Mono🐒
I can’t really believe how time flies, but it’s already half way through the internship!
This week, I confirmed the applicable testing methods for 10 device documents with DFMEAs, drafted a delamination report, and read a study on breast anatomy and its mechanical properties. The journal “Mechanics of the normal woman’s breast” by Amit Gefen and Benny Dilmoney introduces the breast anatomy, including the locations and functions of glandular tissue, adipose tissue, Cooper’s ligaments, pectoral fascia, and lobe. Moreover, the journal also discusses the corresponding internal forces when performing different actions, such as standing, walking, running, lying flat, or kneeling. The forces differed in both magnitude and direction. One interesting takeaway was the reasoning behind breast ptosis. I had only known of that sagging breast was caused by aging, but I didn’t know the science behind. Indeed, it is affected by changes in supporting structures (superficial fascia, suspensory ligaments, and skin) resulting in loose fibrous frame from aging, combined with the downward force of gravity, dragging the breasts downward overtime.
Last week, JJ made coconut balls with just three ingredients, coco rallado (grated coconut), la lechera (condensed milk), and butter. And they were so DELICIOUS. Korie and I enjoyed them with Lindemans peach-flavored beer during our movie night. We are also thinking of making them ourselves later this week or next week.
coconut balls
Regarding trying out Costa Rican local food, I tried tostones/patacónes (deep-fried plantains dipped in mashed beans) at a restaurant. Surprisingly, they were savory. The plantain was super crispy. I can see why many local chips use plantains as a base instead of potatoes. Even though I am not a big fan of plantains, I enjoyed trying it. Besides, I tried Tronaditas lemon and salt flavor I got from a supermarket. It was an interesting combination. The sourness was lighter than I expected. Lastly, I tried medialuna (glazed croissant) from Panchis Pan. The bread itself was soft, while the outside glaze added sweetness to the plain bread. I believe it can also be found in other Latin countries.
tostones
This weekend, my colleague invited me and other interns to Manuel Antonio. We drove there and stayed a night. Here was our itinerary:
- Saw wild crocodiles at Rio Tarcoles.
- Enjoyed the tides at Playa Manuel Antonio (Manuel Antonio National Park) and saw a lot of Halloween crabs. The ocean and beach were stunning. It was so calm and relaxing sitting by the shore, listening to the ocean waves lapping against the shore. However, it was rainy, and the tides became really high. We had to leave the park earlier.)
- Chilled at a pool at our Airbnb.
- Had pizza at El Wagon.
- Saw monkeys and sloths at Nauyaca Waterfalls. It was sunny on the second day. The sun shining on the waterfall made it look even more spectacular.
I had so much fun during this trip. I got to know my colleagues/friends better. Even though the ride was 4 hours long (one-way) due to traffic, we sang karaoke and listened to English and playlists.
Manuel Antonio beach
group pic!!
About my Spanish update, I am in section 1, halfway through unit 7. Hopefully, I will be able to start section 2 next week. I’ve been learning clothes, colors, and some random vocabulary from songs or interactions with my colleagues. I can start catching one or two words from lyrics and conversations and know how to order food for myself. However, instead of saying the food plus “por favor,” I should start putting it into a sentence. Hopefully, I can soon to order food without just pointing directly at the food and ask for more information when needed.