Day 9: Island Fevers

    Today, the island fever hit -- well more like "fevers". If you've never heard of island fever, it's the anxious, almost sickly feeling that people get when they move away from the mainland to an isolated island. For us University of Oregonians, this is definitely much more isolated than Eugene or even Coos Bay. Unfortunately, this mental plague came with physical symptoms too. Along with the shared feeling of homesickness amongst us, a few of us have been feeling pretty under the weather today. We are so lucky to have our chef Desuze who kindly made some soup to help make them feel better. That kindness was today's motif.

Jackson working hard ✎ᝰ.ᐟ⋆⑅˚

    This morning started with project time. Most of us are onto analyzing our data, but some of us still needed to do some data collection in the field. Since some of us weren't feeling so well, the rest of us were quick to help each other out -- applying aloe to another's sunburns, joining another team to let the sick partner rest, and gently checking-in on everyone's wellbeing. Later on in the day, a few of us even took off on the boat to help out Lainie and Alex with their ophiuroid project at Hospital Point.

Laine before heading out to Hospital Point 𓇼.ೃ࿔*:･

    We all reunited for dinner with another amazing meal, special soups, and sweet desserts from Desuze and Omar. This is where Hannah J., Jack, Bennett, and I made the plan to head into Bocas Town to get some medication and electrolyte drinks for our sick friends. We made our way out shortly after, though Bennett had to stay behind after stubbing his toe (photo not included). We struggled to hail a cab there and back due to La Feria del Mar being in full swing. Although we were tired and sweaty at first, I'd say the adventure was worth it. It allowed us to slow down; chatting and joking the whole way and getting to experience the liveliness of the fair. We returned with a bonus too -- pizzas for all of us in the lab to share. The night ended with Disney movies, sports streaming, and brighter spirits than we started the day with.

Live picture of La Feria del Mar ✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡˚

    Traveling can be tough, especially with hot and humid conditions, a language barrier, and the general feeling of isolation. Though at the Smithsonian with the OIMB-crew, I don't feel so alone. We're all here to help each other and make sure we all have fun. We may not have come to this trip as close friends, some of us may not have even considered each other as friends at all. I can confidently say that's not the case anymore. I know that people have my back; I feel safe, heard, and valued by all of my friends here, new and old.

ᯓᡣ𐭩 Maya Selesnick