Survivor Spain: Battle of the Scientists

As many of you know, I am now spending my days tromping around Spain, catching birds and doing research. You may think this sounds awfully cushy and to tell you the truth, I expected it would be…but it has actually turned out more similar to a scientist’s version of Survivor. I have always wanted to be on the show, so who knows, maybe this will be the training needed for my imminent domination once they finally get their wits about them and cast me. Anyways, I’ll give you the breakdown of my first week in Spain; where I intend to outwit, outplay and outlast...or something like that.
The first night, we arrived in the airport in Lisbon and had to drive two hours to Badajoz, Spain (shelter) while we were all starving. Take note of this, because starving is a central theme in our trip thus far. Anyways, we had to split up into two cars and Maria and I had a sneaking suspicion that we should be in a particular car…so we looked at each other and broke into a run to keep up with him and slip into his car. Turns out we were right, because 45 min into our car ride we got a call that someone had left their suitcase at the airport and lo and behold it was a member of the other car. So, they had to drive all the way back and begin their trip again, missing any hopes of dinner, while we continued on. We genuinely felt bad, but it was slightly amusing to us (as we were taking bets on whose suitcase it was). OUTWITTED
Like any game of Survivor, the leaders of our tribe have tried to get into our heads, but the women ultimately banded together forming a fierce alliance. When we arrived at the apartment, we quickly found out two things that disturbed us: The gas line was broken so we could only take ice cold showers for a while, and there wasn’t and never would be internet in the apartment (gasp). The latter caused quite an uproar in camp but was quickly stifled when its futility became evident. We were quieted, but held strong. The most daunting mind game has been the constant scavenging for food. Us women eat well and frequently, while it seems our leaders may have a Snus- suppressed appetite leaving them impervious to the stomach churning hunger we feel daily. This strategy has worked against them though, because (men take heed) a hungry woman is a cranky woman; and the only thing worse than a cranky woman is multiple cranky women. This was a battle we chose to fight. Where we once suffered in silence or gave gentle hints, we now yell out “hungry!” or “I am in a really bad mood!” and more often than not we get our way. Strength in numbers…and bitching. Furthermore, just to show that we are unphased by the persistent challenges being thrown at us, we have taken to dancing in the streets and enjoying Carnival in Spain at night. Only for appearances of course…OUTPLAYED
Though initially, with the lack of internet and long work hours ahead of us, we secretly hoped for an illness bad enough to get us sent back to Norway; Maria, My and I are in it for the long haul. As usual, the women’s alliance shall prove most enduring as we will be the only people in Spain for the entire time, thus making us the true survivors. Unfortunately, there is no million dollar prize waiting for us in the end, but I suppose a master’s degree will do…OUTLASTING