The Wisdom of Sea Turtle Physiology and Costa Rican Culture by Carly Taft

What an amazing day, from start to finish. After our host family prepared us the traditional pinto (beans and rice) and scrambled eggs for breakfast, Dr. Melinda Dick gave a lecture about sea turtle physiology.  Surprisingly, although I’d never thought I understood physiology before, my “old” education was renewed by her lecture. It is amazing how much sea turtles have in common with the dogs and cats I typically see. It is even more amazing how differently they function. Their cardiovascular systems just “know” how to prepare and react for diving and stress. Their urinary systems are also quite cool and require a lot more research on my part!

After the lecture, we spent the day in “town,” shopping for souvenirs and soaking up some WIFI and sun. It was amazing to see the cultural differences. For example, the grocery store was only about 1/4 of the size of the one down my street.

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This evening, a local man came to our cabins to show our group how to make dreamcatchers. He brought all of the materials, such as shells and cool seeds he picked up on the shoreline. For sure, my dreamcatcher is my best souvenir other than my memories.