I Need to Eat More Soup at Home!

July 23, 2014
By Marjai K

Weather:  sunny, blue skies, slight breeze, es perfecto, then some rain for like 10 minutes, then normal
AM activity:  planning our schedule and working on copper
PM activity:  Day 1 of work with sand to cover the volleyball court

Breakfast:  french toast, tang (jupi)
A little awkward for me and Youngin because we sat with the Columbian students and they didn't talk to us much, but I got to hear Spanish, so there are benefits

AM:  We had to wait around to find out our station service job because Diego (new station manager) didn't feel well.  After a couple of hours, we got an agenda for the rest of the week.  Now we are following it and are working on our copper.  There are, unfortunately, more people than tools, so I have to wait.  Leonard is playing the music, 90's pop hits (which I love, it's my saving grace).  I eventually take a nap.

Lunch:  (less awkward) that amazing potato thing (llapingacho), beets :-(, eggs, pork :-), and soup as always (which I love).  [I need to eat more soup at home!]

(Lunch at the station begins with a delicious bowl of traditional Ecuadorian soup.  This soup was one of our favorites!  A potato based soup that you top with popcorn!)

PM:  After some free time and my meeting with Kevin, we take a boat to get sand to put on the volleyball/futbol court.  There were probably too many people to bag the sand, but a good number to move the bags.  Then we laid out the dirt (well, more everyone else, I just looked around awkwardly) and fixed the holes.  Afterwards, of course, we had to try it out, so people did and it was really fun to watch people play some good "futbol."

Later, 12 of us went to the tower to watch the sun set.  It was nice to just be there and talk, even if  we didn't see it set so much.

Birds in the Jungle

Today Was Pretty Top Tang

July 22, 2014
By John D

There are two kinds of Tang in this world:  Top Tang and Bottom Tang.  Top Tang is on point, refreshing, and everything you could want in a beverage.  Bottom Tang is just too much of the powdery stuff and makes your teeth feel weird.  And if you ask Kelsey D., she'd tell you that dental hygiene is one way to keep your sanity in this jungle.

6:20am - woke up - bottom tang
6:30am - ate eggs - top tang
6:45am - went back to bed - fresh, untouched, top tang
9:30am - rewoke up - bottom tang
10-11am - went over journal stuff, Kevin did a very good job leading Meijer's hiking group in discussion.  Precious was looking pretty top tang, but what else is new.
11am-12pm - Tanned by the boats, pretty top tang.  You know tanning is just one of the things you do for the ladies back in A2.  Tanning by the boats is probably my favorite part of this abroad experience.  Sitting in the sun, fishing, hearing Olvideo laugh, shooting the *sh** with our group - nothing tops that.
Unfortunately, the sun wasn't out and Olvideo wasn't there - bottom tang.
But we saw some squirrel monkeys by the boats - top tang.

1-2:40pm - helped Tomas with the baby turtles - total top tang.Did the turtles smell? Yes.  Did my hands get dirty? Yes.  Did that troop of squirrel monkeys swing by to check out the turtles? Yes.  Did I demand that someone take a photoshoot of me and a turtle?  Oh you know it.  Did Precious look top tang?  Yes.






Did Tomas disappear mid-job and leave us with 512 tortugas looking clueless?  Yes.

All that being said,  by far one of the coolest experiences of the trip

2:40-5pm - Went on Harpia hike with Lenny, Emily, Mackenzie, and Elana - the kind of tang you have to swish around in your mouth to determine which kind of tang it is.  Tough, sweaty work, but we saw some wooly monkeys up close, which was pretty legit.  We lost the trail twice, but survived.  And we were really rushing at the end to make that 5pm meeting.
6:50pm - early served dinner of tacos with those tortillas that you want to cover yourself with and fall asleep in (potentially cleaner than our bedsheets, too?) - top tang.

Living in Nature's Biggest City

July 21, 2014
Elana H

The pace of nature here at Tiputini is reversed.  At home in our fast paced society, we are the ones moving quickly.  The grass on the diag and the trees by the union change slowly to our eye as we rush by them to get to a class or a meeting.  Here we are the slow movers and it feels as though I'm living in nature's biggest city.  The leaves change as if their color has gone out of style.  The river flows constantly like the hoards of people on the streets of New York City.  The animals and insects move as if they're window shopping in a vast and diverse mall.

Today, we got a chance to slow ourselves down even further and sit alone for 30 minutes in our own spot in the rainforest.  Jeff later commented, "there was nowhere else to be in that moment but there."  We are not used to being the slow movers.  Sitting idly by in nature's city gives way to an initial feeling of discomfort as we try to rack our brains for things we should be doing with that time.  However, once we realize what Jeff was describing, a sole obligation to be present then and there, that's when the magic of this trip is felt.  Today I felt it as I watched a spider spin it's web, cheering it on instead of tearing it down.  I felt it as the ants came searching around my seat, following where they decided to move instead of flicking them out of my space.  And I felt the magic when I observed a branch of leaf come tumbling down from the canopy, sitting in awe of gravity instead of flinching in fear.

At times we think we are bored here as our slow moving lives would lead us to believe in our settings at home.  As we enter into our second week, it's easy to believe that we have surpassed the excitement and fallen into a familiar routine in a now familiar setting.  But this is what I love about the group of people I was so randomly thrown together with for 4 weeks of my life:  we can make anything interesting.

Tonight, combining our pieces of Spanish skills, we probed Tomas, a kitchen worker, about his life growing up with a Waorani tribe, first-hand information we can't get anywhere else but here.

People suggest activities, like going to see the 512 tortugas (thanks, Mackenzie) or lifting the 140 pound weight (thanks, Harry) or hosting a talent show (thanks Precious).  We may be slow moving, but we refused to be bored.  This is a time to think to our deepest, observe to the widest, and laugh to our fullest.  It's healing, it's fulfilling, and there is no better group to be experiencing this adventure with.

Treasured Memories

July 20, 2014

By Mackenzie S.

To actually be living in a rainforest is an opportunity that is not only rare, but bizarre.  The humidity, the rain, the mud - it makes Michigan weather look like sunny Miami.  Nonetheless, it's not what has been different in the environment, but what I have experienced socially that has created treasured memories.  

Although living in Tiputini has been difficult, spending time with the workers and the staff -- I have had experiences that I will never forget.  

The epic soccer match that created more than its fair share of injuries was an event that I genuinely always remember.  We were covered in mud, oscillating between Spanglish, and screaming, and laughing so so much.  Afterwards, diving straight into the river, was a moment in which one actually feels lucky, and not just a moment in which you say it.  The presence we all have with our interactions is amazing, and you can tell when almost every night at dinner, tears are rolling down our cheeks.  

Although I am very thankful for the opportunity to experience conservation in the Amazon, I am more grateful for the people I have met and the experiences I have shared with them.  When you have these experiences on a personal level, and when you are incredibly present, it leads to moments of incredible happiness.  For me, this has been the greatest gift.  

There has certainly been our share of thorns, but they, conversely, have often been hilarious -- John's backward somesault into the stream, for instance, will be a moment secured into my mind.  But our roses, have far outweighed our thorns and I am reminded of this when Romero gave me a type of liquid from the forest that cures cuts, or when two scarlet macaws flew by the tower, or by the casually strolling giant armadillo, Meijer's bracelets, the sexy lip bite, "hey what's up?" the sting ray Tomas caught, fishing with Olvideo, or by a nice, mischevious game of "what are the odds?"

(sketch of a scarlet macaw)

Swimming in the Amazon with Pirahanas

Leo A

July 19, 2014

It was the second day of Guide-less hiking/bird logging today.  Our group, comprising of myself, Marjai, Maddie, Jeff, and Denise K. went on the Lago-Danta-Guacamayo trail. We had much better luck this time as we came across about 10 monkeys over two separate occasions.  We later decided to join the group that was bird logging at Torre 1 -- just to say hi and see what was instore for us tomorrow when it's our turn. 

Upon our return to the station, I among others, took a solid 45 minute nap.  It was sublime.  It's so strange that despite having 8-9 hours of sleep each night, I still feel somewhat exhausted during the day.  Perhaps because I have totally ceased my intake of coffee, or that I'm still adjusting to this relatively more active lifestyle.  

Most significant event today, Youngin walks into the library and tells us that she broke her sink before she breaks into a chuckle.  

We took a boat downthe Tiputini River at 3pm.  I was excited for the boat ride, especially on perfect day like today: we had clear blue skies.  It was perfect for swimming, and that we did.  Most of us went for it despite the countless worries we had.  What are in those waters beyond that brown cover?  What if something bites me?  Or worse, parasites that feed on me from the inside.  Whichever, I (we) did it and we lived to tell the tale that we swam in Amazon among the Pirahnas, stingrays, and caimans and who knows what else. 

Dinner time was something different today.  The lasagna was beside the point, but the rain made it possible for deeper conversations among us.  It is usually the case where we get up andleave not too long after we are done with our meals.  This time, we had a nice chat about our academic interests, jobs, and post-college plans.  Jeff, for example, had lots to share about his job at the mice-testing research lab; Younjin and her plans for grad school and becomming a veterinarian back in Korea; John with his job at z Zoo and possibly a real-estate firm in Texas, and so on. I can't express how delighted I am with such a diverse group of students.  

It's almost time for bed now.  It's also laundry-day tomorrow.  Couldn't be any more pleased.

Cuidado Por Favor

By Emily L

July 18, 2014

Today was the first day of hiking with guides. Denise K and Kevin led groups, while a guide led a third group to the tower for logging birds. It's incredible, the difference between hikes with and without our guides. Their ability to spot organisms from afar  and pick up on sounds, while the rest of us clunk around, astounds me. We barely saw any animal life by ourselves, but we made up for it by taking more time to admire plants and our surroundings.

I saw Jose, the guide I've had every day, before our hike alone. He is such a kind and caring man, and his communication goes beyond words. He kissed my cheek, hugged me, and said "quidado por favor."

The song of the day or week is apparently "Drunk In Love" by Beyoncé. I think Maddie has played the song at least five times on her iPod, and Precious rocked it out every time. Everyone seems to like the "surfboard" line.

We began our copper work today, and the talent and creativity coming from our members is awesome. Yunjin drew a woodpecker with a leaf background in 15 minutes flat.  Their talent is wonderful, but makes me a little frustrated because I can't even begin to translate my idea onto paper.  I'm grateful for those who have offered me help, or extended consideration and acceptance to me in general.  I was worried about making great relationships in our group, but there's no judging here, and the openess and comradory here is one of the best parts.

(Above: students begin to sketch images they will transfer to copper with embossing tools.)

First hike without a guide

By Youngin K

July 17, 2014

We changed our group for the first time today.  I was in Jose's group, but I transferred to Mayer's group to have an opportunity to interact with other members of our GIEU Ecuador group.  I learned that the same trailed looked and felt different depending on guides.  Event though I went to the trail "Chorongo" with Jose, "Chorongo" that I went on with Mayer felt different.  Mayer often went off trail  by cutting trees.

We saw a colorful spider that was pink in color and had white spots on it's back.  We also saw a bat hiding inside of a big green leaf.  It was a great morning activitiy.  Mayer gave us presents!  It was a warm and sweet surprise.  The present was a bracelet that was woven from palm fiber with hard red and blue berries.  He told us that it's a good luck charm and to remember him whenever we wear them.  The bracelets made our morning activity even better!

(sketch of bracelet that Meijer gave to his group)
After eating delicious soup and steak, we want to play on the lago trail. Some played soccer and it was an intense game. At 4 PM, we met and I like to hear the print presentation about turtles. The fact that surprised me the most was that turtle eggs that grow over 32°C are female and turtle eggs that grow under 32°C are male.  We also went to see baby turtles. We saw parts of their heads, but we were unable to see the full body of the turtles. It was interesting to hear about the turtles during the presentation. If I get an opportunity, I would like to do research on TBS. TBS is full of amazing experiences. 

Changing the World

July 16, 2014

By Maddie H

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to see Bill Nye give a speech at a hands-on museum in Ann Arbor.  What I remember most about his speech was his message that something that could change the world around us is probably right in front of our eyes.  I keep thinking about this while at TBS because the researchers here are studying amazing things that could lead to huge breakthroughs.   I have a lot of respect for the workers and researchers that spend so much time in these secluded conditions. 

(Above: primatologists and field assistants at TBS)

Yesterday,  I was telling Precious that I had enough butt sweat to quench the thirst of an entire country,  so to say that I'm a little uncomfortable is an understatement.  However,  as each day passes,  I find myself becoming more acclimated to the humidity and rain.  My sleep schedule is a little off,  though.  I screamed in my sleep last night and woke everyone in the cabin up because I had a nightmare that the cabin ceiling turned into a massive cobweb and fell on all of us.  This morning,  my group left at 6am to go to the tower and watch birds. As soon as we got there,  I promptly fell asleep on the floor of the tower platform (45 meters high) for about an hour and a half.  However,  if I was awake,  I imagine I would have seen a good amount of parrots and beautiful birds,  whose names I also would have forgotten. 

The afternoon adventure was a hike on the "lago" trail to the lake.  We took the boat ride,  despite the pouring rain and the boat was pretty unstable.  Our guide,  Jose, said there were fish 4-5 meters long and that was the only fact I needed to hear before I thought about putting on 2 life jackets. Overall,  I'm having a great time (even though I am out of my comfort zone) and I think I will grow from this trip.

(returning from a jungle night hike and discovering an enormous toad under one of the researcher's cabins)

Maddie H. 

First Day At Tiputini

July 15, 2014

By Jeff H

Today marks our first full day at Tiputini. As a host of alarms go off at 6am, we begin the day with a French toast breakfast and a listening meditation.  It is easier to remark at the peacefulness and stillness of the rainforest when in complete silence- no cars, traffic, city noises- only the gentle hum of insects, birds, and notably, the buzz of a hummingbird's wings.  Our first hike of the trip commenced on "chorongo" with Romero as our guide.  This first time on the trail really put the remoteness, and uniqueness of this place into perspective.

We saw incredible plants, many of which can serve as a remedy to a whole host of ailments, others that can paralyze you, and perhaps our favorite, one that turns your mouth blue when chewed.  Romero also made a point to show us a plant that contained many ants in its stem.  

The ants secrete an acid that protects the tree, and the tree gives the ants a home. This acid gives the ants a distinct lemony taste,  everyone tried them and went back for seconds.  

Perhaps the most incredible part of today was our experience above the canopy.  Forty-two meters above ground,  we climbed a staircase that resembled scaffolding ,  eventually arriving at a platform on an old growth tree.  The scene was spectacular -- nothing blue skies and rainforest for miles around.  In addition to spider monkeys, woolly monkeys,  and howler monkeys,  we saw a whole host of birds such as toucans and parrots.  The top of the canopy was full of life and activity and this only became more apparent as the sun began to set over the horizon.  Not too far from the canopy overlook was an impressive work of nature,  in that a system of vines had completely suffocated a large tree.  Over time,  the tree decayed and disappeared, leaving only a spiral of vines.  By stepping into the hole where the tree once was,  you could look straight up into a beautiful entanglement of something that resembled the outside of a tree.  

To wrap up the day,  we viewed a presentation on tiputini's camera trap program.  This presentation highlighted many of the rare -- and often unseen-- animals that live throughout the rainforest.  With a bit of luck ,  one can only hope that we are fortunate enough to see these animals in the field,

-Jeff h.