I remember that day when a colleague was scouting for sources of stuffed turtle toy, I did not expect that it would be used for the launching of one of the projects of the Firm. Imagine the excitement and curiosity combined when we saw the toy turtles lined up on each table at the ballroom during the presscon-launch. Aside from the toy, all of us took home turtle cakes. There was a sort of question and answer as well and I am glad I was not called because I did not know the answers to most of the questions asked. Otherwise, I have been embarrassed infront of my boss and colleagues. And yes, you got to answer with the microphone. But when I look back, all of them got it correctly. Maybe I need a refresher course on marine turtle’s life.

Little J was regaled by the cake. Well, themed cakes are really appealing. But in the end, she ate the chiffon only citing that “I don’t want to kill the turtle with my own teeth” while reminiscing about those cute, while some were “snobbish” tortoises and turtles we met in Malaysia.  (The truth is no one at home ate that choco turtle on top.) And you know the psychology of slimy colors in general. I remember when we had our finals in Home Economics class in highschool that we were asked to bake a cake, each of us, from scratch. One of my closest friends used an apple green icing, matched with (I thought were) bizarre toppers and she got a really nice mark. Well, I was one of those who stuck with the safe pink and baby colors. If I can go back to that finals, I would probably be sporting a lego-type topping (read as sourgraping heehee). Sometimes, it pays to be unique.

Speaking of being unique, our Firm adopted a turtle to support the marine turtle conservation project in the UAE. While the project’s objectives are really striking, I was more curious about how they track the endangered hawksbill turtles which are migrating from UAE to Iran, Oman, Qatar and other shores in the Gulf. According to Gulfturtles.com, when turtles come onshore to nest, a transmitter is fitted to their shells in a painless process using fibreglass cloth and resin. The transmitter has a smart switch that is sensitive to sea water. When the turtle comes up to the surface to breathe, the transmitter switches on and, using a global system of satellites, it sends a signal up to an orbiting satellite which keeps constant track of it. The information is relayed to a receiving station in France, then passed on to scientists and conservationists throughout the world via email or a dedicated website. (More information here.)

While it probably takes a lot of resources to sustain this project, I am glad that there are groups who support this kind of endeavor. We have to find the balance in the ecosystem in our own (even small) ways. While I gather my thoughts, I am at the same time enjoying tracking the turtles online.  That is a must try.