Day 5 - APRODEC Day #2 and Petroglyphs

 Today we returned to APRODEC, and met with a biologist named Jorge, who works for CIROM (Centro de Investigación de Organismos Marinos). We learned all about coral development, sea urchins, crabs, reef restoration, and CIROM's efforts to grow the coral population. We got to walk around the coral/urchin/mangrove nursery and see all the tanks and organisms. One cool thing about their set up was that it almost perfectly matches the environment the corals will be in when they are released. There are shades that let the same amount of light through as there would be 20ft under water, and water chillers mimic the temperature. The entire area can also be packed up and transferred if need be in case of a storm. We are looking forward to seeing what we learned from this experience in action Saturday when we go snorkeling in Icacos! 


After a delicious homemade meal from Ingrid at APRODEC, we had a brief Taino language primer and got to leave paint handprints on the wall of the building at APRODEC. This ceremony symbolized how even when we leave this beautiful place, a part of us will stay as part of the organization's mission and efforts. Then, we walked in waist-deep water across a cove, past red mangroves and through treacherous marshes, to reach the site of a centuries-old petroglyph, featuring two smiling figures.


 The vice president of APRODEC, Don Justino, led us in a few Taino ceremonies to help ground us in our own environment. We were moved by these efforts to connect to ourselves and our past, both at the petroglyphs and back at the fire pit at APRODEC. 



To perfectly contrast this beautiful spiritual moment, we then visited the local Walmart to stock up for the next place we will be staying at. To say farewell to Luquillo, the town we've called home for the past several days, we went out to dinner at a few various restaurants, and ended the day with a reflection activity back at Casa Coral. Another incredible day in the books!


-Aviv



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