Media Centre for Volunteer in Ghana

Kaylee Byers

I suppose that the best way for me to begin telling you about my experience here in Brazil is to begin with telling you that I was just sitting out on the porch of our floating house reading a book, listening to the toucans and occasionally glancing towards the towering trees which hang over the river in a manner which is more protective than menacing. Now that you have somewhat of a picture I can tell you that there is no event in my life that has ever compared to my stay here. A typical day includes waking up to the sound of howler monkeys and having a breakfast of exotic fruit followed by sitting out in the boat-observing dolphins for the morning. A common question is: “Will I see any dolphins while I am there?” I think a better question might be: “How many hundreds of dolphins will I see?” You will spend time getting to know the Botos (dolphins) intimately as well as the surrounding people who are uncommonly friendly and genuinely wish for you to enjoy your stay. The research team is just as amiable and the friendships that you have the opportunity to make will last much longer than the brief time you will spend in Brazil.

Even if for some reason you are not interested in meeting new people, seeing new birds and animals, enjoying the most spectacular scenery imaginable or making memories that will last a lifetime, there is the research experience that will undoubtedly broaden your mind and hone your skills giving you an accurate idea of the possibilities available to the inquiring mind.

However, whether you want the experience is your decision or not, I for one am going to go sit in my hammock and enjoy the rest of my evening siesta.