Hello friends and family! I’m currently writing from the dorm at the Gerace Research Center. After a long day of traveling, we’re finally getting the chance to settle down and reflect on our day.
We started out this morning at the beautiful Orange Hill Inn on Nassau island. After a breakfast of french toast and pancakes, I walked down the beach and across the street to the nearby cave. Inside the cave, I was able to climb up on a rock and shine my flashlight at the ceiling to see clusters of bats sleeping overhead. A tour guide explained that locals utilize the cave for protection during hurricanes (although I’m not sure I believe that).
After getting back to the hotel, packing up, and checking out, we all loaded up on a purple van that shuttled us to the airport. We soon discovered that the airport operated on “island time” while waiting for our delayed flight. Once we were finally able to board (and shove all of our luggage into the small overhead compartments), we took off for the short flight to our final destination, San Salvador Island.
After a surprisingly smooth landing, we quickly caught wind that several of our checked bags were not actually on the plane. I crossed my fingers but was quickly met with disappointment along with 4 other members of our group when my suitcase did not appear with the others. With reassurances that my bag would be coming over tomorrow, I hopped in the van to ride to the research center. The cars here all have steering wheels on the left side of the car but they drive on the left side of the road, which feels wrong. Despite the strange rules of the road, we all made it to the Gerace Research Center in one piece.
We had dinner and dessert (delicious pineapple upside-down cake) and then headed to orientation. I learned that there are poisonous plants and venomous lionfish around the island (don’t worry mom I won’t touch them). We were also informed that those of us who didn’t get our checked bags today will have them around 4:00 pm tomorrow and that we would be provided with sheets and towels for the time being.
Next, we separated from the rest of the group to discuss our plans for tomorrow. After breakfast at 7:30 am, we’ll head out for our first full day on the island to hike and snorkel. I’m super excited and I’m sure you’ll get to hear all about it and see some cool pictures once we get back to the dorms tomorrow evening.
That’s all for now; sending much love to my mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, Jessa, and Justin!
This post contributed by Addie F.
Comments