Tag Archives: Emily S

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Day 2: The Climb

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Today was definitely the coolest day…so far. Seeing Caracol in person was like nothing I’ve ever experienced, even compared to exploring other ancient structures like the Colluseum. I think part of what made the experience so special was the absolute overwhelm of the rainforest. Driving for hours through pristine, preserved forests created a real build-up, as I could truly picture the Mayan worldview and landscape. Also, being the only group trouring Caracol today cast the whole trip in an almost ethereal light-as if we were the only ones who got to enter some other-worldly dimension. It was fascinating to hear about the Mayan religious practices, something that appears to transcend all time and borders. Hearing about the blood letting, sacrifices, and extreme sports they played (10 pound balls?!) made me wonder which practices or rituals I partake in that would make future civilizations raise an eyebrow.

Turning to the rainforest more broadly, it was cool to get a little taste of what the rest of our stay at LCRS will look like. Although I am a bit wary of flying insects, I really enjoyed the thrill of stepping into the unknown underbrush. There is so much more complexity to the rainforest than I could ever comprehend. From the epyphytes to the complex paradox of the rainforest soil, it feels like every single part of the landscape is just as, if not more alive than me. LCRS is truly situated in such a fascinating spot, and I am happy I get to spend nearly a week exploring here.

Still, I have not stumbled across any cockroaches. My presentation this evening went smoothly and I learned that the Giant Cockroach nyphs have a unique defense mechanism: secreting a sticky, stinky substance that repulses its predators. I am hoping to turn over a couple logs in the forest tomorrow and finally have my first spotting!

-Emily

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Houston –> Belize

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May 16th, 2025

Today was all about transitions: from city to canopy, airport rush to forest stillness. I woke up in Houston at 5:30 a.m., and by noon, I was in Belize, squinting into the sunlight and already sweating in a totally different ecosystem. It didn’t feel real until we stopped for lunch at a cheerful roadside spot called Cheery’s (fitting name), where I saw my first Belizean iguana and a surprisingly dramatic parade of ants. It felt like a gentle “hello” from the local wildlife. Subtle, but enough to remind me I’m definitely not in Texas anymore.

After lunch, we made our way to the ecolodge we’ll be staying at. It’s tucked into the forest in the most charming, quietly alive way, vines spilling over walkways, trees creaking in the wind, and birds calling constantly from above. Once we got settled, we hiked down to the river, where I finally felt that first moment of awe hit. The trail was muddy and steep, but the river view at the bottom was worth it. It’s one thing to read about tropical ecosystems, but another entirely to stand inside one.

Later, we had our first lecture on canopy life, and honestly? It was pretty fascinating. I didn’t know much about epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants) or lianas (those thick jungle vines you picture in every rainforest movie), but they’re foundational to how the whole upper forest works. I’m already rethinking how I look at trees.

So far, no cockroaches, which is both a relief and a minor letdown, since they’re my assigned taxon for the rainforest. I’m sure they’ll turn up soon enough (hopefully not in my bed). For now, I’m soaking in the calm before the real jungle immersion begins. Today felt like a soft launch: a little surreal, a little sleepy, and totally promising.

Emily S