Alligators and Cyclists Together in the Everglades

Living someplace does not mean knowing it—especially someplace as large and dynamic as Florida. It has beaches, Disney and NASA. It’s populated by immigrants, New Yorkers, retirees, the Seminole Tribe, and me. It is known (embarrassingly) for problems in past election polling and also as the only state where you travel north to get to “The South.” And, of course, it’s known as the home of the Everglades, the one-of-a-kind ecosystem that used to cover most of the state, that is, until it was drained to turn Florida into a winter haven for northerners.

But the Everglades are not gone entirely. These Florida wetlands are still teaming with life. Of course, I learned about its preservation in school. Every South Floridian child can tell you about the alien species threatening the Everglades and refer to horrifying photos of non-native pythons swallowing alligators whole and then dying from the exertion—their eyes definitely bigger than their stomachs. But I didn’t go on the middle-school field trip to the Everglades. I have never been on an air boat tour through the swampy waters. And, despite not living all that far from neighborhoods where lost gators wander into backyard pools, I had never seen an alligator up close outside of captivity.

When I was home for Christmas, this finally changed. I went on a 15 mile bike ride through the Everglades, a feat my Cambridge cycling had thankfully prepared me for. Winter in Florida still meant heading out early to avoid the mid-afternoon heat, wearing short sleeves, and applying sunscreen—a big change from the cold and overcast skies of England I had just left. With camera in hand and bicycles ready, we headed out.

Immediately you’re struck by the grace and beauty of the various birds—I couldn’t name them but the bird watchers seemed happy. And then there’s the landscape. It’s much different from a lake or a forest. The colors are warmer, with the sun coating everything. There are trees, but the dominant view is that of tall grass. IT might be mistaken for African grasslands with Lions instead of gators hiding in the brush—except here the grass was coming out of a water, and water makes all the difference.

Once further along the bike path we started to spot alligators resting by the side of the road, soaking in the sun. We stopped for photos, daring ourselves to step closer, the gators’ closed eyes giving us an extra (and likely unwise) boost of confidence—that is, until one of the alligators flinched. We also periodically spotted baby alligators hidden a bit more by the growth. And, of course this led to the important question, “where’s your Mommy?”

With a break after 7 miles to climb the lookout tower and rest while admiring the bird’s eye view of the Everglades, spotting a few gators from a safer distance, a showy bird strutting his stuff to my mother’s commentary, and gorgeous white birds flying above our heads as our bicycles disturbed their solitary walks, we finished our trip satisfied with all we had seen. 

The Everglades make up an amazing and diverse landscape in my home state that I am only now starting to fully appreciate. I definitely suggest a trip—cycling if you can. But remember, don’t feed the alligators!

Cambridge- Life in a University Town

I’ve been in Cambridge for a while now and my first impression hasn’t changed that much, although my appreciation and love for Cambridge has grown deeper. It is a beautiful but odd place. When you get further out from the university area, Cambridge is like any other small city, full of stores and houses, nothing that unique.

But the Cambridge I know is full of students and tourists, which of course really affects the feel of a place. I can’t walk in the city centre for five minutes without inadvertently winding up in the backdrop of someone’s photograph. The buildings are more than twice as old as the United States and are absolutely breathtaking, especially the ones along the river Cam. The bridges, buildings, punting on the River, the endless bicycles—it all makes me feel like I’m coming from another time. Especially when compared to the mere decades old US suburbia I’m used to.

I haven’t seen much else of England other than Cambridge, but I’m sure it is not representative, especially being here as a student. For me, it’s very much a university experience. Courses and my college activities dominate my life. And, as a grad student, those I interact with are from all over the world. But the traditions and feel here is unique—except maybe for “that other university” (Oxford).

It’s strange, though. In some ways Cambridge is classic England. The buildings, the gowns, and the hallowed halls where Isaac Newton, Francis Bacon, Charles Darwin, John Maynard Keynes, Lord Byron, and Stephen Hawking all studied. (Of course, other graduates such as Stephen Fry, Emma Thompson, and the fictional but beloved Mr. Darcy should not be overlooked) It all just seems so British. Granted, I’m American, so I could be completely wrong, but there seems to be such a strong tie between Oxbridge and the English identity, the number of tourists only serves as further support. 

For me, Cambridge has become home. It’s full of friends and fun, and even a little magic. I mean, we have college colors and wear gowns (cap and gown type gowns, not dresses). We eat formal dinners in grand halls with the fellows sitting at a high table. It’s all, so very Hogwarts. (This is of course my inner nerd talking and is also being said for the benefit of my Harry Potter loving friends back home!) I can’t wait to see what next term brings!