Hello again. I would like to report on my trip to Hannover veterinary college and the trip to Nordeney. I was really pleased that we had the opportunity to participate in a dehorning procedure. I had never done this procedure before, so it was very interesting for me. To explain, when Aaron cut through the horn and cut the cornual artery, the veterinary students showed us how to use toothpicks to stop the flow of blood. I would have never thought of that!! Also, the party in the evening with the veterinary students was fun and I got to see a German drinking game. I would have liked to have played, but I had already had to much to drink and I am currently fighting a cold.
Nordeney..what to say but cold, wet, windy, and fun!! The day began with a tour of the island with Niles and Dr. Wasser. Appartenly the island's fresh water supply comes from a freshwater pocket under the island, which also explains its yellow brown color. At midday, we all tied up our shoes and handed towards the mudflats to discover lugworms!! Alex convinced me to take off my shoes, which, due to the cold weather, was something that I didn't want to do. I am glad that I did because the feeling of the mud under my feet was incredible. The best parts for me were the feeling of the deep pudding like mud under my feet and the trying to walk towards a yellow pole blindfolded. Everyone told me that I first walked straight and then made a sharp left turn. I always knew that I had on sense of direction so it was no surprise to me that I couldn't find the pole. As the day wore on, the rain began to fall harder and the temperature became colder. Inspite of this, we all decided to go horseback riding along the beach. I love horseback riding and have been riding since I was 5 years-old so for me I was excited to go despite the weather. I was in the second group so we rode our bikes to the meeting point and met the other riders, During the choas of people getting on and off and trying to hold horses, I forgot to give my key to Dr. Wasser. I later discovered that he had to carry his bike half way back to the hostel because of my mistake. I felt really bad about it because I did not mean to forgot to give him the key. Inspite of that, I did really enjoy the ride and my horse whose name was Raven. I hope that Dr. Wasser continues to take students riding despite the choas of this first year. In the evening we got the opportunity to talk with a husband and wife team that is in chage of all of the veterinary work for Nordeney. It was very interesting to learn of their practice and the work that they do. I liked the idea that I female veterinarian can still work and have children and have a sucessful practice. If the opportunity came up later, I would very much like to return to Norendey and work with this veterinary team.
On our final day at Nordeney, we went bird watching in the morning. I enjoyed seeing the diural owl and the many many oyster catchers despite the song wind. In the afternon we went to the seal rescue center and poor Niles had to carry my heavy bag all the way to the center...Thank you Niles!! I enjoyed watching the 1 year-old common seals play and learning about the feeding, mating, and birthing habits of the seal. It was also interesting to note that the seal population declined rapidly in the late 1990s due to a virus that wiped out half of the population. I would like to learn more about this virus and why it was so deadly. I am heading to Basel a day early and will most likely find a chocolate shop and chow down. Until then, take care and I will Blogg soon.
Kris