Day 6: Snorkeling, Seaweed+Coral Education, Cayes

Julia Tao
After getting ready this morning, everyone walked to the little thatch area near the lagoon to put on sunscreen and wait for the boat. When the boat arrived, we all got on (it was a pretty large boat that was half covered in the front and uncovered in the back). It took 40 minutes to get to the snorkeling location, and there were a lot of choppy waves, but we saw a stingray, a turtle, and some nurse sharks. After snorkeling, we took the boat to Little Water Caye to see and learn about the seaweed growing and drying process. While we were there, I interviewed TJ and Orlando about the seaweed growing and planting methods. Afterwards, the boat took us to Laughing Bird Caye for lunch, which was grilled chicken, potatoes, salad, and orange juice. After lunch, some of the students skipped stones in the water. We then took the boat to Coral Caye, and there was a lot of sea spray on the way there. When we got there, we listened to Ms. Mariko talk about coral planting methods, rested on hammocks, and watched Orlando fish. Then, we took the boat back to Placencia (and there was a lot of sea spray again). Immediately when we got back, we went on the bus to La Dolce Vita for dinner. After getting back to Sunset Pointe, I went swimming with my cousins (Sierra and Aria) and then watched fishing for a little while (Dean caught something that looked like a toadfish). We then took the rowboat back to the other side and went to bed.

Jacqueline Duong
After several long days of hard work, we were finally done with the clinic! But our learning wasn’t over, as we went to learn about the environment and marine biology of Belize. I enjoyed the speed boat ride, because it was definitely more of a relaxing yet thrilling experience compared to what happened earlier in the week. I didn’t go into the water too much, but I have no regrets. 
Overall, to summarize this trip, one thing I would change is my fear of dogs. In Belize there are dogs everywhere, and I am actually so afraid of dogs. It’s pretty sad when people ask me if I’m allergic, and I just say I’m afraid. And then people ask me if I got bitten, and I’m just like no...I got chased…? So long story short, everywhere there was a dog, I was not there. I was almost 100 percent successful with staying away from dogs, except right before we left Coral Caye, I was avoiding the dog but it kept chasing me and then everyone was like “just stop and she won’t follow you,” so I stopped, closed my eyes, and thank God - I did not get bitten.