Thinking about Costa Rica brings back a lot of beautiful images and cherished memories. Spotless beaches, soaring through tropical canopies on a zip line tour, white waterrafting in the Pacuare River…the list goes on!

My first trip to Costa Rica was to PuertoViejo at 17 years old, to teach English in the Cocles Elementary School. To say that thetrip changed my life is an understatement. I fell in love with the culture, the accents,the people, the scenery, and the change of pace.

Needless to say, I called up Tropical Adventures to arrange something for the next summer, and I have been back to Costa Rica at least once a year since! Now I am working for Tropical Adventures, maintaining relationships with local host families where our volunteers stay, remaining updated on our community and wildlife projects, and working with the local municipality and citizens to enhance the amount of productive activities available in Hojancha. The art & music project is my main goal, collaborating with existing structure and smoothly incorporating skills, guidance, materials, and smiles from our volunteers.

What is truly exciting to me is how much more opportunity there will be for volunteers in the Guanacaste area; I can’t wait to start working with volunteers again! Pura Vida! – Jason Marschke