First day of
freedom.  We’ve been in “tropical
paradise” for a few days now and enjoying the beautiful flora and fauna in the
water, but today was the first day of stress-free life – although maybe the
last because the work has started again already.

Dunn’s
Rivers Falls was awesome – I’ve never done a waterfall climb that was actually
in the water the whole way though.  It
was nerve-wracking at times with the algae and the gushing water and the
dangerous hand-holding tourists – funny how we don’t call ourselves tourists,
although we totally are.  The climb was
fun and refreshing.  It was the first time
this trip that I wasn’t crying while being bombarded by cold freshwater.

Top of the falls.

Ocho Rios –
local food, straw market, and chaotic streets. 
All good fun.

We had
chicken and rice – Jamaican style.

This place had the most delicious smoothies in the world.

Jamaica has
so far been a surprise.  It’s my first
real interaction with a large group of people all interested in marine biology
and the first time I’ve been told to touch everything in the water.  I’ve been taking full advantage of that,
poking a balloon fish to make it puff up, playing with anemones, and
(carefully) using things to get away from the ridiculously menacing Diadema.

The best
game yet: telling stories Brad-style.

Even when
Jamaica is not at its best, it’s in full glory. 
Reef damage, scared fish, rainy days, cold showers, and college’s
version of sleep-away still make for the best week.  Crossed fingers for the little time left
before the drudgery of spring semester and huge boring lectures [Ed: except for Prof. Peterson and Warren's courses] come.

– Sarah S.