T’was the week before Christmas and from seven states,
Sixteen people would soon mix their fates.

All were packing for a trip in December
With hopes for adventures we’d always remember.

We arrived in San Jose with nary a care,
Assured that our Mario would meet us all there.

With storms in Texas and in other states
Some were on time, but several were late.

We met Wednesday morning full of high spirits and good cheer
Knowing our new friends now were all here.

With Mario in charge and Walt at the wheel,
We soon realized our adventure was going to be real!

With Atakan, Marissa and Ryan in sight
Plus Leslie and Stephen from the house of White,

And Richard, and Gary, and Delores and Herb
(Whose laugh we’d know if he said not a word,)

And from California came Tony and Renee,
Plus George and Pauline who were with us each day,

When Betty, Billie, and Suzanne all did meet,
The OAT family now was complete.

All of Costa Rica was ours to see
Only Walt and Mario knew the adventures to be.

With rivers, rainforests, and volcanoes on the list
Sometimes our view was obscured by mist.

The flora and fauna Mario did know;
Plants, birds, and critters to us he did show.

With knowledge unequaled and actions so funny,
His energy surpassed the Energizer Bunny!

From an Indian attack and bird walks each day
To zip lines, horses, and ‘sprizes’ along the way

There was rafting, hiking, and energy spent.
So much to do, the time quickly went.

Our Spanish improved and our relationships grew;
Our knowledge expanded, (and our waistlines too!)

All thru Costa Rica, we searched for a name,
Since we visited Juan Batista, we’re the Guardians of the Cane!

We wanted to see the old year out right,
So we danced and partied ‘til midnight.

As we come to the end of two weeks of fun,
We are not just 18, but a family of one!

And we hope Mario will exclaim as we fly out of sight.
“Pura Vida, Gringos! Ya’ll were all right!”