Oopps... I'm in Turks & Caicos!: South Caicos Livin'

We are mid way into our second week here and already we have done so much. Inside of the classroom, we have learned about roughly 130 different species of algae, coral, fish, and other various marine life. On top of that we have gone out to the field, at several different snorkel sites, to try and ID all of them, while up close and personal. We have learned about the history of the island through hikes to the old salt flats where salt was once gathered to be exported, as well as some local landmarks involved in everything from the Queen of England's arrival to the old drug cartel. We have learned about the importance of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and have begun looking at what it takes to set one up and their overall effectiveness. This has sparked us to participate in mock enforcement efforts of an MPA as well as looking at the actual value of an MPA against the potential value of a hotel in it's place.

Between classes, we can be found in the pool or catching up on some sleep in the hammocks, even if it's only for 20 minutes or so.

Outside of the classroom, we have begun to explore the entire island. Life here is very different from the states. On morning runs, we don't have to worry about avoiding traffic. Instead we try to make our way around the herds of wild horses and donkeys that roam the island. We have visited local beaches and even camped there for a night. I can honestly say I don't think I have ever seen that many stars. One day we hiked to the to of highpoint and explored the abandoned plantation house along with the surrounding cliffs. We have gotten to know a handful of towns people from nights out at Chicken Bar and Darrelle's, to our frequent ice cream runs at the Haitian Store. This island has so much more to explore and I only hope that we can try and fit it all in before our time here runs out.