Academia is hard to escape. Though both teachers and students strive to leave the worries and deadlines of the academic life behind, freedom from such fretful tasks is often elusive. This escape from the routine was certainly a unifying goal of each member of the group that journeyed to beautiful Costa Rica over Thanksgiving break. We set out from Baylor one bone-chilling morning; later that day, we arrived in the warm, green, lush land of Costa Rica. For the next week, we paddled some of the most magnificent and exhilarating rivers in the world while also seeing a culture very different from our own. Each day brought not only challenging whitewater but also great views, fabulous meals, and interesting side trips. One day we visited an expert herpetologist who allowed us to become intimate with the deadly fer-de-lance while also showing us several other unique and exotic species of snakes that you won't find in your backyard too often. Another day we decided to leave a five-star resort for the Pacific Ocean; we spent the next day surfing waves that put the California coast to shame. The paddling was some of the best in the world, but it was also a rich experience in numerous other ways. Ben Aiken will no doubt remember our friendly driver Miguel and their many comical conversations. Heston Powers now realizes the immense frustration a language barrier can present and how humorously futile a temper or loud tone of voice is in such situations. Chris Angel used his three hundred and fifty different lenses and camera to ensure tangible memories that will hopefully be developed before the end of the millennium. Allison Mitchell, much to the dismay of local farmers, sprouted a voracious appetite for sugar cane and is consequently wanted on several counts of petty sugar cane theft. Ashley Everett has developed a tenacious will to live after fighting the mighty Pacuare River for four hours and eventually surviving with beaming pride. Tim Williams has found one more fabulous place for Walkabout to continue its globe-trotting. Finally, in addition to learning all manners of colorful phrases from our guide, I learned that Academia is inescapable. We cannot escape it, but we can meet it on different fronts. We all learned a great deal on this exciting journey, but without all the routine and pressure of the academic life. We realized that the most rewarding education takes place far beyond the walls of the classroom. And, yes, we ate turkey on Thanksgiving. And it was good.

by Tim Laramore, 12th grade (now a Walkabout faculty member)