wreath that would be displayed by the entrance.  Then we went home and cut down banana leaves in preparation for the long process of making tamales.

    The typical Christmas meal, known as tamales, is essentially a rich mixture of corn dough, stuffed with vegetables and meat, then wrapped in banana leaves and boiled. Families, especially in rural areas, make hundreds of them at a time and share them with extended family, friends, and with the less fortunate.

    I literally watched as my host brother and all the neighboring kids chased frantically after several chickens in the backyard! Just when they thought they had one surrounded it would jump a fence or scamper through their legs leaving nothing but a fistful of feathers in their hands! I am not sure if they actually ended up catching one, but if they did…that would mean one less clucking chicken to wake me up at 5:30 am, so I didn’t feel that bad!

    Back in the kitchen, I helped chop vegetables and mix the corn dough in a large pot. I watched as one of the women next door cut and washed the banana leaves to wrap the tamales. It was neat to watch the entire process…as a full day’s work is involved in making them. In one day, they prepare hundreds of tamales for the coming week!

  • Peace, Respect and Sustainability in Costa Rica

    by Hannah Nevitt, Greenheart Travel Volunteer Abroad participant

    Along with conservation comes sustainability, and sustainable farming is a lifestyle in Costa Rica. Many families grow their own fruits and vegetables, they milk their own cows, and they raise their own chickens and pigs for protein.  When my host mother prepares our food, it always amazes me how fresh and simple the process is. For example, I watch as she peels six freshly-picked oranges, slices them into halves, hand-squeezes the juice into a pitcher, then adds water and a spoonful of sugar. Orange juice—simple, delicious, and refreshing.

    The juice is only one example. Every day I eat fresh eggs , sliced tomatoes, ripe fruit and delicate cheeses. Without the wide variety of condiments one could find in their home country, I have come to enjoy the simple flavor of a squeezed lemon or lime as dressing on my salad; complimented only with a tiny dash of salt. Try it, it is delicious! I have also come to love how they enjoy freshly ground coffee multiple times a day. In fact, the gurgling sound of coffee roasting in the morning while I sit and read a book—is a comforting and fond memory I think I will have for many years.

    With beliefs strongly rooted in peace, Costa Rica is often referred to as the “Switzerland of the Americas.” Since abolishing its army in 1948, the country has endured peace and democracy. Ticos, in general, try to avoid confrontation whenever possible…however they will participate in demonstrations when they disagree with governmental decisions or to protect human rights. As I have observed, Ticos can be very vocal…which is loudly evident if you have ever attended a local soccer match!

    Along with the importance of peace, is the deeply ingrained practice of respect. I have heard my host mother on many occasions, remind the kids about the importance of “respeto” (respect).  Respect for family values, respect for elders, respect for all individuals; regardless of social class, religious affiliation, or lifestyle choice—as well as to practice respect for the natural environment.

    Although every country has its issues, it is nice to appreciate what each country values culturally. In Costa Rica, the kids learn about the importance of respect, peace, and environmental education since their first days in kindergarten. Even as I sit here writing, my 7 and 10 year old host siblings are watching a television program about  endangered animals on National Geographic; running over to me every few minutes saying…”Mira, Mira” (Look! Look!), while I glance over my shoulder to see images of colorful monkeys and birds perched in the branches of exotic-looking trees.

    Each country has different values, but I guess if you are constantly surrounded by it, you would value it and want to protect it too.

    Looking around, this country truly is a “nature-lover’s paradise.” According to my Costa Rica travel book, “about a quarter of the country is now designated as national parks, private reserves, and conservation areas.” Lush protected rainforests, quaint wild animal rescue centers, and the infamous, “Tortuguero Nacional Parque”…a refuge created to protect the most important nesting site of the green turtle in the western hemisphere; they all stand as clear examples of how important restoration and conservation is to Costa Rica. It is clear to see that an abundance of flora, fauna, and wildlife continue to be protected in this country by its people.

    Like many days before, I am walking the grounds of Proyecto Asis, the wild animal rescue center in which I now work… saying, “Buenos Dias” to the rare Spider Monkeys as they reach out to hold my hand; but today, things are different…I am beginning to understand what it all means. I am beginning to feel a connection to this country and to appreciate its mission of conservation. I am beginning to understand that the smallest change I can make still has an impact.

    Maybe there is a reason why I am here, learning this lesson now; maybe being here has an impact all its own. It is possible. Perhaps with time, I will come to know for sure…

    To Peace, Respect, and Conservation.

    Pura Vida.

  • Accion de Gracias; Bringing Thanksgiving to Costa Rica

    by Hannah Nevitt, Greenheart Travel Volunteer Abroad Participant

    Regardless of being far from home, the “rush” of the holiday season is still among us. The turkey is in the oven basted with olive oil and herbs. The potatoes have been mashed, and the “stuffing” has been stuffed. I can hear laughter, children playing, and the background noise from the football game on TV.

    The lingering aroma of warm apple pie fills the air. It smells and feels like home.  However this is not the traditional meal I have enjoyed for many years. This one is different. Instead of watching football I am watching soccer, instead of autumn leaves there are tropical palms, and the pinnacle of any thanksgiving meal, the cranberry sauce, has ceased to exist!

    In Costa Rica, the traditionally North American holiday known as “Thanksgiving” is not widely celebrated. The “Accion de Gracias” or “Action of Thanks,” is only honored in the more touristy areas of the country; as I found out when I went to the grocery store and all the frozen turkeys were in bags written entirely in English—aka: overpriced!

    But for my host family, who has given so much to me, I wanted to offer my “giving of thanks” back to them—in the form of food. This however, was easier said than done. This was the first time I had actually attempted to prepare a Thanksgiving meal by myself. Luckily, I had a team of sous-chefs to help me; a fellow American, Claire, my host mother, Dinia, and my three host siblings, Delany, Dario, & Jordi.

    I had all the ingredients spread over the table ready to prepare. The kids’ eyes were wide with curiosity as they pointed to different items saying “Que es este” (what is this)? I smiled, “Son cosas deliciosas” (they are delicious things) I said, and with a clap of my hands we were ready to start cooking!

    While Delany chopped the apples for the stuffing and apple pie, I had Jordi sauté vegetables and heat the chicken stock for the “stuffing.” By the way, trying to explain the concept of “stuffing” in Spanish was difficult to say the least! The best I could do was compare it to Chicken Relleno (a stuffed chicken with rice and vegetables).

    Our most imminent task was to prepare the turkey. Claire, myself, and Dinia pondered the best way to achieve this, as it might as well been foreign to all of us! This essentially included the three of us staring at it for 10 minutes while we tried our best to communicate our course of action. Finally Claire called her mother back in the States for reinforcements (advice) and we were on our merry way!

    I chopped up cube size pieces of white bread, celery, green apples, onions, and a bit of parsley for the “stuffing” which would go inside the turkey. Claire prepared a mixture of olive oil, butter, and herbs for the baste, then we carefully tied the legs together before putting it in the oven. Since Dario, 7, is quite young, I gave him the important job of “watching the turkey.” Although I warned him that 3.5 hours was a long time, he was still up to the task. About every hour he would remind us to “check” on the turkey. He waited patiently for the thermometer to “pop up” signifying that the turkey was ready!

    As with any holiday meal preparation, the kitchen was in complete shambles by the time we were finished. When Dario alerted us that the “el chunche en el Pavo esta listo” (The thingy in the Turkey is ready) referring to the thermometer, we set out the mashed potatoes, green beans, and apple pie. The kids were beaming with excitement as Claire and I removed the aluminum foil to reveal the “Pavo” in all its glory; golden brown and buttery!

    Just as the kids were arguing over who got to eat the drumsticks, we realized our next dilemma; how are we going to cut it? Throughout the years, it has usually been the “man of the house” who gets to cut the turkey, but since they were looking to us for direction; Claire started sharpening her knives…

    It wasn’t the most elegant cutting job I have ever seen; but hey, this isn’t Top Chef Costa Rica!

    Not waiting to fill their plates, the kids now had their drumsticks in hand. They tore into them like little monkeys! Finally, with sticky hands and smiling faces we were ready to feast.

    To our surprise the meat was perfectly juicy and tender.  The stuffing reminded me of home, and the pie… well you can’t have Thanksgiving without apple pie! The only thing missing (besides being with my family) was the cranberry sauce; then it would have been complete!

    I don’t know how we managed to Frankenstein such a meal, but it worked brilliantly…and let’s be honest…Claire and I were pretty nervous!

    It always intrigues me how a full day’s worth of cooking usually leads to a thirty minute feast! Almost the entire meal was consumed in a matter of twenty minutes! I had to laugh when Roy, my host father mentioned having a “food coma” and that he would not be able to work the following day do to overeating! I guess some things are the same no matter where you are.

    They described the meal as “muy rico” (very good) and thanked Claire and I for introducing them to so many new types of foods. The kids also now claim that they “love turkey” but don’t understand why it takes so long to cook! I find myself pondering the same question.

    Today, with the help of many (and a little beginner’s luck) we created Thanksgiving; a day to take time to think about the people and things we are thankful for.

    This year I am thankful for a number of things; for my family and friends back home, for my health and happiness, and for all that I have learned throughout my adventures abroad.

    In this moment, I am particularly thankful for having the opportunity to live with another family, from a different culture, and to experience a different way of life. Since they have provided so much for me, I wanted to provide something for them. I wanted them to experience the traditions and foods of my culture—cranberry sauce or not.

    From the land of Pura Vida, Happy Thanksgiving!