I would describe this whole experience as different. Different from the normal school experience. Different from our normal daily routine. Different from anything we, or maybe just I, expected.

Before we left for Refugio Bartola, we spent some of our class time talking about the history of Nicaragua: its geography, its biodiversity, its socio-economic standing. However I didn’t think I was going to really realize we were in a different country until we entered the rainforest. In retrospect, that was a very naïve thought of me to have.

When we got off the plane, our next plan of action was to take a four-hour bus ride, followed by a two-hour boat ride to the reserve. On the bus ride I was intrigued by all of the different colored houses bordering the side of the road. Red, yellow, aqua, teal, baby blue. Chickens and stray dogs were walking along the street, their owners nowhere to be found. The first time the economic-standing of some of Nicaragua’s citizens really became apparent to me was when we drove by a dirt field, where the skeletons of the houses were made out of large branches, and the walls and ceilings were just black trash bags. Occasionally, one of the “walls” was missing and for a split second, you were able to see a family sitting inside the house, different from anything I have seen before.

Every morning since we have arrived at the reserve, my alarm clock has been replaced by the echo of howler monkey cries coming from the forest. At night, my roommates and I have a creature living in the corner of our room, which will periodically make three, distinct, screeching noises. Our ceiling is not connected to the walls, therefore every night we have to make sure that our mosquito net is completely tucked under our mattresses, making sure bugs are not able to bother us while we are sleeping.

However, I have also hiked the most beautiful trails and seen the most beautiful animals. Lizards shining five different colors in the sunlight. Little strawberry frogs making the loudest noise imaginable from such a small animal. Spiders that look as though they were designed for the sole purpose of a sci-fi movie. Butterflies of all shapes and sizes. And I have canoed down the Bartola River at night, after having turned off our headlights, and only using moonlight as a navigation source, while looking for the eye-shine of caiman.

Different. But in the most fantastic, eye-opening way possible.