Wash your water bottle!

This week we were prompted to reflect on and research water sources, filtration, and distribution in our host cities. Naturally, this blog post reminded me I have not had any water all day which prompted me to find my water bottle (realize I need to wash said water bottle), refill it, and then drink it. […]

2: Frog and Toad Go to Oxford

When walking around the Worcester campus at night, I’ve learned to watch my step. Especially after it rains, the paths are scattered with tiny toads hopping from one hedge to the other. I haven’t seen any at my sit spot during the daytime, and I don’t hear many frogs calling in the evenings either, but […]

Post #2: Are you ready for the cold?

Hej again folks! This week I spent some time observing these branches outside: As you can see some of the leaves are still super green and some are totally yellow. The branch is lined with fuzz and some of the leaves are no longer whole. It’s likely obvious that this change is happening as leaves […]

Week 3: Water and Energy!

Yia sas from Cyprus! Water is very important here in Cyprus. We’re surrounded by the sea, people come from all over the world to spend time in the crystal clear water, and the Greek goddess Aphrodite was said to be born from the coast of the Cypriot city of Paphos. Something I’ve noticed, however, is […]

Ghost Rivers

Today I went on a tour of the Spanish countryside. It was sweltering. And we walked and walked and walked without stopping for a long time. But I was surprised to find that the heat didn’t bother me so much. Not when we were surrounded by olive trees and growing things all around us. Even […]

Hope and the Heat

All our plants are dying. Okay, that’s a little dramatic, it would be more accurate to say that they are not looking so good. My host mom gives them water, but the days are hotter than they should be in the fall. On my way to class last week I looked at the temperature and […]

Week Three: Electricity Conscious Spain

Cordoba’s soul is an intricate tapestry woven with the threads of Moorish, Spanish, and Jewish heritage. The city breathes history and traditions, offering a unique glimpse into a world that has evolved over centuries. One notable aspect of life in Cordoba is the scarcity and expense of energy. Electricity costs can be quite high, prompting […]

Week 2: The North of Spain

From the moment we arrived in the charming coastal towns in Northern Spain, the feel of the ocean was omnipresent – ​​a constant companion during our journey. The crisp, salty air invigorated our spirits as we strolled along pristine beaches and indulged in fresh seafood delicacies. But perhaps the pinnacle of our adventure was the […]

I still haven’t figured out Celsius

Hi again everyone! The past two weeks have been packed with hikes, mountain scrambles, and horse treks. Last weekend I drove out to Son Kul Lake, which is located at about 11,000 ft above sea level, and woke up to about 6 inches of snow. Having left sunny Bishkek at 80 degrees that morning the […]