Saltwater Heals

I can not believe I have less than a week here on this beautiful island! The time flew by and I only have 6 days to wrap up my paper, finish my poster presentation, and enjoy the island breeze and sunshine a little bit more. Well, I may have enjoyed the sunshine a little too much yesterday because I got a pretty bad sunburn. I forgot to reapply sunscreen and drink lots of water when I was out in the ocean all day. I definitely got a bit dehydrated. But luckily I brought lots of aloe and hydration packets, so I am getting back to my normal self so that I can soak up every last second here. Today is a full computer work day, but how can I complain when this is my view!

I love my seashell notebook!

Since I don't have a lot of interesting things to write about my day today, I thought for this blog I could talk about the things I wish I knew before coming here and little things I've learned throughout my trip. This might be helpful for anyone who is thinking about going on this trip. First of all, I wish I brought a wet suit. I brought tons of long sleeve shirts but not anything to block my legs from the sun. My legs are frieddd! Secondly, a dry box for my computer. The humidity is so heavy here that Josh's computer quit working, and apparently this has happened a few more times before. Luckily my computer is doing okay but I have been making sure to put some rice bags in with my computer to absorb all the moisture out. Here’s a list of things I’ve found really helpful to bring—some of which you might not have thought of. HYDRATION PACKETS, snacks, LOTS of benadryl cream (bugs have been eating me alive no matter how much bug spray I use), waterproof bandaids and neosporin, WATER SHOES (there is fire coral EVERYWHERE), an extra snorkel (mine broke), a notebook and pens for data collection, a towel for after ocean use only, waterproof flashlights, and I think thats it! OH- and big trash bags/Duct tape for the boat ride to and from the island. If you don't want your bags absolutely soaked from the water, you need to put all your luggage in trash bags and duct tape it shut. Something else I learned was that I have major chocolate cravings here, especially since I've barely had any sugar since I have been here (which is a good thing) But, if you have the chance to stop somewhere in Roatan before heading to the island, make sure to stock up on Honduran chocolate, it is sooo delicious. 

Sunset from last night 

Some observations I made since being here: I don't know what is in the air and the food in the United states but even after a WEEK being here I noticed so many differences in my health. First of all, my acne completely cleared by the third day, second-my daily headaches went away! Usually I have to take ibuprofen to get rid of my headaches pretty frequently throughout the week but here I have had only one headache from some dehydration. Lastly, since I have no wifi in my room I have been going to bed so early and not scrolling on my phone for hours before bed so my sleep is so much better and that probably is a big contributor to my headaches as well. Honestly though, I just think that saltwater heals. Being fully in nature and getting vitamin D from the sun everyday is just so relaxing and peaceful. Nothing beats the sound of the birds and the waves hitting the sand. Going back to reality is going to be a hard transition but I am so excited to be back with my family.