17. October 2010

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The Granaria — Frog and Toad Museum

The Granaria — Frog and Toad Museum

In Santa Elena, Costa Rica, there is a terrific live museum showcasing Central American species of toads and frogs. The Granaria also serves as a center for the study of these creatures; in their on-site laboratory, natural animal toxins are studied and prepared for use locally as a low-cost alternative to synthetic anestheisia drugs.

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16. October 2010

Comments Off on The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve (Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena)

The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve (Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena)

The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve (Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena)

We were in a cloud, at 5,000 feet, straddling the continental divide of Costa Rica. Our tour was tough going. It rained. And rained. And because of the impossible weather this day, we three will remember it well.

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14. October 2010

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Canopy Zipline on Mombacho Volcano

Canopy Zipline on Mombacho Volcano

We had our very first “volcanic” zipline experience in Nicaragua. Special thanks to Francisco and his team of zipline guides at Canopy Tour Miravalle at Mombacho Natural Reserve, for helping us to overcome our skittishness!

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13. October 2010

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Nica Buffet: Edward Knows Breakfast!

Nica Buffet:   Edward Knows Breakfast!

Tucked away on a side street south of the Parque Central and north of the Granada market, a Dutch flag beckons you to a small, charming breakfast eatery that serves perfect bacon strips, better than anywhere I’ve ever eaten bacon. And did I mention the omelets, pancakes, juices and coffee?

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8. October 2010

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Masaya Volcano—A Great Place to Die

Masaya Volcano—A Great Place to Die

The town of Masaya in Nicaragua is close to a lake and an active volcano by the same name. But is that maybe not such a good idea?

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7. October 2010

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Hogar Madre Albertina Girls’ Home, Granada

Hogar Madre Albertina Girls’ Home, Granada

Telepizza is Granada’s premier pizzeria, and they deliver. For $75, thirty-two people—the nuns, social workers, and all of the girls—were able to enjoy a Thursday night pizza party with more than enough slices to go around.

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6. October 2010

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The Best Form of Help

The Best Form of Help

On our Nicaragua trip, we witnessed people helping others. Even better yet, we met people dedicated to helping people learn to help themselves.

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23. September 2010

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“Mono Frito”

“Mono Frito”

There are times when a bit of comic relief can help a kid deal with a real shock.

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22. September 2010

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Sometimes, Unschooling Definitely Does Not Suck

Sometimes, Unschooling Definitely Does Not Suck

Today is one of those days when I love our unschooling lifestyle. Nature is all around us, all over this planet…so why, beginning with our school days, are we conditioned to turn our backs to it? Why do we huddle indoors instead, doing assignments and organized activities that we’re led to believe are so very important, so critical for our “success?”

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7. September 2010

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Classmates

Classmates

The boys attend classes four afternoons per week, as native-speaking assistants and motivators. Kids want to communicate about soccer, or about whatever strikes them as funny during a lesson. Or about favorite snacks. Or even about elementary school crushes, as my older son is learning.

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5. September 2010

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He Put the Road School in Our Roadschooling—Literally

He Put the Road School in Our Roadschooling—Literally

He is fearless, adventurous, a Saint-Exupéry…and, thanks to him, the boys can say that they first learned to drive a car on the back roads of Costa Rica.

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