I have been silent on this blog for some
time now. Mostly I think because I have lost interest in what I do here. I’m
tired. Ready for whatever that next step may be. Let me do my best to catch you
up on what has happened in the world of Peace Corps over the past few months.
-
Peace Corps announced that they
will be closing down 5 countries and Cape Verde was on that list. We were
called one day and told that we needed to be at our consolidation point no
later than noon the next day. Rumors and speculation were running wild. I did
my best to calm down any first years calling me, and even jokingly said that
maybe were getting evacuated. So, after 24 years in Cape Verde, Peace Corps
will no longer be serving in this country. I have my serious issues with the decision
to leave, but I am happy they decided to wait until September so that we can
gradually phase out over 6 months or so, and so that I can complete my service
in full unlike our unfortunate first year volunteers. The first year volunteers
were given the option of completing their service here or continuing on to
other countries. Unfortunately, one of the countries that many first year
volunteers were going to serve in recently shut down due to a military coup. I
believe that most of them have been sorted out. I know you guys will be great.
-
I gave my first presentation to
tour operators on the island. I discussed the locations of the protected areas
boundaries and important wildlife that exists in the region. The presentation
went well overall, but was heckled at the end during the Q&A time of my
presentation by a guy whom I told I couldn’t help because he refused to do any
of the work for himself. He instead expected me to write his proposal, budget,
and find sponsors for an event that he couldn’t even explain (I know,
ridiculous). Needless to say, it was slightly demoralizing and has stunted my
enthusiasm for my job and life here.
-
The whales are back and I have
been assisting the Irish Whale and Dolphin group with research when the need
help.
-
Lizard research is also still
going very well. Specimen number 100 is currently still alive in my house. I
acquired an aquarium from Natura2000 to perform some controlled tests in my
house with a few lizards. Observing specimen number 100 has been enlightening.
Those are a few of the things that have
been going on in my life over the past few months. This blog has been much fun
for me, and many times has helped me keep track of what has happened to me
here. But, life moves on and we lose interest in things that once captivated
us. We get bored, restless, and need change to keep us going. I am at that
point and feel that I have been for some time now. I don’t regret any of my
time here or how I have chosen to live during my time here. It is however, an
island, and with oh so limited activities here, I must leave. This will most likely be my
last blog. Thank you to everyone who has followed along with me during this
adventure. Thank you to everyone who sent me packages… they were always
welcomed with great enthusiasm. This is obviously only an electronic goodbye; I
plan on seeing many of you back in the states and other parts of the world as
soon as possible. Peace and love.
