World Rafting Championship!

It is a big week for the little town of Mollejones. The World Rafting Championship is taking place here in Costa Rica on the Pacuare River. It just so happens that the Pacuare River runs through Mollejones. For the past few weeks, teams from all over the world have been passing through our little town, practicing and getting ready for this big event. We have been fortunate to have some of the teams come and visit the students at school. It has been a really exciting time for the little town, and a blast for my students and me!

Today was especially fun. My students were asked to lead three teams in the parade that took place in Turrialba. Turrialba is the closest city to my town and is a popular spot for rafting. We took a bus to the campsite about 6 miles from our town, which all the teams are staying at. From there we got on another bus and caravanned to Turrialba with the rafting teams. Once we got there we lined up with the other schools who were asked to lead teams.

Escuela Mollejones led the Italian Team: 

The Japanese Team: 

 And the Mexican Team: 

The parade weaved through the streets of Turrialba. There was music and dancing. The Mexican team was by far the most entertaining. They were dressed in big sombreros and were constantly running off the street to take photos with onlookers.

When my students got tired, I stepped in to carry the flag: 

Over thirty countries are competing in the championship. I plan to spend a lot of time by the river this weekend and I will be sure to write another blog and post more pictures of the actual rafting. 

Pura Vida!