Well, the students are slaving away on their research and so I (Dr. Londraville) volunteered to blog tonight. Dr. Niewiarowski gave me permission to say that he agreed with anything I wrote-so he says I should get the best office in our new building. But I digress...
These are a fantastic students, and fantastic people. One of the benefits of doing a class like this (and there are many) is that you get to spend time with students outside of the classroom, and really find out who they are. These people are excited about Biology and really milking this opportunity for all it is worth. That of course includes Ethel, our one ‘alumni’ member, who has been as excited and cooperative as any 20-year old (or more). Lest you think it's all fun in the sun, they also know when to hunker down and work, which is what they are doing right now. Soon after we arrived, we have been on a schedule of 7 AM breakfast, 8AM in the field until noon (lunch), work in the lab until dinner (6), then work more until whenever (some are staying up until 1 AM). The fish people have been spending their time either hunched over scanning a rock wall trying to catch blennies (imagine a very slippery, very fast, very small fish) or slaving over computers analyzing digital pictures of said blennies changing color. The lizard people have been in the tropical forest catching all sorts of lizards (moth skinks are particularly elusive) and then stretching them over different surfaces (Teflon, glass) to measure how much force they exert with their toe pads. In between meals and work, they’ve been keeping in touch with you at home (tip: buy stock in SKYPE). We’ve managed a few excursions too-the rays, various snorkeling spots, waterfall hikes, etc. The food has been fantastic-it’s quite a privilege to sit down to a great meal after a long day in the sun. Tonight we had a traditional Tahitian meal, with pork, chicken with creamed spinach, taro, yams, raw fish in lime juice salad, and coconut bread. They also gave us some fermented coconut milk, which came in a bottle (so we thought we should drink it). Our French hosts got a giggle out of that-it turns out it was a sauce for one of the dishes. It’s OK, I usually settle down to dinner with a tall glass of gravy.
We’ll finish the trip with a night snorkel tomorrow night, round the island ride on Friday and more rays and juice factory on Saturday. Even though Peter loathes shopping, everybody has managed to buy a few mementos. Keep the comments coming-it’s always news when one of you posts.
Thanks for loaning us your kids. You did a good job raising them.
2 comments:
Hi fellow classmates, As usual your Moorea report has become something I look forward to reading each am. In fact, you even beat the K-Mart add this past Sun. so if anyone there knows me, they know you have to be good to get my attn before that Isn't that what the Sun. paper is all about-shopping!!! Sure hope you get to do some in Moorea. I think those momentos you've accumulated will stink by the time you get them home...And still no more Shawna mishaps...Again, I would like to know a little more about the aspirations of participants in this research team..they certainly look like they are having fun and are great leaders in their own rights and under great leadership which makes this an unforgettable experience. Maybe a small language lesson before the next trip so you can know what you are inbibing! Meanwhile,if it isn't clear and transparent- think twice....I hope you will continue after you get back to the mainland to keep us posted on your return home and your conclusions after you get back to campus and your minds are geared in to the "real world" once again. We know your thoughts will still be in Tahiti. Well, I am off to something called a "job" and a special project I am working on. Until tomorrow, hang loose.
Nice to hear from you Dr. L and thank you for appreciating are kids. What is that in the photo of this blog, beautiful but odd. Do you plan to do more of these classes and if so, can these students sign up again? I too enjoy the blog and read it before my e-mail,it's a great idea and very informative. Thanks again for taking care of our kids and giving them this wonderful opportunity.
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