January 5, 2010 Day 3

Today we visited Phelps Dogde General Cable company in Alajuela. We attended a presentation about the company and their safety procedures. Because producing cable is a dangerous process, they have many safety regualations that they follow strictly to avoid injuries and fatalities. Because they are so strict with safety, most students were not allowed in the plant because they were not properly dressed. To enter the plant, they required long pants, safety glasses, earplugs and steal toe shoe protectors. We learned how they produce copper cables by stretching the copper into thin wire and wrapping it with insulation. They produce wires used everyday in households across the world.
We also visited Doka Coffee Estate in the mountains. We had a buffet lunch and visited a butterfly garden. After we went on a guided tour, with Eduardo our tour guide. We learned how they produce thier coffee, starting with planting the "little soldiers" (baby plants), picking the beans by hand, to pealing, drying and roasting the bean to get the final product. Eduardo brought us through the plant, showing us how each step is performed. We then proceeded to the gift shop where we had the opportunity to but genuine Costa Rican coffee.
We then went the grocery store and are now going out to dinner.
Adios!
Maria Scocca and Pat Shea