WHAT a trip, after hearing these lecturers I have come to the
conclusion that I have learned more on this 2 week study than I
have, in a majority of my classes back in the states. After
taking this course I would like to think in some way or in somehow
I made a difference to this environment here in Bermuda.
In my first reflection I had discussed numerous points that I found
interesting to me on this trip. I first described it by saying that
I have never traveled anywhere without my family, and have grown
accustom to depending on my parents for my whole life and when I
went on this trip I was nervous because I didn’t know how I was
going to react to the vast changes that I am not use to or accustom
to. I was also wondering how I can live independently or more
freely. This experience and for much of us a vacation
(because of the nature and the relaxation, even though their no was
relaxation; which was awesome) has opened my eyes, to things that I
never knew I could do before; living my life without worries which
I never thought was possible. As well as experiencing new
adventures as well and astonishing experiences. By spending
time with men my own age, and with new experiences I can tell my
family and friends from experiences like I am about to reveal my
experiences through this reflection, as well as demonstrate the
vocabulary I have picked up through these great, intelligent, and
astonishing lecturers. Well let me start, from the very
beginning when I arrived in Bermuda, I realized firsthand how nice
the Bermudians were and how accommodating they were as well.
In my second reflection I had discussed other things and I at this
point I found myself being more comfortable and I enjoyed the
people that went on this trip especially the orphans which I will
explain.
Well I have noticed that I am getting use to Bermudian culture, and
I am enjoying it at the same time. We went snorkeling it was
amazing; at first for me it was very discomforting. But after
a few tries I eventually got use to it, it was marvelous.
Before we snorkeled, Dr. Wolfgang explained Marine Life in
Bermuda. He specifically mentioned marine plants. Like
the Red Foram, this was a bright red, single celled organism.
All the marine plants were very intriguing, but most of all they
were colorful, which looked astonishing. The next day I woke
up late, I was extremely annoyed and ashamed, especially when
everyone clapped when I got on the bus. Dr. Cantelmo was a
little annoyed and I don’t blame him I was and he should be as
well, it’s not acceptable.
Well on May 19th, we swam with orphans from a local
orphanage. It was great I met a local native named Mike
Parsons, 29; he was a nice guy, very intelligent. It was
great to meet a local counselor for these orphans who need, a
father figure, with no one being there for them in their
family. The kids enjoyed themselves and we also introduced
each other, and I got to say, the children seemed more intelligent
than some adults in America. It was extremely intriguing to
see what they wanted to be. For instance, one 12 year old
orphan wanted to be a veterinarian, which seems unusual for a child
of his age to say. But we had a great time playing catch with
a football they supplied. We also were able to see a sea
turtle around a local area; it was amazing especially when it’s
rare to see a sea turtle.
We then came back for a lecturer with kids, and listened to Mark
Outerbridge talk about Sea Turtles especially the rare ones.
This to me was extremely interesting considering I love turtles and
am very informed about them.
In my third reflection I had been accustom to the Bermudian
lifestyle. It felt comforting and great at the same
time.
On day 10, I started the day by running to the bus-stop barefooted,
to get my sandals from Ollie, except I didn’t realize how boiling
hot the concrete was. I ended up having blisters all over my
feet and I ended up getting treated by Dr. Cantelmo, Helen, Jackie,
and Doctor Ian Walker. Thanks to their efforts in treating me
it is and still is feeling better, which I am very much
appreciative. Well on Saturday we went to the Dockyard and
Bermuda Maritime Museum, which was amazing. The only
disappointment I have is that there were no cruise ships
docked. The Dockyard is the main port where cruise ships dock
and let off tourists. The one thing that irritates me is that
they destroyed pristine coral to make a channel so the cruise ships
can go by. The cruise ships barely make it through the narrow
channel and in some cases they run in ground and destroy precious
coral. This to me cannot be acceptable, especially
considering the fact that if cruise ships do run in ground and
destroy coral; they don’t get fined for it. Because Bermuda
lives and thrives off Tourism, and without Tourism, the country
would be in dire straits.
In conclusion, this trip is breathless; I love it that I had the
privilege to have Dr. Cantelmo as my professor. I felt
grateful and incomprehensible on how nice Dr. Walker was and how
accommodating he was to especially me, and most importantly to
EVERY single student in the class. At this point in writing I
found myself trying to find out what exactly I can say, because I
was so excited to be involved in this trip. I guess the word
to describe this trip is, BREATHLESS!!!!
P.S. thank you Dr. Cantelmo, faculty of Bermuda Aquarium, the
students, the Lecturers, and everyone involved who helped make this
trip the BEST EXPERIENCE of MY LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!