Day 6 and 7

Super abbreviated post this weekend.
On the 6th we had sort of a “free day”. The only responsibility I had was to pack for the flight today and relax. Now I should have spent this time elbow deep in academic papers, and to my credit I was probably wrist deep, I printed out multiple papers that looked interesting considering my coral identification needs for pt 1 of my research question and read through one of them between meals and relaxation.
Today I awoke at the crack of 5am to start a bit of the hurry-up-and-wait disease that is air travel. After a bit of backscatter I received a truncated freedom touch because of the belt attached to my pants (no metal parts so I had left it on; apparently a touch worthy event). This flight was pleasant considering the nature of being 6’3″ and in coach. I did earn a little good karma by switching with a wife so she could sit next to her husband, time will tell what that karma will net me (a good hair day with my luck).
After landing the other men and I settled into our large tent like structure, there is a real name for it but I do not know it. After unpacking and starting some laundry I went on a hike with the other undergrads to get a little feel for this pacific island.
I have to say, this is a beautiful place.
Tomorrow is a day of introductions and tours, I am a little excited to get started.