Waking up this morning was extremely difficult. Because of our fun, I did not feel too great today. I believed I could simply eat something and the sick feeling would disappear. However, I headed for breakfast only to realize I could not bear to take a bite of anything. I rested until it was time to head out. The group loaded into taxis to take us to the beach. Once we arrived, we were given the option of laying on the beach or going for a hike; I chose the beach and laid out for about two hours.
Later on, a group of us decided to go for a boat ride. However, before doing so we were questioned and lectured about safety. Believing the boat to be safe and seeing that locals were riding, five of us, Ansley, Feeney, Sydney, Tamera, and I, made the decision to go. The speed and maneuvering of the boat was perfectly fine and the view was glorious. After five minutes of riding, the driver stopped for us to jump into the water. Without thinking, Feeney plopped right in. However, in doing so, he slipped and hit his shin. However, when he came up from the water, he was holding his head, and we realized he must have hit that too. Not thinking it was a big deal because he was swimming fine and coherent, the rest of us jumped in the water as well. Between the freshness of the water and the gorgeous horizon ahead, we were absorbed by the beauty. After swimming for about five minutes, we climbed back into the boat and proceeded back to shore.
Some of us rested while others swam as we awaited the arrival of the our group members that went hiking. Once they arrived, we were given an additional thirty minutes or so for the hikers to enjoy the beach. The teachers and guide were talking and I was suddenly aware that something was really wrong with Feeney. They knew he had hit his head and was acting funny but simply decided to watch him rather than take him to see a doctor.
As we packed our stuff, we took a five or ten minute walk up to Luba's place where we were to be given a cooking lesson on bread. The process was fascinating, and the bread was delicious. Part of the process included using a machete to cut coconuts to use as fire wood, which I was given the opportunity to help with. Although I did not do a very good job, I managed to break part of the coconut apart. Many of the students were involved in helping make a batch of the bread making it extremely special for us.
For me to participate in a boat ride, laying in the sun, and chopping a coconut with a machete, I was definitely feeling better. However, the queasiness returned the minute I received my lunch. I ordered fish and a full fish is what I received. Not able to bear the thought of looking at it, Stephanie traded me fish for chicken. I ate some, but was still barely able to keep my food down. Feeling like I was about to pass out from being so tired, I decided to take a twenty minute nap on the beach and in the shade. This made me feel a little better but when I awoke, I was informed that we would be taking a forty five minute tour around Manzanillo. This was because a hiccup had occurred in our day; Dr. Harris and Marcus decided to take Feeney to the hospital causing us to be without two of our leaders.
Our tour was given by a local named Andy. He took us around and let us smell multiple trees and foods and simply look around the land. After this, we sat in a shady area where we were given the opportunity to ask him questions about him and his culture. He told us he plays an instrument and likes to dance. He also informed us of the development of Manzanillo, which was extremely interesting. Knowing he had visited the states, we wondered what he thought of our country and its people. He had nothing but nice things to say and then told us why he was there. In 1991, an earthquake hit Manzanillo causing a cement wall to fall onto his leg. The injury was so bad it eventually led to amputation. After listening to his story, we had a lot to process on our way back to the hotel.
Immediately after arriving I jumped in the bed and slept for an hour and a half. I would have slept much longer had I not had to prepare for dinner. Still feeling pretty bad, I dressed extremely casually, jeans and a t-shirt. We ate dinner at a local Caribbean place, like usual, where I had fish along with rice and beans, like usual. Once again, I hardly ate anything. A group of people were planning to go out, but I knew better. Instead, I came back to the hotel and fell fast asleep.
Today I learned how important it is to be thankful for my health. I am blessed to be as healthy as I am and feeling sick all day was completely my fault. Seeing Feeney with a cuncussion (thankfully he is fine) and talking with a man missing a leg for twenty one years, I realized how much I take being in such good shape for granted. I complain about my legs hurting or how huge they are while some people, like Andy, do not have the luxury to even walk. From now on, this is something I will try my best to keep in mind and continue to work at staying in good health. :)
Later on, a group of us decided to go for a boat ride. However, before doing so we were questioned and lectured about safety. Believing the boat to be safe and seeing that locals were riding, five of us, Ansley, Feeney, Sydney, Tamera, and I, made the decision to go. The speed and maneuvering of the boat was perfectly fine and the view was glorious. After five minutes of riding, the driver stopped for us to jump into the water. Without thinking, Feeney plopped right in. However, in doing so, he slipped and hit his shin. However, when he came up from the water, he was holding his head, and we realized he must have hit that too. Not thinking it was a big deal because he was swimming fine and coherent, the rest of us jumped in the water as well. Between the freshness of the water and the gorgeous horizon ahead, we were absorbed by the beauty. After swimming for about five minutes, we climbed back into the boat and proceeded back to shore.
Some of us rested while others swam as we awaited the arrival of the our group members that went hiking. Once they arrived, we were given an additional thirty minutes or so for the hikers to enjoy the beach. The teachers and guide were talking and I was suddenly aware that something was really wrong with Feeney. They knew he had hit his head and was acting funny but simply decided to watch him rather than take him to see a doctor.
As we packed our stuff, we took a five or ten minute walk up to Luba's place where we were to be given a cooking lesson on bread. The process was fascinating, and the bread was delicious. Part of the process included using a machete to cut coconuts to use as fire wood, which I was given the opportunity to help with. Although I did not do a very good job, I managed to break part of the coconut apart. Many of the students were involved in helping make a batch of the bread making it extremely special for us.
For me to participate in a boat ride, laying in the sun, and chopping a coconut with a machete, I was definitely feeling better. However, the queasiness returned the minute I received my lunch. I ordered fish and a full fish is what I received. Not able to bear the thought of looking at it, Stephanie traded me fish for chicken. I ate some, but was still barely able to keep my food down. Feeling like I was about to pass out from being so tired, I decided to take a twenty minute nap on the beach and in the shade. This made me feel a little better but when I awoke, I was informed that we would be taking a forty five minute tour around Manzanillo. This was because a hiccup had occurred in our day; Dr. Harris and Marcus decided to take Feeney to the hospital causing us to be without two of our leaders.
Our tour was given by a local named Andy. He took us around and let us smell multiple trees and foods and simply look around the land. After this, we sat in a shady area where we were given the opportunity to ask him questions about him and his culture. He told us he plays an instrument and likes to dance. He also informed us of the development of Manzanillo, which was extremely interesting. Knowing he had visited the states, we wondered what he thought of our country and its people. He had nothing but nice things to say and then told us why he was there. In 1991, an earthquake hit Manzanillo causing a cement wall to fall onto his leg. The injury was so bad it eventually led to amputation. After listening to his story, we had a lot to process on our way back to the hotel.
Immediately after arriving I jumped in the bed and slept for an hour and a half. I would have slept much longer had I not had to prepare for dinner. Still feeling pretty bad, I dressed extremely casually, jeans and a t-shirt. We ate dinner at a local Caribbean place, like usual, where I had fish along with rice and beans, like usual. Once again, I hardly ate anything. A group of people were planning to go out, but I knew better. Instead, I came back to the hotel and fell fast asleep.
Today I learned how important it is to be thankful for my health. I am blessed to be as healthy as I am and feeling sick all day was completely my fault. Seeing Feeney with a cuncussion (thankfully he is fine) and talking with a man missing a leg for twenty one years, I realized how much I take being in such good shape for granted. I complain about my legs hurting or how huge they are while some people, like Andy, do not have the luxury to even walk. From now on, this is something I will try my best to keep in mind and continue to work at staying in good health. :)
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