This week we made a short trip to La Fortuna de San Carlos. A beautiful place which I hadn’t visited for a long time.

For those of you who are not ticos or haven’t been to Costa Rica… YET… Arenal Volcano is located next to La Fortuna (about 90 kms from San Jose) and has been active for quite some time (since about 1968), becoming a mayor attraction during the 90′s, thanks to it’s beauty and hot springs.

I was there last time before the kids were born, but was never lucky enough to see the volcano so clear like this time.

However, one of the main reasons that brought us to La Fortuna was because we wanted to check out Proyecto Asis (located in Javillos, about 25 kms from La Fortuna in direction to Ciudad Quesada).  Proyecto Asis exists in 8 acres of pure lush green… “No artificial ingredients”!!

What is so remarkable about this proyect is that 12 years ago this land was a “potrero” (pasture where cattle feed).  It has been the love for nature and animals, what has inspired this conservation proyect.  I couldn’t believe after walking through the trails that only 12 years ago, all these trees were not there!!!  It is a true inspiration of what we can do to make our World a better place!

Proyecto Asis combines conservation, animal rescue, spanish school and volunteer work (on conservation…what else!)  Animals that have been hurt or confiscated are brought here, where they are rehabilitated and as much as possible returned to their habitat… each animal has it’s own… often sad story…

Ok, I am not really much of an animal person… I guess that I didn’t grow around animals and I still feel a bit nervous around them… but I absolutely fell in love with the CUTEST and SMARTEST little puppy: Machete.  He even fell asleep at my feet… He is looking for a home too… anyone?

Here are a few pictures of the trip showing: Arenal Volcano, a baby porcupine being fed by bottle, a baby anteater (oso hormiguero), a little very weak squirrel, and the connection between Hercules (a squirrel monkey) and one of his friends at Proyecto Asis.  At the bottom of course… Machete!

This is Machete sleeping at my feet...