If you're looking for some flavorful Caribbean cuisine, come give Cafe Costa Rica a try! Tony, the owner, formerly operated the ever-popular Mango Man food cart on Madison's Capitol Square. He's added a new feel to the former restaurant space of Guantanamera. Enjoy your meal on the outside patio, complete with Caribbean music and a festive palm tree. Favorite food items include: Caribbean chicken tacos and burritos, plantains, rice and beans, homemade salsas, and mango smoothies. Gourmet coffee and pastries are also available.

Tony, who relocated to Madison from Costa Rica, is happy to be part of our international family at the Madison Hostel. He plans to offers discounts and specials for hostel guests, and will be open days, nights, and weekends.

Join Cafe Costa Rica for their all-day Grand Opening Fiesta and Open House on Friday, July 21st, 2006.

We are a small group of avid canoe people who also enjoy meeting new people for canoeing, camping, instruction and socialization. You can rent one-half of a canoe per day (this includes paddles and life jackets). If you're going solo, the group leader will supply you a partner. The benefits of the Hostelling Wisconsin canoe group:

• We plan the trip
• We take reservations for the canoes (& campsites)
• We plan the car shuttle if necessary
• We provide informal training and paddling techniques

We offer a variety of canoe outing in diverse parts of Wisconsin. When you inquire about a specific trip, the leader will give you detailed info on where to meet, meal information, and trip prices. On most camping trips, the group leader supplies the food and stoves. (You will need a tent and personal camping gear). Campers will share in the cooking and cleaning tasks.

Reservations: Campout reservations require two weeks advance notice, and an advance deposit may be required. Canoe reservations require one week advance notice. Click here to see this season's complete schedule.

Come on in... We always keep our doors open for volunteers. In fact, it's the very thing that keeps our organization thriving today! Volunteering with the HI-Wisconsin Council is not only fun and rewarding, but it is guaranteed to help you keep your connection to travel well after you have returned home.

See the "Volunteer" links on the left to explore specific volunteer opportunities. If you are interested:

• Call us at 608.441.0130
• Email us at hostellingwisconsin@yahoo.com
• Stop by the Madison Hostel at 141 S. Butler Street

Are you a Girl Scout troop leader? Do you know someone involved with Girl Scouts?

We would love to work with you! HI-Wisconsin offers fabulous educational programs that focus on experiential learning, cultural competency, self-discovery, and skill-building. Past Girl Scouts have had an amazing time chatting with international travelers over breakfast, spending the evenings learning to say hello and good-bye in different languages, hanging out in the hostel with a world map and getting hostellers to sign their names on their home country, or joining other hostellers to help make an international dinner.

Why work with HI? Participating Girl Scouts can:

• Get a free membership to Hostelling International
• Take part in workshops on Trip Planning, World Travel, and Culture
• Earn the "Discover the World" patch or Studio 2B charms
• Experience staying overnight in a clean, safe environment
• Enjoy customized group tours and getaways in and around Madison and Eagle Wisconsin

About 45 third grade students will take part in the 1st Annual "Picture your Summer" photo contest sponsored by Hostelling International-Wisconsin and Channel 27 News.

In May, hostel volunteers spoke with two classrooms about traveling, hostelling, and photography. Each child was invited to take part in our contest, and received a disposable camera to take pictures of their favorite events of summer. Students can win 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place in the following areas: People, Places, & Nature. Photos from each contestant will be framed and displayed in the Madison Hostel for the months of September and October 2006.

Contest winners will be announced at the Picture your Summer Award Ceremony at the Madison Hostel. Join us for an open house on Saturday, September 18th from 12-4pm for food, door prizes, and fun family activities. Channel 27 News will be there to cover this event. Click here for directions to the Madison Hostel. If you would like to volunteer with this project, please email Sherie at hostellingwisconsin@yahoo.com. For all other questions, call Mike at 441-0030.

• When: Wednesday, July 19th, from 6:30-8:30
• Where: Memorial Union (check TITU for the room)
• Address: 800 Langdon Street, Madison 53703
• Questions? Call Tina at 608.441.0144