<p>D2 is participating in an “environmental research experience” through her college this summer in Costa Rica.
Any suggestions for what to bring or tricks to stay comfortable?
I seem to remember D1s clothing absolutely getting thrashed when she was there for 1/2 the time as a high school senior so I don’t want to be buying a whole wardrobe from REI that will have to be thrown away.
I’m going to be looking at ValueVillage etc for synthetic fast drying clothes- but I need suggestions if anyone has spent time in similar climate. ( I think they are staying in tents- not sure)</p>
<p>Also will welcome thoughts on malaria medication- D2 doesn’t like taking it ( she didn’t in India) & I wasn’t sure if she needed it.
( I will have her go to the dr to get something for montezumas revenge)</p>
<p>For malaria, you’ve probably already figured out that there aren’t any really good ones. I use doxycycline (also a prophylaxis against certain stomach upsets.) If she is going to Monteverde (originally a Quaker colony, with a large Friendly presence), know that available medical care if needed is excellent. </p>
<p>Some warm sweaters or half-poly sweatshirts - it can actually get chilly!</p>
<p>it can actually get chilly!
good point
I think they are going to Carara National Park, this seems to be an every year trip.
At least she says she learned alot about packing during previous travels & it shouldn’t be much trouble getting everything she needs into a backpack.</p>
<p>( & re: India, I just got an email saying that all of the 23 students at the school where D worked ( with the younger ones) who took their Tamil Nadu Board Public Examination , passed! )</p>
<p>I bought quick-dry underwear from a travel catalog (?Magellan?) that dry quickly after hand washing. They were in packs of 3, fit well, were well made, and I STILL WEAR THEM. Otherwise, cotton, cotton, cotton. Layers. If malaria prophylaxis is recommended, consider the weekly Lariam or generic. I did not think one needed it for Costa Rica, but I could be wrong.</p>
<p>(I saw the “six weeks in the rainforest” heading and EK’s name and thought it was going to be a rant about the cold wet rainy spring we’ve had.)</p>
<p>(My son loves the Ex Officio quick-dry travel underwear. And there’s an Ex Officio company store in Seattle.)</p>
<p>Have you tried Sierra Trading Post? Stores in Cody and Laramie,WY, but also a huge online store. Sells mostly off season, past year’s styles and some seconds. Emphasis is on “name” outdoor brands like Northface, Ex Officio. Merrell etc. at discounts of 30% and up…</p>
<p>D12 was taking mefloquine for malaria prophylaxis while in Africa. It’s a weekly vs a daily med and there’s no need (IIRC) to continue taking it for 4-6 weeks after your return home like you will need to do with many anti-malaria drugs. (Unfortunately D turned out to be among the less than 10% who developed an adverse reaction to mefloquine and had to discontinue it after her first dose. Her reaction wasn’t life-threatening, just very unpleasant, but it was sufficient to replace it with daily doxycycline.)</p>
<p>You should know that (unless it has changed recently), mefloquine is banned in most European countries because of the ultra-high rate of adverse reactions. The English have come up with a new anti-malarial (which is pricey, and not available here). In the cloudforest, there are not likely to be malarial mosquitos at all (it is 4,500 feet above sea-level.)</p>
<p>I just checked & it doesn’t look like she needs it in Costa Rica- she did take it in Africa but it upset her stomach. ( she took Malarone which is atovaquone and proguanil- also expensive- she also had it for India, but I think she gave it away)</p>
<p>My hairstylists uncle owns Ex Officio, maybe I will ask if they have any returns in a size 4 they want to get rid of.</p>
<p>I know- this spring has been pretty crappy & it is so cold in the morning & at night still- but compared to the weather elsewhere we shouldn’t complain.
& today is gorgeous!</p>
