It would be effortless for us to write about our qualifications, traveling experiences, dedication and passion that is at the heart of all that we do. Yet we decided that our prospective travelers and families would want to read descriptions of ourselves written by ourselves about as much as we would want to sit and write them. Below please find short descriptions of our directors and selected trips leaders written by the people who matter most... our travelers.

Directors

Jesse Friedman (Co-Director): Connecticut College, BA.
University of Rhode Island, MA.

As written by Greg Serrao, 2008 traveler

“When Jesse asked me to write this, I was excited because I am forever indebted to Jesse for giving me such a wonderful experience. However, I have found that writing a paragraph about Jesse is not an easily achieved task. I could sit down and spend years writing a book about Jesse; he is probably one of the most interesting, inspiring, and down to earth people I have ever met. So I've decided I'm just going to give a brief census, almost a little introduction that could be used for a book about him.

Jesse has been to countless places consisting of mind blowing trips to some of the most remote destinations on earth. And though he shares his past experiences from time to time with a trip participant, he doesn't bask in his past achievements; he takes both the good and the bad from them and moves on. Also, Jesse is not a "fanny-pack" traveler; he is an outgoing person that engulfs himself into a foreign culture, a person that both bonds with and becomes one of the locals. Jesse understands the essence of travel; for example, Jesse, will not schedule a waterfall walk a week in advance at 3:15 pm. Who knows if it will be raining? What if the waves are good? What if the group decides they'd rather do more volunteering at the local school? This also displays how dedicated Jesse is to the group; he is dedicated to making each person's trip an unforgettable experience. He knows the difference between seeing Costa Rica and actually being a part of it. His love of surfing, his charisma, and his positive vibes allow him to help a participant immerse themselves into being part of a foreign culture. Walking down the streets, Jesse may appear to be a normal person; however, as soon as one begins talking to him, they see his traits; his passion, his ability to listen and learn, and his knowledge. And as one becomes his friend, they continue to see his amazing personality. For one considering this trip, they must know that Jesse should not only be considered as a guide and leader, but as a fellow traveler and friend looking to make both his and your experience a memory that will outlast a lifetime.”

Brian McManus (Co-Director): Fairfield University, BS.

As written by Dylan Vitali, 2008 & 2009 traveler

“From the first e-mail I received from Brian telling me about the trip, I knew that I was dealing with someone who was intelligent, articulate, and friendly. His professionalism impressed me from the start, and made me start to get more serious myself about the possibility of doing something as crazy as traveling to Costa Rica.. He was serious enough that I knew my safety and well-being was a primary concern, but his sense of humor and lighthearted approach also put at me ease.

The more I communicated with Brian, the more his commitment to the ideals of Triskallian Tours and his love of travel shined through. There was never any doubt in my mind that he would leave no stone unturned to provide me and my fellow travelers with an amazing, life-altering experience.

Brian's excitement for the trip spilled through. It excited him on a very deep and real level to affect the sort of change in all of us he knew that travelling provided. The attitude was infectious; the more we were in touch the more I became convinced that the decision had already been made for me, I knew I had to go.”

Peter Friedman (Co-Director): Bates College, BA.

As written by Eva Stern-Rodriguez, 2010 traveler

“I was lucky enough to have Peter as my tour guide on the turtle protectors trip. Not only was he a great, insightful guide, but he really made an effort to connect with every member on the trip. He has a great sense of humor but becomes serious when necessary, reaching out to you when you need someone to share your thoughts with. He was willing to help and accommodate anyone with any problem that arose. I wholeheartedly loved the time we spent joking, talking, and hanging out by the beach. My experience in Costa Rica would not have been nearly as enjoyable or as well rounded as it was if i had had a different guide. I cannot express what a great time i had on this trip, it exceeded all my expectations, and this was greatly due to my unbelievable leader, Peter Friedman.”

Leader Spotlight

Sasha Francis: University of Rhode Island, BS.

As written by Hannah Stern, 2007, 2008 & 2009 traveler

Costa Rica Surf and Service Leader

“I remember waking up at 4:00 in the morning and driving to the Bourne Bridge to meet up with Brian McManus who I had met before and Sasha Francis, who was working for Triskallian Tours for her 1st summer. This was my second trip with Triskallian Tours which I could not wait for since I got back last summer. When I got to the bridge I was overwhelmingly tired, and assumed everyone else would be too.

Not Sasha, she showed up with a huge smile on her face, her backpacking back pack, and her Costa Rica animal hand guide, she was ready to go. On the long car ride to the airport we got to know each other and I knew then, before we even left that I was going to love her. Sasha is an extremely smart woman who knows all about wild animals, and is always looking to learn more. She has the greatest attitude in the world about trying new things and getting to know new people. Between speaking Spanish, learning to surf, and just hanging out, Sasha became one of my best friends. Since the trip I have seen Sasha multiple times and we have caught up with each other. Sasha makes everyone feel comfortable and included at all times, and can always put a smile on anyone's face.”

Susannah Cassidy: University of Rhode Island, BA.

As written by Sandy Wu, 2009 traveler

“I am having so much trouble writing this because a simple paragraph could never capture the incredible character of Susannah. She has become such a big part of my life- how she has influenced me, how she has inspired me, and just knowing I have a friend in someone so genuine, caring and insane(in the best way possible). She became my friend, but more importantly, my big sister. She was always there to listen and give advice if there was ever anything on my mind. Her sense of humor just made each and every day unforgettable. I don't remember one single moment that I did not have a smile on my face or was laughing uncontrollably. She cares for everyone, and I knew I was safe whenever she was by my side.- and that goes for everyone at Triskallian. The whole Triskallian family is made up of some of the most incredible people I will ever meet. The have bettered me and made a mark on my life that could never have been made by anyone else. I really mean that and I thank them with all my heart.”

Berny Castillo: UACA (Universidad Autonoma de Centro America)

As written by Leah Setar, 2009 traveler

“Berny Castillo. I don't even know where to begin. He is a pretty amazing guy. He always makes everybody laugh. Everybody loves Berny, including his entire community and everyone he meets. We all spent so much time with Berny and, as much as we might deny it, we loved every minute of it, whether he was making us fried plantains, taking us to see sea turtles, or simply painting a building. He really does love and care about his community. He plans community service projects that he knows we will all have fun doing, but will also benefit the community. He loves giving back to the community he loves and sharing the experiences with us.

Berny becomes such a good friend on the trip. He goes way beyond what his job entails. Within one hour of meeting him, we were already acting like best friends. I can't imagine what those two amazing weeks would have been like without Berny. He adds so much to the experience. Berny is amazing at his job, and so much more.”

Katrina Quick: Connecticut College, BA

As written by Mary Chapman, 2010 traveler

“Where do I begin with Katrina? Seriously I do not know. Besides being one of the nicest, funniest, most amazingly random people I know Katrina is also one of the happiest and most optimistic. My first encounter with this occurred the day of our departure for Samara. I had to be JFK airport at 11:30 in the morning. This would not have been a problem except that it meant I had to leave my house in New Hampshire by 3:00 AM. When I nally did arrive at the airport, I was tired and unsociable. That is until I met Katrina. Her excitement was literally infectious. There was no way I was going to be disconnected with her around. The most amazing thing is that her excitement never ebbed. Seriously, never. It was awesome. The entire trip she was excited about every experience we had constantly reminded us that this was an opportunity to experience something new. While her excited and generally happy demeanor is amazing, what I love most about Katrina is how comfortable she is with herself. This creates an air of easiness about her that makes it almost impossible not to feel comfortable around her. What more could you want in a trip leader?”

Julie Markarian: University of Rhode Island, BA.

As written by Erin Harvey, 2010 traveler

“Julie is the kind of person you're immediately drawn to. With her gigantic grin and bubbly personality, you know she is someone who cares and is gung-ho to anything and everything. When I first met her at the airport I thought she was just going to get us on the plane and get us safely to Costa Rica, but I couldn't have been more wrong. Within the first hour of knowing her, we were talking like we were long lost friends. Throughout the entire trip she was there when anyone needed to talk or have a good laugh. Julie was one of the main reasons I got so much out of my trip. She understood what I was going through when I got homesick and she made sure I was having a great time each and every day.

One of the most memorable things about Julie was also bitter sweet. When we got to the airport and saying our goodbyes to each other, Julie came up to me and hugged me. She said “Don't start crying, because if you do so will I”. Even though, to most people, this is such a small and even stupid thing to remember, it's the one moment that showed who Julie really is. A wonderful, caring and beautiful person inside and out.”