Costa Ricans visit Sisters

Absorbing the many charms of Central Oregon, an exchange group from Costa Rica visited Sisters last week as part of the Partners of the Americas program.

The organization, created in 1963 during the Kennedy administration, pairs each state in America with a "partner" country in Latin America to form mutual friendships and cultural interchange. Oregon was paired with Costa Rica.

Eight foreign guests mingled over coffee and donuts provided by Sisters Coffee Company and discussed plans with host families and supporters of the enriching program. The choice of fresh-roasted Costa Rican coffee made them feel right at home.

Oregon participants host Costa Ricans for their annual fall trip while they travel to various landmarks, historical sites and towns throughout Oregon. The actual itinerary varies from year to year.

This trip's schedule included stops in five different areas: Portland, Salem, Hood River, Central Oregon and the Oregon Coast.

Kate Harner of Sisters is a program volunteer and sees this as an excellent way to share cultures and make lasting friendships.

"It's perfect for people wanting to travel and learn and practice speaking Spanish or English," she said. "The month chosen by the Costa Ricans each year is usually September to October. Oregonians have picked February as their month to visit Costa Rica since it's almost always a cold month here and yet one of Costa Rica's best months."

Group coordinator, Janet Whitney of Bend, was in charge of travel plans and keeping everyone on a smooth schedule.

"Everyone is having a wonderful time and loves the beautiful warm weather," she said. "We have four guests from the capital of San Jose and four others from rural communities. Last year we had 13 visitors but it was less this year due to the poor economy."

"Today (Wednesday) is Sisters Day," said Harner. "It includes a drive up to the lava fields, lunch in town at Slick's Que Company and a viewing of the statuary at St. Edward the Martyr Catholic Church."

Sarita Navarro lives in the city of San Jose and is experiencing a dry desert climate for the first time.

"It's been very interesting seeing all the places," she said. "The Three Sisters mountains are so spectacular. We noticed a difference in the trees coming over the pass from Salem and the smell of the pine trees."

To become a host family or member of the Partners of the Americas program, applicants need a genuine curiosity in other cultures, an interest in sharing one's life, and a sense of adventure. In order to travel to Costa Rica, Oregon participants must first be willing to host visiting Costa Ricans.

Fluency in Spanish is not necessary but is helpful.

For more information and a complete list of partner requirements, contact Karen Graham at [email protected]

duckswild.com or your local program chairperson at http://www.oregonpartners.net.