July 2nd Day 12

Again today we set out to collect and process tiles. We were actually so efficient in our work that I was done with my duties before lunch and started to make cages. When I was about done making cages, the two interns were in the water practicing for the underwater breath hold swim which they thought was impossible. Katrina made it before I jumped in. I finished my last cage and did the breath hold swim, long swim test, and snorkeling swim. I got 3 tasks I need to complete for the dive master certification done today which felt good to get out of the way. After that I spent some time before it got dark taking some dusk pictures. They turned out really well especially the long exposures on the road that runs through the station. I got some cool light trails across the pictures I took. I then had dinner with my food group which was a customary pasta and salad, and then headed off to the French research station called CREOB on the north shore. I got to meet some cool young French interns and researchers while I was there as well as get my first try of Rhumba rum which is probably the nastiest alcohol I have ever tasted. It is the cheapest bottle you can get here on Moorea and it is so for a reason. Mike and I had a long conversation with Thomas who is a PhD student who does shark research. He basically goes out and films and catches sharks for behavioral study and genetic analysis. He told us a lot about different kinds of sharks like tiger, reef, and bull sharks, where they typically live and what they eat. It was really interesting to hear about all these different sharks and his personal experiences. One thing I particularly took note of was he emphasized the large number of sharks that you can see out at the Tuamotu islands. I think he said that within the week he was going to head out there to do some more photography. I also got some travel tips from a French girl that I spoke to about booking flights to the Tuamotus which was very helpful. We just got back from CREOB and now it's time for me to shower and go to bed. I have to wake up a 6 in the morning tomorrow to go grocery shopping with Andy so I best get some shut eye. Until later.