The Last week in a Nutshell...

Well, today marks the fourth week that I have been in Belize! It's strange to think that I have been here a whole month. This last week Professor Mike came down from Taylor University to teach our stream ecology course. Who knew that streams could be so interesting and complex! We talked about how the bedrock and sediment of a stream determines its overall shape, chemical characteristics, and discharge (the amount of water flowing through the stream. We also learned about the variety of macroinvertebrates that live on the stream bottom--dragonfly nymphs, megaloptera, hemiptera, worms....The best part was when we actually had the chance to collect specimens and identify them. We spent most of the day on Tuesday and Thursday out assessing the quality of different streams--analyzing morphology, habitat, macroinvertebrate diversity, and chemical data. It was neat to be able to see how the types of minerals and macroinvertebrates present in the streams signified the amount of human impact and pollution.

We had a project and a short paper due on Friday, and then it was time for our first homestays! Another student and I stayed with a family in the small town of Succotz Saturday through Monday morning. Right when we arrived, the mother, Marisol, greeted us at the door holding her nine-month-old daughter Stephanie. Marisol's mother Cruz also lives in the house along with Marisol's twelve-year-old son Marlon. It was really interesting to get to know the culture of Belize from an "insider's" perspective. The family was warm and welcoming as many Belizeans seem to be. Marisol is a great cook and while we were there, she cooked us homemade pancakes, chimole, chicken with steamed veggies and mashed potatoes, and spaghetti with homemade tomato sauce. Fresh fruit was also never lacking as we had lots of watermellon, watermellon juice, and fresh pineapple! As it was the weekend and rained most of the time we were there, we watched a lot of TV. I was surprised at the multitude of American shows we watched...Animal planet, 27 dresses, School of Rock, and The Fellowship of the Ring to name a few. I also enjoyed playing with the baby and playing card games with Marlon. Probably my highlight of our visit, however, was the last night we were there. We were watching TV in the living room when Marisol called us into her room. Marisol makes jewelry and had layed out different things that she had made on the bed. We sat on the floor together and she told us about where she buys her supplies and how she constructs her necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. I was able to tell her about the beading and jewelry making that I've done and even get some tips from her.

After we returned to campus, we started our reading week. As I am not taking Environmental literature like the other students, I have been able to get some much-needed studying for the MCAT in and also get a head start on readings for upcoming classes. The staff has made sure that we have some fun things to do inbetween readings. Monday night we had a Valentine's day party complete with a love languages quiz and a round of speed dating while impersonating a character (I had to be Darth Vader : ) ) We then ate yummy white cake with frosting and homemade vanilla and strawberry ice cream! Yesterday the staff had crocheting lessons, today we learned some yoga, and tomorrow we will probably go swimming.

Until next time! I hope that you are all doing well!

Finally in Belize!

After much anticipation, I have left the snowy world of Iowa behind and journeyed into tropical Belize! I have already had so many incredible experiences...Orientation week held field trips to the market in San Ignacio, a game of soccer in the village of Succotz, a visit to the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, a morning at the Belize Zoo, and so much more! After orientation week, we were sent off on our own (as a group) to travel and explore. All eight of us went to Caye Caulker-a small island about an hour's taxi ride off the coast of Belize. It was a little disorienting at first to arrive there and still have to find a place to stay. It made me so appreciate all the times my family has gone on trips and my parents have arranged everything! Despite feeling a little homesick, my newfound friends and I enjoyed walking the sand-covered streets, snorkeling with stingrays and nerf sharks, and eating amazing food.

The scenery here is so beautiful. The campus at Nabitunich overlooks mountains, palm trees, pasture, and cows. There are eight students in the program including myself-seven of which are girls : ) One girl goes to school in California, and three others go to school on the east coast. We all stay in small hut-like cabanas with attached bathrooms. It has been interesting getting used to cold showers, sleeping under a mosquito net, and finding all sorts of creatures in my room...my roommate and I have seen several large spiders, a gecko, a frog, and some pretty huge cockroaches in our room. Let's just say I'm glad that I'm glad cockroaches weren't a new thing for me : ) We do not have internet access on campus, but a 20minute walk to the Trek Stop provides unlimited access with the purchase of a cool drink...which is much needed by the time I get there!

This past week we had our first class-Introduction to Sustainable Community Development with professor Sara Alexander. Time flew by with numerous readings and several field trips. Probably my favorite trip was to the Baboon Sanctuary where we were shown plants that help with snake bites, back pain, toothaches, and that even help women after childbirth. We also saw a troupe of black howler monkeys that, with some coaxing,came down from the trees to eat leaves out of our hands. Where else in the world would you be able to do that in the wild? I have had so many experiences like that so far...experiences that leave me amazed at all the wonders of Belize. We finished off the week with frantic paper writing all day Friday. Even though I hardly felt like I had time to breathe this week I learned so much about what sustainable community development means and the role an anthropologist plays in that process.

This weekend it has been so nice to be able to regroup and get a little laundry done. Tomorrow we start stream ecology. I'm hoping that our field trips will involve a little swimming too : )