I can’t sleep for fear of missing a moment of this pais (country). (In my head I hear Karin Readel’s voice say, “Staying up till 2 A.M. and then waking at 5:00 AM is a BAD thing; you will get sick.” ) It’s just that Costa Rica’s biodiversity in astounding. Here live the most amazing insects from leaf cutter ants to giant katydids (I haven’t seen a morpho yet).

I spent a several hours bus ride across the country, and various biomes, from Gaupilles to Atenas, flipping through a Costa Rican bird guide to try to memorize the names and learn some facts of the species I’d seen on my 5:30 AM bird walk in Guapilles. From the Ramphastidae (Toucan) Family, I saw both the Fiery-billed Aracari (Pteroglassus frantzii) and the Chesnut-mandibled Toucan (Ramphastos swainsonii). Did you know that Toucans eat more than just papaya? They are actually omnivores that nosh on everything from fruits, to small lizards, to the eggs of other birds like Quetzels.

 

Due to the wondrous natural beauty and listening to the musical talents of my classmates like Gina and Brenna, I was inspired to write a song last night. You can here it soon on the audioblog. Hopefully, one of them will write some guitar music to go along to it. Here are the lyrics (they may evolve):

 

I’m a stranger in a strange land

Skinny girl from another hemisphere

You smile at my pale skin

Supposed boost to your economy.

 

Without understanding,

I love life and I love this place.

Coast of Riches, Costa Rica.

 

2-toed sloth and

Animals full of grace

Mystery of another language

Kisabees (sp?) that call out to thee

 

Mr. Christobol Columbus,

In his life made many a mistake,

But Costa Rica, Coast of Riches

This supposed misnomer’s not a fake.

 

Here you’ll find golden abundance,

Not oil or a metallic element,

It’s something more elemental,

Like rain patter onto leaves.