10/1/2008

Brooks and I woke up early and just relaxed with a view of the vast mountains, which turned out to be good b/c this was one of the most tiring days on this trip. We spent the morning until 12 or 1 in the forest collecting data and insects. One person had a net and among the rest we had a thermometer, hygrometer, infrared thermometer (to measure leaf temperature), densiometer (to measure light), measuring tape, and some other equipment. Every five whacks onto the vegetation we stopped, bagged everything in the net and recorded data with each instrument. We did this... 100 times. Meanwhile, we were changing locations often so it was also a hiking trip. Tiring, but enjoyable. The afternoon was less fun. We spent much time drowning insects in alcohol, removing them from leaves and other foliage (in a large vat that did NOT smell great), identifying them, and then recording the fruits of our efforts. By the time we finished, it was past 8 PM. What a day.

--Edit-- 10/14

It's definitely a humbling experience to try and analyze yourself, realizing that people are all different and have such vast opinions--meaning with each interaction we share, you can only every change yourself. Change how you act, react, think in a way that makes you more personable to others, liked by yourself, and a happier person. Funnily enough, however, even after everything you do, the nicest person in the world still won't mesh with everyone. C'est la vie, but we smile and move on :D
Immediately after this day, I can't be sure whether my fear of insects increased or decreased. I remember trying to do my best to not be disgusted, but it was a difficult venture. Now, however, almost a month later, I find myself not too bother by insects at all, as long as they don't bite.... or carry disease.
Reading back over my entries, I see my English skills suffer more and more as my mind vacillates between Spanish and English. I don't have a large enough vocabulary in Spanish to speak as I would in English, and often have to find detours and simpler methods to get my point across in Spanish. In turn, my English skills are starting to follow a similar pattern just out of habit. Nothing that a couple days in the States can't turn back.