This post features student writing.

Saturday morning we trekked into the mountains, met our guide Jonathan, and headed out on our hike to an extraordinary waterfall. Feeling the mist on our faces, we jumped in and swam in the falls. Half the group hurried back, passionate about the hike, while the other half took their time to enjoy nature. That night, we settled into a rustically quaint guest lodge in the chilly mountains of the rain forest. With no wi-fi, we all circled around for a nice evening chat.

We woke early the next morning and had a breakfast of tea and toast, then headed out for our much-anticipated snorkeling excursion. We saw beautiful fish swimming through Champagne Bay and felt right at home. For lunch, we ate at our favorite restaurant so far. We all cleared our plates, our bellies full with the delicious food of home. Later, we all piled into our van — which slightly resembles the Scooby Doo van. Jazzed up with tunes, we returned to Bense, which has become our home, for our final week of work. Our hearts are growing a little heavy on our final Sunday in Bense. We’re going to miss it here and we’re excited for the week ahead.

– Maya & Max