Field work or The End

So a proper trip deserves a proper end.

I got home two days ago and since then have been too exhausted to write. My body is in Florida but my sleep clock is in Moorea.

Although I traveled to Europe for the same amount of time last summer, I am feeling reverse culture shock much more acutely now. In Moorea there weren't many places to shop, many people, much media entertainment, and since being back in America I am inundated. I go to the mall and just wander around in dumbstruck awe. Bandaids can cost up to $10 a box in Moorea, and I wander into CVS and spend $2 on a box. So many different food options here, Chinese, Italian, Greek, Mexican, Indian. I speak to salespeople and am amazed that they understand perfectly what I'm saying. It is surreal.

More so than Europe too, I am much sadder for leaving. I think this is because there is such a community in Moorea. It is a small island, and the scientific researchers are well known on it. The people at the pizza shop knew my name, people waved as I biked past, there was an aquaintance working everywhere we went. And at the research stations, since they are so small with the same group of people at them for week after week, I got to know all the people there really well and they all became close friends. There is also a sense of belonging that comes with being in one place for as long as I was. And even though I hated it sometimes, people always really looked out for me and took care of me.

There are so many people I would thank for making my experience a great one, but this is not an acceptance speech and I have not won any awards. Those who have made a difference to me know who they are. And to everyone out there in cyberspace who have been keeping up with me once more...thanks again, and the next time there's a big adventure, you'll know where to find me.

Love,
Em