Sweet Sugar Cane Adventure (Written by: Camila)

Today's blog is written entirely by a global navigator, Camila, in climate change mitigation cohort 2. Here, she reflects on our group's Trapiche Tour from Thursday. Enjoy! 

"Our journey to Finca la Bella consisted of the misty clouds brushing along the lush green mountains of Monteverde that are visible the entire short ride there.

Once we arrive, we are greeted warmly by one of the owners of the farm, Elizabeth. As I introduce myself and let her know that I will be translating for the group, she tells me of the importance of learning a second language from a young age. She right away asks me of my time so far in Costa Rica, and I tell her that among how beautiful this country is, what stands out most to me is how green it is here compared to my hometown in Southern California.

I appreciated the detail with which she explained the processes of growing and harvesting the coffee trees and sugar canes on her finca. My experience in Costa Rica has given me the opportunity to see the source of coffee and sugar, which are foods that I usually eat. There is an unexplainable feeling that comes with coming in contact with the roots of where our food comes from. Another notable moment from the finca is when Elizabeth gave us a demonstration of how their trapiche, the machine they use to extract the sweet juice from the sugar cane, works and the history behind how it belonged to early English settlers before her grandfather-in-law, Don Simon.

After letting us try the unprocessed, sweet juice from the sugar cane, our group basked in the view from her finca, which boasts not only the green vegetation of Monteverde, but also spans as far as the Gulf of Nicoya. While swinging on one of the swings hung to a tree that overlooks the view, I thought about how this is one of the most beautiful fincas I’ve ever visited."