Sunday is rest day. Much needed for my feet and body. Getting a blister. The welly boots are very stiff and heavy. I don’t like them. Breakfast was bread and fried plantains. Lunch was veges and a ball of fried plantains and lovely papaya for dessert.
Dinner was noodle soup with wonton.
The next morning we went out at 5:30 am to the clay lick where the birds come to feed. Evidently the macaws, parakeet and parrots go there for the minerals in the clay lick that combat the toxins in their bodies. We take note how many, what kinds, the amount of tourists, weather, etc for an hour and half three times a week.
We had a breakfast of quinoa porridge and eggs with sweet potato. After breakfast I had a first aid training then we had to move plywood from the field to the trail where they are going to replace bridges. Was very hard and tiring… needless to say I only carried a plank half the way.
When I returned from carrying the planks the other volunteer, my roommate, said she was leaving. She had a panic attack last night and couldn’t have that happen again. Needless to say I was devastated. She was leaving me and I would then the only volunteer, however there are interns and staff so i wouldn’t be totally by myself. It made me sad. I was left thinking that maybe I should leave as well. I still had 4 weeks left here. Would I make it? It already is hard work.
Later that day I did a trek in the Rainforest with Sammy. On the way back I got bit by a wasp (I think). I brushed it off from my hand, but was left with a stinging sensation. Sammy said I could take an antihistamine, but I didn’t want to. Of course there is no ice there so I just ran cool water over it and covered it with a wet towel. All night it stung. It ended up being a blessing because all night I couldn’t focus on anything else but my stinging hand and didn’t think about the other volunteer leaving. The next morning the stinging was gone and so were my negative thoughts about being the only volunteer.
On Tuesday, we took a trip to a nearby town called Sébastien. Involved a 20 minute boat ride then a 40 minute walk then a 10 min tok tok ride to the town and the Crees office.
There we were taken to a pre k school to work in the bio garden. We pulled weeds and replanted a tree that was in the garden.
In the evening I was scheduled for an outing, but I decided against it because I was very tired. They said it was ok because it was for my learning and if I chose not to it would be my choice. I decided to stay in the lodge instead. That evening was celebrating the person in charge, Brenda’s, 22nd birthday. They did the cake in the face ( guess it is cultural here for all ages) then we did a pinata. In the pinata was, surprisingly, razors, hair clips, all kinda of things and of course candy.
In the morning I went on the butterfly traps. We located the traps at 3 different heights and took out the trapped butterflies, identified them then released them. I learned how to hold them.
In the afternoon I only have a Spanish lesson with Luis.
The next morning was suppose to do colpa ( the salt lick), but it was thundering, pouring rain like crazy so it was canceled… but did go for butterflies with Luis and Mila. We were gone from 9 till 1:30. My right foot was sore, but bunion ok. It was muddy slippery and wet. Had to cross many puddles and streams. Very carefully. They were so patient with me and helped me all along the way. Very grateful. We took down butterfly traps and set one up. Upon return had to wash out traps in river and hang up. After that I was cold and alittle wet. Went to cabin and rested a bit then out to meet with Jackie and do data entry. No data entry due to computer not charged. We only get electricity for 2 hours 6 days a week. Tomorrow is Saturday. We have night activity. I want to try do charades. Heard that tomorrow there are school kids coming. We’ll see how that goes. My feet are sore, not easy walking in forest, but mostly the bugs get to me. When we stand still for identification. Told Criss only to schedule me once a day in forest. That is about all I can take. 4 weeks seems extra long. This is going on my 2nd week already. Will I make it? Have to say this is harder than Africa? Well the lodging is better… not a tent in sand, but nice cabin with comfortable bed. No warm water… getting somewhat use of cool showers. Much more walking though and very buggy. Plus I am 3 years older. Maybe this will be the last of this type of volunteer work for me? This is hard physically for me. But at least my knees are ok. Just my feet were hurting. We’ll see how this next week will be though. And I don’t like the bugs!
Dream, Create, Inspire 