The past couple days have been amazing as I have begun interviewing various individuals over health remedies and their perspectives on illness.  I have had the opportunity to learn much about the culture and tradition of the land.  In interviewing individuals I have journeyed to interview individuals who live deep within the forest. Backpacking through the rainforest is actually not all that bad.  It provides great exercise and there is so much beauty to see! Each and everyday that I am conduct my interviews I stand mesmerized by the nature that surrounds me. The trees and birds are just breathtaking.  At times when I interview individuals at the base of a mountain, I always hear how higher up the mountains quetzals soar and jaguars roam.

Just today I saw a hummingbird that was sipping nectar from a bouquet of flowers near the stream. It flitted past me rapidly and returned to the flower again.  The bird was so small it could have fit in the palm of my hand! Its feathers were a vibrant red and orange.  Additionally, the trees and plants are a lush green and there are fruit plants all around. I have seen banana trees, mango trees, lemons, limes and orange trees.  One merely has to pick the fruit off the tree and voila a snack! The only downside is that there are so many mosquitoes! These pesky little insects will be my downfall.

At night one can hear the sounds of the rainforest and the nocturnal mammals.  Last night, I was studying and all of the sudden a little black animal flitted in through the open window.  At first I thought it was a bird, but the animal was flying in an awkward manner that after close inspection I realized it was not a bird but a bat! Luckily, after I opened the window wider, it managed to fly out into the dark.  And so, as I sit here reflecting on my day, I am anxious for morning to come and a new day to begin!