Phelps Dodge International Corporation and Dos Pinos

Yesterday was another early morning for us as we departed from the hotel to make our way to Phelps Dodge International Corporation (PDIC). There were some of us who were unaware of what exactly PDIC does, however, we quickly discovered the main purpose of the high quality wire and cable manufacturing company. PDIC is a company that produces and supplies wire and cable for mining, construction, and many other commodities for buyers all around the world. We also learned that PDIC mainly sells to the buyers in countries where there is a Free Trade Agreement (FTA); in other words, a pact between two countries that eliminate tariffs and quotas for imported and exported goods. Some of the countries that PDIC has a FTA with are Canada, United States, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago etc... The company goal is to become the leading wire and cable manufacturing supplier in all of Central America. To ensure that this is done efficiently, PDIC emphasizes 5 key aspects; 1) safety of their employees 2) health coverage 3) financial stability 4) customer satisfaction  and last but certainly not least, 5) a combination of high quality and mass production of their products at a reasonable price. The presentation that was given to us upon our arrival was the minimum amount of information that each and every person that visits the plant must be aware of. Along with the presentation came some very strict dress code rules. We were not allowed to wear any jewelry, loose clothing, or purses, we had to have worn closed toe shoes and long pants, us girls plus our tour guide Esteban had to tie our hair up and we all had to wear goggles, earplugs and shoe protectors prior to taking the tour of the plant. Inside the manufacturing area, we oversaw the many different types of cable which varied in diameter, color, and insulation; each wire was constructed uniquely for its main purpose, some being as thin as the ones used to fuse a blow dryer, to thicker ones that are used for underground mining. It was definitely interesting to how something that has become an overlooked commodity, such as cables and wires, are so intricate.

Afterward, we took a trip to Dos Pinos one of the major producers of commercial milk in Latin America. The company receives milk from numerous dairy farms that are temporarily held in cooling tanks until they reach the plant. To ensure the highest quality milk is being received from these farms the milk must first pass a series of tests. The first test is from the driver of the truck itself. He must taste the milk before loading it onto his cooling tank and be confident that it is nothing less than high in quality. As the second test, the milk is examined in a lab to make sure that the milk is rich in nutrients and free from anything that may cause sickness. Due to the fact that Dos Pinos creates the majority of their products for children, they must provide goods that are safe for them. Once the milk has passed these tests it is then homogenized with the milk from other farms, pasteurized and then dispersed to the production rooms where over 4000 products are made, contained and shipped out to buyers. These products include milks, yogurts, juices, ice creams etc... At the end of the tour we had the privilege of being able to taste Dos Pinos ice cream first hand. It was definitely the best way to end our last company visit on our trip!!!

Ashley Garcia and Erica Lopez

Earth University

Just like any other morning we had to arise early and be on the bus by 7:15. Yesterday we traveled to Earth University. This private University's main educational focus is on agriculture and natural resources and how farmers and citizens alike can keep the enviornment in mind while harvesting and distributing their products. Mainly Central Americans attend this prestigious university, however in recent years there has been an influx of Africans and also just recently students from Lebanon and Switzerland. In the student's junior year, they are required to complete an internship on a farm or plantation of their choice in any country they feel. Upon graduation, students are also required to complete a project based on their studies.
When we arrived at Earth University, we first examined the harvesting of bananas. It takes around one year for the banana plant to grow strong and healthy and be able to yield fresh bananas. An important quality for the banana plant to have are large leaves suspended over the top for sun absorbtion, which also helps the "mother" grow strong. We then went from examining a banana plant to seeing how Earth University turns the bananas into a profitable commodity. The bananas upon arrival to the plant were clustered and color coded depending on where the final destination of the bananas is. Next the bananas are separated and are checked for quality. The bananas that do not meet the requirements are not sold as bananas but are sold as other products such as paper and baby food, so no bananas are wasted. Upon conculsion of our trip to Earth University, we learned that agriculture and sustainabilty can work in harmony and in the end will be better for the economy and the environment.

Nicole Kreidermacher and Donald Mendenhall

Dokas Coffee Estate

Today, in my opinion, was one of the most relaxing days so far, while still incorporating some great experiences. After several days of early bus calls, we had nothing to do until 11:15, and everyone took advantage of it. Many of the students took advantage of the hotel's beautiful pool area and enjoyed some morning Costa Rican sun.TJ and Colin were up early and out for a nice run in the beautiful countryside surrounding the hotel, although we both felt consequences the heat and long hills natural to Costa Rica (while there is a blizzard in New England, we are enjoying temperatures in the high 80s). Regardless, it was an enjoyable start today. Upon returning to the hotel, we found most of our classmates eating breakfast outside in the warm weather, with others were taking advantage of the tropical sun.

After a stressfree morning of relaxing by the pool at our wonderful hotel, we all made the bus at 11:15 to head to Dokas Coffee Estate in the hills nearby. We were met with fantastic views over the coffee plantation and a delicious lunch put on by the Dokas organization. This lunch, natrually, included samples of fresh coffee that everyone enjoyed. We took some time to explore the plantation before taking a tour of the coffee production facility. We were amazed at the process involved in producing coffee, and gained a new found appreciation for the procedure. During the tour, our guide Omar discussed topics learned in our class earlier this semester regarding fair trade, competition, and effects of globalization. Finally, everyone utilized the gift shop to purchase some fresh coffee beans and other treats.

Next it was back in the bus to head to a local market for a bit of shopping. Although we were found high prices, we were exposed to some handcrafted Costa Rican wood products, which, understandably, can only be found in this country. Following this, we headed back to the hotel and then out to various dinner locations to experience the local food. Many of us went to a local restaurant/bar named Chery's Bar which offered various Costa Rican entrees as well as American foods for more than reasonable prices. James's dinner came to a total of $7 which included a hamburger with french fries as well as a soda. We found it humorous that that hamburgers literally had a piece of ham on them, and it actually turned out to be very delicious. After a bit of relaxing around the hotel, we must get to bed early for a 7:15 bus call tomorrow to head to Earth University. I am glad to say everyone is genuinely enjoying every second of this amazing experience.

Pura Vida!
Colin Gannon and James Lineberger

Poas Volcano and Intel Visit

Today was another early morning here in Costa Rica.  We had breakfast and then got on the bus for an hour and a half drive to the Poas Volcano.  This was going to be an exciting experience because this volcano is an unique phenomenon in Latin America.  It is a water based volcano and has one of the largest craters in the world, called Laguna Botas.  The minerals that come from the volcano have a strong impact on the coffee plants in Costa Rica, making it gourmet.  On our ride up the mountain, we passed various vegetation, which was very green and full.  Upon arriving to the volcano, we realized that being up 25,000 feet was a little cold in the shorts that most of us wore.  We hiked a couple miles through rain and fog until we arrived at the first viewing platform.  However, it was too foggy to actually see it, so we pursued our trek up the mountain to Laguna Botas.  At this platform it was also too foggy to see the crater, and after waiting awhile for the fog to maybe dissipate, our hopes faded and we began our descent back to the information center and bus.  At both viewing platforms we met many friendly people from around the world, and two of our students Julia Harney and Nicole Cook were interviewed by Channel 7 and are going to appear in the Costa Rican news in February.  After Volcano Poas we got back on the bus and headed back to the hotel, where they had been preparing us lunch.  However, due to a lot of traffic and accidents, we were late arriving to the hotel, which meant we were a bit late getting to Intel.  At Intel, two employees gave us a very informative and colorful presentation about why Intel chose its Costa Rican location, the impact it has had on the economy, and the inside operations.  During and after the presentation, our group had many questions about the corporation and its inner workings.  Unfortunately due to reorganization within the building, we were unable to receive a tour of the facilities.  Tomorrow we are very excited for the Artisan Market and the Doka Coffee Estate. 

Stay classy America,
Megan Gonsalves and Julia Harney

Obras del Espiritu Santo

Today we had the pleasure of visiting Obras del Espiritu Santo in San Jose. We began with a tour of all the facilities, which encompass about a whole block of the city. We split into groups of five or six people each and helped out with many of the different areas of the organization. Our group began in the dining hall, where we cleaned the kitchen, scrubbed the tables and chairs, and swept and mopped the floors. We then had the amazing experience of meeting many of the children who live at the organization's orphanage. We played games outside such as soccer and hot potato (where you had to get up and dance or sing if you lost!). The kids loved having their picture taken and also taking pictures of others. They also seemed to be very fascinated by our bottled water. They wanted to drink it and play with it as well. Who knew something so simple to us could be so entertaining to them. We broke for lunch and listened to a presentation from Anna, our main contact at the organization, and Gabby, who is in charge of the children. It was an enlightening presentation that showed us their true passion for the organization and it's cause. After lunch we split back into our groups. Our group went to the school and helped clean out two of the classrooms. We swept and  mopped the floors and washed the desks, chairs and windows. Then we moved to the restaurant, which is a fairly new edition to the organization where all proceeds benefit Obras. We peeled and sliced plantanes, washed and broke apart fresh lettuce from their small farm, cleaned the kitchen, and peeled garlic. Then we headed back over to the dining room where many of the groups participated in a social hour for the elderly. We danced with them and also served them coffee and snacks. Our final activity of the day was playing with the younger children in the nurseries. We practiced our Spanish and did our best to communicate with them. Our favorite part was when all the children decided they wanted piggy back rides and we danced around in a circle with them on our backs singing. Sadly, our day with them was coming to a close. We walked back over to the restaurant where we presented Anna with a monetary donation and a video camera. AJ and his family also donated a whole suitcase of soccer uniforms and equipment. It was a touching moment for our group and theirs, as many thanks were given. As we got on the bus and thought our day had concluded, the children and Father, who is their priest and director, boarded to say their final goodbyes. We exchanged hugs and kisses and the children handed out heart cutouts to each of us. The priest gave us a final blessing and thanks for our time and effort and the children left the bus to stand on the sidewalk and wave goodbye. The day proved to be a truly enriching and inspiring experience that touched us all. We will always remember those children and how they touched our lives today. We hope that they will someday be given the opportunity to grow and prosper as we are and will take advantage of that opportunity. Now we look forward to our volcano visit tomorrow morning and a visit to Intel in the afternoon.

Courtney Simao and Christine Poll

Pura Vida!

Hola from day two in Costa Rica.  After discovering there was a time difference in Costa Rica and waking up an hour before we had to, many students embarked on an experience that they'll remember forever. After a short bus ride we reached Titi Canopy and began preparing for an hour and a half of ziplining through the jungles of Costa Rica. Our quote for the day was Pura Vida which means pure/free life because of the adventure and thrill us as students were about to partake in.  Before we began ziplining we saw a sloth who welcomed us to the area.  We then trecked through the forest and glided through the 13 platforms.  As if this wasn't enough adventure, we ended the journey with a 50 foot free fall.  Once this journey was over most of the students met up with the rest of the group to endure on a 3 hour bus ride to our last hotel destination Orquideas Inn.  We are looking forward to spending the night in Alajuela, Costa Rica.  Tomorrow we will be waking up early to go to Obras del Espiritu Santos to brighten the day of under priviledged children.

-Vanessa Cayer and A.J. Katz

Hello Costa Rica!!!!

Very early start but for a very worthwile experience! Today, we woke up around 4 a.m. to catch a flight to Costa Rica! We left Panama in good spirits and excited for our exploration of a new country. Compared to our previous flights of three hours, the flight on Taca Airlines from Panama to Costa Rica was only an hour. We were served in our leather seats, breakfast while enjoying movies on the back of the headrests. So much to please college students. Once landed, we had to exhange our dollars for Colones, the Costa Rican currency. With different rates, one dollar in the U.S. is worth 500 colones; so we were all amused that we were paying 1,000 colones for a bottle of water! Then ahead of us was a three hour bus ride into Manuel Antonio, to stay at the Karahe Hotel. Along the way, we stopped at a local fruit market to purchase fresh fruits and nuts grown by local farmers. Even though we are only here for one night, we all immediately took advantage of the beachfront rooms that we are staying in. Finally, when we arrived, we caught some rays and jumped in the waves of the warm water for the rest of the afternoon. For the rest of the night we all plan to go into the town to have dinner along the beach and return to bed early for our exciting zipling tour tomorrow!

Thank you for following...
Emily Howe and Natasha Desai