Day 6: Walks to the Waterfalls and First Festival Concert!

We started the sixth day with an early breakfast so we could get on the road to La Paz Waterfall Reserve, and after filling up on scrambled eggs, pinto gallo, and pineapple, we began our excursion. Our first stop in the reserve was to see the aviary and learn about the toucans and parrots. Singers were then allowed to explore the other animal habitats, including a sloth spotting!! One of the reserve guides, John, kindly offered to get a photo of the singers and the sloth, which was very exciting for everyone. We had a great lunch at La Paz’s restaurant and then continued to see the big cats and 3 of the waterfalls on the reserve. Allison announced, “This is the coolest thing ever!!” we all agreed. It was indeed a beautiful morning!

When we returned to the hotel, we bid our couriers goodbye, singing a heartwarming rendition of Homeward Bound that brought tears to one of our guide’s eyes. Then the singers quickly changed, as we were expected at the Asemblea Legislativa for the Inaugural Performance of the International Choral Festival for Peace. The singers walked through the hall of former Costa Rican Presidents (Salon Jefes de Estado) and then gathered for the performance. 

Ensemble and Ancora performed wonderfully, and it was inspiring to meet one of the other choirs who will be performing in the festival, a wonderful group from Trinidad and Tobago called the Signal Hill Alumni Choir. This group was also part of the 2019 Festival for Peace Ecco participated in, and sing amazing renditions of traditional songs from the Carribean Islands. They also wowed us with their fantastic dancing! We had a brief reception after the concert, where the choirs enjoyed refreshments while chatting. We then headed to dinner, a traditional Costa Rican buffet, before returning to the hotel for the evening. Goodnight and Pura Vida!

Click here for pictures and videos from today’s adventures: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/fh4ecxg3smbj5wz/AADZ6NRmJcWST_Wixnp69UA9a?dl=0