Naya Herman, of Acton, MA, checking out the “Poor Man’s Umbrella” in the Cloud Forest of Costa Rica

Below is a letter we received recently from Costa Rica Exploradores 09 camper Naya Herman. Having recently returned from a visit to Costa Rica to connect with the environments and activities our participants experience on this program, I am not at all surprised by her enthusiasm. (More info and photographs from our visit to come). This is an amazing “off-the-beaten path” adventure that, being a Deer Hill program, stays well away from the tourist hotspots and truly touches “the real Costa Rica”.

Naya writes:

“Hello! Let me just start out by saying: you guys rock. This summer I had positively the best experience of my life. From the moment I was united with the group – some of the best friends I have ever had – at Houston airport, my summer began.

From ants that are electric blue and poisonous, to handmade hammocks in El Copal, my trip could not have been better. There are endless memorable moments. One would be: lying peacefully under a beach almond tree in La Playa Grande, listening to the dark drifting waves hitting the shore, a few feet from our camp. Sure, there were some things we had to deal with: weather and bugs for example. But when surrounded by warm people and candles made out of sand and coconuts, nothing can penetrate that safe feeling of being right in the middle of where you are meant to be.

Another of my favorite moments was that first day of flying down the Rio Pacuare. I had never seen such a milky green water, and all I had to do was lift my eyes to the vines jumping out at me, and exotic birds hopping around the bank. Or, turn around and watch the happiest Costa Rican man I’ve ever seen as he guides us through the class 3 rapids.

While in Costa Rica, I was exposed to a culture that was all around very different from my own. I would most definitely use Buzzing, Colorful and Exploding to describe the city life in San Jose. I would choose Amiable, Generous, and Connected to describe the people of Costa Rica. In every house I walked into, I felt a relationship with these people, who looked me right in the eye when they spoke to me, or listened intently as I tried to remember all those verbs we studied in Spanish class.

I’ve been home for 48 days now, and there literally has not been one day that has gone by without me thinking about everything that I learned and gained from being in Costa. When I think of the things I’ve brought back, I picture the faces of people I hope to stay in touch with forever. I’ve got about a hundred vivid pictures that help bring me back to the places we stayed. I’ve got a sense of self-confidence and empowerment that I feel inside me whenever I remember all of the amazing challenges we faced… and ACCOMPLISHED! I have also got so much love towards everyone we had the pleasure to encounter and everyone that helped make my trip so unforgettable.

This summer, something very profound happened to me. I met a group of strangers who ended up becoming my companions on a journey of self-discovery, awakening, and challenges. I took so much from everything we experienced – with the reassurance that tomorrow, there is a new day waiting for you to live it to the fullest. . We were strong as individuals, and even stronger as a group. Thank you, Deer Hill Expeditions, for giving me three weeks that I will always remember. I found myself in the middle of nowhere.

Love, Naya Herman”