Arenal Volcano and Hot springs

 This is absolutely the best thing thing we have done on this trip thus far! As I said in my previous blog...I was burnt out! Tired of Spanish, class, not know what is going on around me, and just mentally exhausted! But this weekend we have been at Arenal Volcano! I never knew how majestic and beautiful a volcano could be until we got here! We traveled for a good part of yesterday and got to this immaculate hotel and had some down time by the pool (which is heated by the volcano). After some pool time we made our way to the Eco Thermales Hot Springs! I didn't really know what to expect, but it was so nice. We got to spend a couple hours lounging in the springs and going back and forth between the coolest and hottest springs. These pools are heated by the volcano as well! It was so nice to be able to sit back and relax for a little while and not have to think about anything! We have been going so hard since right before finals, then we all had finals, packed, came here, and have had everyday planned to the max. So one day to sit back and rest was what we all needed. I feel so refreshed and ready to tackle another week!
                                                                        

This morning we woke up and opened our curtains to see the volcano clear and beautiful! Then we had a buffet style breakfast at the hotel and went on a hike in El Silencio, a trail near the volcano. It was beautiful. This was one of the most natural trails we have been on so far. We saw a lot of insects (of course), birds, and my favorite howler monkeys! These guys are incredibly loud and sound intensely scary. I zoomed in really far with my camera and was able to get a few good pictures.  Isn't he cute?

I am getting over that homesickness and frustration I was feeling and am ready to start a new week full of new and exciting adventures! I can't believe we only have a few days left!