Lapa Rios Ecolodge

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Blue Flag in Carbonera School!

The Blue Flag Certification is a project that works towards cleaner beaches, communities and schools in Costa Rica, and in the Carbonera School we have begun working to achieve this award. It looks like we are ahead in many projects that the school needs for Blue flag, for example we are already recycling, we are starting a “vivero” with 126 trees and the area is always clean, but we have a lot of work…and we are ready to start!

We will keep you updated on how this goes…

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Good bye Katie!!!!


We had a farewell party to Katie last week. She worked as a Food & Beverage manager for thirteen years. She thought us, to does not matter what, we should keep a positive attitude, always smiling and have fun. She left so many memories in our souls and her contribution to the community and the forest is invaluable. WE ARE GOING TO MISS YOU TONS KATIE!!!!!!!.

Friday, April 25, 2008

Prayers for Our Planet

Here is a poem by the architect that built Lapa Rios Ecolodge. We want to share with you this poem in commemoration of Earth Day (April 22nd)…check it out:


Prayers for Our Planet
By David L. Andersen

Give us the generosity of spirit
The greatness of heart
To share our planet’s wealth
With all that are alive.

Let us re-examine our connectedness
With our mother, the Earth
And in that light explore the possibilities
Of redefining the relationship between visitor and host.

In the end, take our bodies back
So that others may live and flourish
Give our bones a place to rest undisturbed
as part of the power of this place.

As the sun rises and sets on the beauty that is this place
We give thanks for the privilege of our short existence
Let us remember how fragile nature`s gifts to us are
And how we depend on the land and the sea to sustain us.

Help us cherish the Earth`s treasures
As if they were a newborn baby
Put a bandage on its scrapes
Kiss it and make it well again.

Let us also remember to touch the Earth
With our hands and in our hearts
As we ponder its future
Help us to have the courage
To have a vision for our children.

Finally give us the wisdom to make the right choices
And the passion to explore new ways of seeing ourselves
As part of a larger natural system
That we may never fully understand.

Our island is this planet
This island is our home
We mark our address
Third from the sun.

Accept our gratitude
For the wonder of it all.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

The Story of Stuff

We really like this video:

http://www.storyofstuff.com/

Check it out!

Friday, April 18, 2008

Documentary Film Makers Arrive in Lapa Rios

We are currently hosting Europeans journalists who are making a film about ecotourism in Costa Rica and are featuring Lapa Rios Ecolodge as one of their main destinations.. One of their main focuses of the film was the Carbonera School. They attended classes and went to an educational tour in the rainforest with the children. The children were really excited and behaved amazingly professionals in front of the camera!!! It was a great opportunity for learn about the rainforest and share our culture with the Germans journalists! We will make sure to post the documentary when it comes out…

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Earth Day 2008

We are in the midst of organizing everything for an incredible Earth Day celebration. This year, Earth Day will take place on beach nearby Puerto Jimenez, and will include many children from the surrounding communities. The event will feature typical food, contests, music, educational stands and much more. Additionally, we will organize several educational presentations (about topics such as jaguars, global warming and alternative energy). We are finishing with the last details of this activity, and can’t wait for the celebration!

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Not just donations…also hard work!

Last Sunday Carbonera School hosted a fundraising activity to raise money for the local school. We hosted a “Domingo Deportivo”, which is basically a full day of soccer, games, music and excellent food. The activity was a success! The local people assisted and contributed, making it a community-integrated project. Congratulations Carbonera School!