📍 Culebra, PR

It’s hard to believe that I’m halfway through my time in Puerto Rico. While I’m not where I’d like to be in terms of research, I want to keep in mind that a turnaround is possible. I wonder if the PIRE experience will end up panning out like a good book or movie: a slow start to establish the background and the characters, and then a snowball of action that keeps you on your toes till the end.

The Research

As I’ve mentioned, my understanding is that summer classes at the University of Puerto Rico are going to begin later this week. As such, campus should start showing signs of activity again—and as such, I have a plan. I would like to find a place on campus that sees lots of foot traffic, where I can set up a little station complete with a neon poster, a sign-up sheet, and even a bowl of candy. Picture this: “Participants wanted for a brain study! See the waves of your brain!” Add the study length and the payment, and I think I’ll see some legitimate interest. I’m excited about this recruitment method because it will ease some of the social anxiety I’ve been experiencing. If someone starts chatting with me, I’ll at least know that they’re somewhat intrigued. I won’t have to audition for people’s interest anymore.

The Rest

A little laughing gull

Last week boasted a girls trip to Culebra!

Puerto Rico has a mainland (i.e. where San Juan is), but some people don’t realize that it’s actually an archipelago, with several smaller surrounding islands. Vieques and Culebra are arguably the most popular of these; we visited the latter, and it was absolutely beautiful. At Flamenco Beach, the sand was a soft, clean, smooth beige, while the water was the most stunning aquamarine you might ever find. I was absolutely enchanted by that shore. I could hardly stop dreaming while we were there.

The day also included snorkeling, which I had never truly done before, and it was a delight to see what was hanging out beneath the surface: dozens of fish, three sea turtles, a starfish, a stingray, brain coral (fitting the research), and fire coral (named for the pain it gives upon contact, reminiscent of a second-degree burn). I would love to take another ferry to Culebra someday. If you have the means and desire to go, you must. It’s the most idyllic place I’ve ever seen.

Meeting the locals