Tips for Incoming Apprentices
By Sedona Lewis and the 2023 Apprentices
Congrats on being accepted! As you are preparing for this crazy beautiful adventure, here´s a list of things we wish we knew before coming to the Ranch.
Re-read all apprenticeship documents multiple times. There are so many important details (including a lot of this information) that are easy to miss.
Types of shoes that we've found useful:
C.R.O.C.S. Release your inhibitions and just get yourself a pair. It's incredible how fitting they are for Ranch life.
Rain boots for work parties and rainy season, any brand will do. Its nice to have the tall ones.
Tennis shoes/ trainers for hiking and sports.
Comfortable shoes to wear indoors during cooking shifts and food days. The floors in the kitchen spaces are concrete.
Flip flops for the shower to prevent fungus.
Shoes for hiking down to the waterfall/river. Something that can get wet and doesn't fall off when walking through water. Crocs are great for this, but some prefer a Chaco/ Teva/ Bedrock/ Earthrunner kind of sandal.
Any shoes that slip on and off are really nice. We are constantly walking between structures and taking shoes on and off. This is why CROCS are the best!
Organize zoom calls together before you come! It is super useful to get to know each other a bit and ask questions as you are preparing and packing.
During these calls, discuss and plan for the beach trip in May. Book your house ASAP!
If possible, when arriving in January, organize transportation from San Jose to the Ranch. We rode with Fernando, his number can be found in the transportation section of the Ranch website. Regardless of who you choose, make sure to tell the driver how much luggage you have collectively!
Reach out to past (and current!) apprentices and ask questions. Email the core team for contact info and organize phone calls if you can!
It can be chilly at night. Its great to bring good long sleeved shirts/ a light hoodie/ leggings/ long pants. Also warm clothes to sleep in if you're a cold sleeper.
Light weight, long, loose fitting clothing is the best protection against bugs.
Bring good tupperware(s). The kitchen prepares two meals a day, so saving leftovers to eat in between is really nice. Also, containers are great for storing things other than food.
Be prepared to only eat meat once a week. If you´re accustomed to eating meat more than this, you can buy chickens or cheese from our providers in the community to supplement for yourself.
Seriously, make sure the core team knows about any health problems or dietary restrictions you have before you arrive so they can help you to prepare.
To keep electronics safe from the humidity, bring Ziploc bags and silica packs to store them in. Silica packs can be dehydrated in the dehydrator and reused once you are here. Surge protectors are a must too.
A heads-up for Spotify users: Spotify removes downloaded content from your phone after 30 days of being offline. Also, downloaded content has a tendency to mysteriously and randomly disappear. Maybe do some research on how this can be prevented / if a different streaming platform might work better during long periods offline? Or the safest option is to download your library as mp3s.
It is not necessary, but pretty useful to have a computer here. Mainly for writing blog posts, viewing e-library material, planning and teaching the internship, and organizing travel during visa runs. Be aware that this environment is very hard on electronics, so make sure to bring those silica packs and airtight packages!
Small, decorative things to make your room feel like home are worth the space in your suitcase. Thumb tacks are useful, as well as some rope to hang things. And tapestries are awesome to hang as curtains to create privacy in the Hankey. Also, completely unnecessary, but its nice to have some relaxed lighting for night time (fairy lights or a little salt lamp).
You want to have items that make you feel at home, but keep in mind that this climate is very harsh on everything including clothes, jewelry, leather goods, and anything wooden. Only bring things if you can accept that they will get moldy.
If you are going to bring a mosquito net, get a 4 point one that will fit over a double or queen sized bed. You want to have plenty of room under there!
Definitely bring a good notebook(s) and pens/ pencils- you'll be taking lots of notes!
Its worth it to invest in a good quality flashlight and umbrella. The cheap stuff doesn't last long.
Bring your favorite card games, instruments, and art supplies! Again, worth the suitcase space. Its refreshing to spend your free time doing things that make you feel like yourself. Some of our favorites have been playing guitar and flute, crosswords, painting, and beading.
The cell connection is weak and unreliable. Make sure your friends and family know that it will be difficult for you to maintain “normal” communications. We don't have major issues keeping in touch with people, but some days things just don't load.
Ladies, there is nowhere in Mastatal to buy menstrual products. Bring everything you need for the first three months. We have had great success with diva cups and reusable cloth pads and underwear.
Don't be afraid to bring some nail polish, a face mask, or a nice body scrub if you're into that. Some luxurious self care feels fabulous.
Stock up your med-kit and try to be prepared for all types of sickness (flu, cough, loose stools, fever, congestion, etc.) If you are prone to something (like headaches, UTIs, ear infections) be prepared!!!
Someone (usually Robin) goes to town once every couple months. So no need to panic if something small needs to be picked up (toothpaste, etc.).
To inform your decision making as you determine how much spending money you want to bring for periods in between visa runs: A beer at the bar costs about 1,500 colones, a small bar of chocolate is 1,500 colones and a large bar is 3,500 colones, and an empanada at Chepo's soda is about 1,000 colones.
Ranch life can be very emotionally, socially, and physically overwhelming, especially in the first few weeks. It is very important to develop a routine that allows you to stay balanced and recharge your batteries in the ways that you need. Be diligent about carving out time for yourself from the beginning. Listen to your body and bring what you can to make yourself comfy. Its going to be an amazing year!
