Our main leader, Angie, was very knowledgeable and informative about the island's wildlife and modern day issues. On our way down the path, we saw horses, dogs, cats, birds, crabs, geckos, King Kong, and even a George of the Jungle sighting. She brought us to the mangroves, an entire ecosystem filled with all kinds of animals, especially mosquitoes that had a taste for people who enjoy living free or dying...
Then we made our way up through the hills and got to a great place to take a photo. There was no sunshine, but thank God we had Mr. T because the back of his neck gave us the perfect lighting for the photo...
A small price to pay for such a gorgeous beach that immediately followed. And I know what most of you are thinking. And the answer is yes, we did find Patrick Star, best friend to Spongebob (whose house we found yesterday), in the water. He looked like this...
The bike ride was eventful, to say the least. Our group came back to La Finca, our home, and regrouped. Then shortly after, we were on our way to El Fortin Conde de Mirasol, the museum, to see our friend Bob (different than cartoon sponge). Bob had set up a panel for us consisting of adults from the island who were active in the development of it post naval occupation...
These great and powerful people gave us an important and more modern perspective on the issues in Vieques. To quote one, "The young generation needs to wake up, and stay awake." Raising awareness about the issues in Vieques caused by the U.S. Navy's occupation is the start of the new and improved paradise. Our mission with the bags is a small step in that direction, but certainly an important one. The panel lasted about an hour and then we went out for one last time. We visited some of the local shops owned by Vieques natives rather than ones owned by foreigners, which is a way of helping out the island's economy (something we learned from the panel). After all of the day's goals had been accomplished, one was left. However, this, the most important: to find Waldo. But the real one, not some fake like the ones in those books. Turns out he had been hiding at a little restaurant called the Belly Button in Vieques, Puerto Rico.
And little did any of us know, he was a master chef. He also told us to tell you that he enjoys being asked "How's Waldo?" every now and then...
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