Into the Tropics: Galapagos and Beyond

Impressions of the Galapagos Islands

Adele — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 05:10:45 +0000

As our delegation left the Galapagos Islands, we paused for a moment and wrote our impressions of the people, the animals and ourselves.

While everyone wrote about their Galapagos experiences, some students put their name with their written work, while others chose to remain anonymous.

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Leo Silva, Delegation Manager

The Galapagos are unique in the world. I have had a wonderful time with the People to People delegates. They transmit good energy. I’m glad and lucky to be your delegation manager; it is such a privilege. I am looking forward to making it unforgettable.

Every animal is special in this part of the world and these animals can’t be found anywhere else in the world

Please promote the conservation of this paradise for future generations.

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Brittany M.

The Galapagos Islands have great bio-diversity. It is a very exotic place and the Galapagos Islands are a beautiful area and it was a lot of fun. I would love to come back.

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Ryan G.

The Galapagos was mad legit,” beautiful sunrises and sunsets, endless beaches all sorts of wild critters; sea-lions, penguins, tortoises, iguanas, frigate birds, pelicans and boobies (blue-footed that is.) The boat rides were sweet, although some may agree otherwise, and each day was a new adventure. I wish we could have spent more time there chillen on the beaches, enjoying the salty breeze and the steady drum of the crashing waves. It’s one of those weeks that is worth remembering and it make it perfect being able to experience these mind-boggling sites and discoveries with new friends, people who I’ve only known for a few days and yet feel as though I could have known them my whole life. It’s an experience I have greatly enjoyed and appreciated.

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Eli T.

It was AMAZING! I would like to return. Snorkeling with the animals was awesome, I’m to glad I came on this trip. I can’t wait to bring the family to the Galapagos Islands. The Galapaganos love their nature.

I love boobies – blue-footed!

Weather is here, wish you were beautiful.

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Hayleigh M.

The Galapagos Islands are very different from North America., mostly dirt roads, very creepy bugs – HUGE SPIDERS!

Awesome adventures like swimming with penguins and sea lions.

Huge, muddy mountains that take 40-60 minutes to climb, but have the most amazing views.

Sweet people that laugh when you attempt to speak Spanish.

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Akhil V.

I had a lot of fun on the Galapagos Islands. Isabella was my favorite and I really enjoyed the snorkeling. The Charles Darwin Center was interesting and it was awesome seeing Lonesome George. I only wish I could have spent more time in the lava tunnels.

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Arielle Z.

There were too many creepy bugs that bite.
The people are amazing – both Galapaganos an the delegation.
There were one million hikes that better get me in shape!
There were tons of bathroom stops without toilet paper.

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Grant H.

The Galapagos Islands were a very unique experience. We all had a lot of fun. I enjoyed everyone we met on the tours. Me Gusta Nadar en la playa and our awesome hike to the sites. The people were great and the boat ride was sickening.

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Kirsten M.

The Galapagos Islands were a blast, I really enjoyed my time there. It was a once in a lifetime experience being able to tour around a few of the islands like Santa Cruz, Floreana and Isabella. We were able to go snorkeling with the marine animals, like sea lions, fish and penguins. I had an amazing time.

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Brittany D.

When I signed up for this trip, I knew that it would be amazing. Never in my life have I felt the way I did when I was there, and I know that my time there is not over. It has affected me profoundly and every memory is a precious and rare gift. I will treasure this gift forever.

Stephen C.

The Galapagos experience was great. I love all the animals we saw, not to mention the seals and penguins that we swam with. The beaches were beautiful and I think no other can be as beautiful. The hikes were fun, though I enjoyed the snorkeling more. I took pictures of almost everything including iguanas to the bigger animals. If I every come back, it will be with my friends who are close and I care about because this is like a once-in-a-lifetime thing that can’t be forgotten because of the beauty and life on these islands. Via La Galapagos!

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Veronica H.

Traveling to the Galapagos Islands was a remarkable experience that I will never forget. Snorkeling with the sea lions and getting the chance to be within inches of them created a deep connection to the island and ecosystem Swimming through the waves that completely engulf you and watching the sun set from the black sandy beaches is just an experience that you must savor. Having good company around makes the experience even richer, knowing that these people will always share the same journey with you. Leaving the Galapagos was hard for me and as we fly away I can only hope that I will come back one day.

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Graham C-R.

My time in the Galapagos has been unforgettable to say the least. Being a person with a love of nature and wildlife, it was great to see so many animals up clse and personal. From marine iguanas to penguins, I saw just about all the animals that I hoped to see on this trip, and more. Hopefully, one day, I will return to these enchanted islands, the islands of the Galapagos.

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Halie E.

Lo seinto, Australia, pero los Galapagos son mucho mejor! Unas islas hermosas tienen animales y plantas que me hacen feliz. Mucho feliz. Yo quiero a volver a estudiar herpe tolosia.

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Liz G.

I really don’t the feeling that I felt, leaving the Galapagos Islands. Everything there amazed me, especially the snorkeling. The boat rides were a bit rough, but in the end it was all worth it. I met amazing people, tried amazing food and learned ALOT! The Galapagos Islands were a-m-a-z-i-n-g!

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Sharon Cassady, Delegation Leader

The Galapagos was like an exotic appetizer. It was just enough of a taste to make you hungry for the full meal. It was surprising, piquant, tantalizing, compelling, and exuberant – -all at the same time. I wanted to sip it and savor it while also wanting to gobble it up. I will be craving Isabella for the rest of my life.
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Adele R. Josovitz, Deleation Leader

Darwin stated, It’s not the strongest, the fittest or the most intelligent animals that survives, but the animal that are able to adapt that survive.

What Darwin said is so true – in respect to our personal lives. We will survive as humans if we adapt to our environment and to the people who we interact with each day

The survival of the tortoises, blue-footed boobies, seals, sea lions, frigates and finches is a small example of how the ability to adapt enables the animal kingdom to survive and the ability of humans to adapt will enable the human species to survive.

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I loved the Galapagos! The snorkeling was crazy awesome, the people were friendly, and what could be better than blue-footed boobies? Every not sweaty hike was worth it… Galapaganos unite!
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The Galapagos Islands !
1) Getting away from busy cities was a relaxing change of scenery
2) I loved being able to see interesting wildlife every place we went.
3) Seeing the world’s largest active volcano was mega awesome.

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The Galapagos was probably the most beautiful and breathtaking place that I’ve seen. It’s not everyday you get to see something even slightly close to the Galapagos Islands. I think this is something I’ll never forget.

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I LOVE the Galapagos!
The Galapagos has been amazing! I have learned so much about the land/animals and even about myself. I was interested in biology before the trip and this eperience has expanded my interest. It was absolutely amazing to swim with the animals and enjoy the natural beauty.

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The Galapagos Islands were completely amazing. I have never really had any ocean experiences, and I’m glad that this was my first. Snorkeling with the sea lions was unreal.

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I enjoyed learning about the unique animals of the Galapagos. The mating process of the tortoises was interesting. Swimming with the sea lions was fun. I enjoyed the beaches.

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The Galapagos was an amazing place. Each island had its surprises, the animal life was amazing and the opportunity to swim with sea lions was great. The beaches were beautiful and the water was nice. The people were extremely nice and made each island feel like home.

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My impression of the Galapagos Islands was that it was a unique experience. The islands vary in their weather and climate. Seeing the different animals and foliage will be an experience I will remember for the rest of my life. The people who live on these islands were very laid back and nice to us.

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I think visiting the Galapagos Islands was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I met great people, saw animals that don’t exist anywhere else and learned a lot of things about myself. Even though the trip to the Galapagos was only 4 days, I am so happy I went on this program.

July 25 – Friday – Day 13

Adele — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 03:32:26 +0000

Today we went to BANOS – which means hot springs. This city is a back-packers paradise and we saw many people walking around with climbing gear and of course – backpacks!

We went to the Church of Miracles – Madonnah de Aqua Santa – which was filled with pictures of …. you guessed it………MIRACLES!

Here are some things we will remember about Banos:

….. Eating cuy – guinea pig

…..Trying sugar cane

….. Eating melcocha – candy similar to “salt water taffy” – stretched & pulled on long nails in doorways!

….. Small carvings made out of tagua nuts – knows as “vegetable ivory.”

….. Party pants – in so many colors and stripes

We had a great lunch at a restaurant called Samari. Our meal included potato pancakes called napingachos, an interesting choice of juices and a wonderful dessert of crepes and ice cream.

After a 3-4 hour ride back to Hotel Quito, we settled into our rooms for our last night in Ecuador.

We had dinner on the 7th floor of the Quito Hotel and then prepared for our evening activity!

Leo had everyone fill out a questionnaire to see what we learned while we were in Ecuador.

Liz and Veronica (with help from Arielle) gave out certificates to everyone in the delegation.

Steven handed out and collected all of the People to People evaluation forms.

Everyone had the opportunity to say something about their experience in Ecuador.

Leo thanked everyone for visiting Ecuador and hoped that we come back real soon!

I created a DVD of pictures and videos that were taken during the two amazing weeks that we spent in Ecuador.

Since we were leaving at 3:30 a.m. Saturday morning, some students decided that they wanted to spend the evening with their friends and NOT go to sleep, as there was plenty of time to sleep on the plane.

At the Quito Airport we said goodby to our wonderful Delegation Manager, Leo Silva! He was an integral part of our delegation and one of the reasons that we had such a wonderful adventure in Ecuador.

As our plane approached Miami, everyone in the delegation knew that our journey to South America was almost over. Amid hugs and tears, we began to part our ways. Some students were met in Miami by their parents, others were quickly whisked away to other terminals and 12 of us made our way to the American Airlines terminal as we had a plane to catch to New York!

The scene at the JFK airport was filled with the joy of seeing our families and the tears of knowing that our South American adventure was truly over.

Sharon and I are grateful that we had the opportunity to travel with a wonderful group of young adults We hope that everyone will keep in touch with the friends they have made and remember all of the adventures we participated in while traveling in Ecuador.

July 24 – Day 12 – Thursday

Adele — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 03:10:36 +0000

Another day where we rode 5 hours – it seems as if every ride is “5 hours long !” The Pan American Highway was quite smooth and we only stopped for – gas, food and the banos!

Our destination was the Manteles Hacienda – another slice of paradise! The Hacienda is owned by the Manteles family. The 800 acres are located in the Andes – misty and bone-chilling cold – though some students may differ with my evalation of the temperature!

Each student had the option of planing a tree on the farm – this would help counteract their “carbon footprint!” Everyone who participated in the tree-planting, trudged up a hill and planted their tree on the fringes of a field that was planted with corn. It was a great feeling planting the trees and knowing that they will be there always and forever.

We then watched a demonstration of a weaver who used a backstrap loom. The 12 year old Ecuadorian boy was being taught by his dad to use this special type of loom. It is very important that this type of weaving is passed on and taught to the young adults, as there are currently only 8 families left who are able to use the backstrap loom!

After a wonderful dinner – the BEST lasagne I have every had – everyone had the option to read, talk, sleep, sit near the fireplace, talk, sleep (did I mention those already?) until our curfew.

The Hacienda was a wonderful day to spend the day.

Ah.. I forgot to mention that the beds were amazingly comfortable and the quilts were so warm.

Another perfect day!

On Our Way Home – almost! July 26 – 1:05 a.m.

Adele — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 06:13:27 +0000

We are leaving for the airport at 3:30 a.m., so Sharon and I are NOT going to sleep. We’re done packing.. amazingly enough everything fits into my TWO suitcases and backpack!

I will update the BLOG when I get home – adding details and photos!

If you have any questions, please send an e-mail to my e-mail address.

See you soon!

July 23, 2008 – Day 11 – Wednesday

Adele — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 05:22:38 +0000

July 23, 2008
Day 11

Today started as all the others! Everyone was filled with the expectation of another fabulous adventure. And yes indeed, we have an awesome experience that was packaged as a walk in the rain forest.

After a filling breakfast of pancakes, eggs, rolls, fruit and juice we were ready to embark on our trek through the forest.

First we put on our Wellington Boots, made sure we were lathered with bug spray and sunblock. Then, we walked through mud-filled fields, down hills that were filled with muddy trenches, through the forest that was filled with muddy river banks – YUP… we had our fill of mud. Of course, there was the rocks that were covered with moss ,and yes.. they too were slippery! We passed by a waterfall , trees with the most amazing root systems and plants of all shapes and sizes,. The students were wonderful, once again, as they helped each other walk through the maze of obstacles of the rain forest. At midpoint, half of the delegation went back to the lodge, while the others braved forward through a 200 meter cave – that was dark and dank. There were stalagtites hanging from the ceiling, and pools of water that filled our boots. After three hours everyone had returned to the lodge, poured the water out of their boots, shed their muddy clothing and took a refreshing shower.

We had a wonderful lunch of fresh trout or chicken or salad (depending on the dietary needs of the student,) great juice, and a wonderful dessert.

It was then time for us to return to Quito. The five-hour ride back went very quickly, thanks to the wonderful driving of Hugo. Once again the students ate, slept, listened to music, or talked the 5 hours away.

When we returned to the Quito Hotel, we were assigned our rooms and then off to dinner. The students had time to relax in the hotel before room checks.

Tomorrow we’re talking a ride through the Panamerican Highway to Patate Valley.

Have a happy day!

July 22, 2008 – Tuesday – Day 10

Adele — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 05:17:50 +0000

July 22, 2008
Day 10

Breakfast:
7:00 a.m

Activity:
Walk

Time:
7:00 a.m.

Location:
Misicocha – The Lake of the Cat

Equipment:
Wellington Boots
Long pants
LOTS of insect repellent

Misson:
To walk through the forest without falling into the mud

Tasks:
eat lemon ants,
drink Dragos Tree blood,
hold a poisonous spider
make a crown out of palm leaf,
learn the names of various plants and their medicinal use.

Full –on Experience:
Swing through the forest on a liana like Tarzan and Jane!

Summary:
Walking through the woods and testing our balancing skills was awesome experience. We worked as a team and helped each other when a fall in the mud was just around the corner.

After peeling off our long socks and boots, getting our luggage, and taking the canoe back to the bus, we were ready to leave for Huasquilla Lodge! Thank goodness this was only an hour away!

We left paradise to go to another paradise!

Huasquilla Lodge is named after a tree that grows in this area. Beautiful huts are surrounded by amazing greenery! Each group of students has their own hut with a hammock on their varanda. What could be better?

After a lunch that was quickly devoured ,we left to see the petroglifs that are located in the Sacred Valley of Cotundo. They were very interesting!

Then we went to El Arca, an Animal Refuge where many varieties of animals are taken care of. Among the animals that we saw were: macaws, monkeys, pecarris, boa constrictor, and the nandu (something like an emu,)

There were thousands of leaf-cutter ants all over the ground. This proved that we were really in the rain forest.

After running though a downpour, we made it home, had dinner and saw typical dances of the Quichua of the Amazon people.

It was a great demonstration.

Lights out at 10:30 as we are going on an INTENSE walk tomorrow…..

Have a grand day!

July 21, 2008 – Day 9 – Monday

Adele — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 05:15:56 +0000

July 21, 2008 Day 9 After a wonderful breakfast we were ready to start on a 5 -hour bus ride with an amazing “prize” at the end. Hugo, our coach driver, got us to the top of the Andes, which was 13,000 feet above sea level. Before we went across the top of the Andes we crossed the Continental Divide. At this point the water flows into both the Atlantic or the Pacific Ocean. We also saw Cotopaxi, which means the neck of the moon. Coto means neck in Quichua and paxi means moon in Aymara, which is a dialect that was once spoken in Ecuador. On the way we saw several volcanoes ,a part of the “Avenue of the Volcanoes” which was discovered by Alxander Humbolt who named this area of Ecuador. Just as a point of interest: the Ecuador penguins are descendants of the “Humbolt Penguins” that were named after…. YOU KNOW WHO! The road twisted and turned as we went up and down the mountain. The condition of the road was quite unique – the roads went from perfectly smooth, to so bumpy that it was impossible to MISS a pothole. For an entire hour the road was unpaved and bumpier that we could have every imagined. FINALLY and I mean FINALLY, we arrived at paradise! The prize at the end of the journey was La Casa del Suizo. This hotel is an Amazonian refuge located on the shore of the Napo River, one of Ecuador’s tributaries of the Amazon River. It is also very close to the eastern slopes of the Andes Mountains. We departed the bus at the edge of the Napo River and then loaded our bags onto canoes. Three canoes took the entire delegation to the Casa del Suizo. This hotel, on the edge of a hill, was a welcoming site. As we departed the canoes and gathered up our belongings, we walked up many, many stairs. Luckily for us, lunch was ready! After our long journey, we were ready to EAT! We were treated to a delicious buffet – soup, chicken, beef, potatoes, rice, a variety of salads and lots of different types of desserts – including fresh fruit salad. It was PERFECT! As soon as we were done eating we put our luggage into our room, which came complete with a hammock and deck overlooking the Napo River. We felt like royalty! We then went for a walk to the village where we visited a family that lived in a traditional Quichua home. We had the opportunity to use a blow-gun and practiced trying to hit the fake parrot with the non-poisonous dart! Some of us were quite successful while others would have gone and starved if they had to rely on their blow-gun skills! Meanwhile in the traditional Quichea home we saw the mother make Chicha , a traditional drink that is made from yucca root and sweet potato. The longer the drink sits around the more interesting it tastes!!! Our drink was bearly a few hours old! An “Achiote” pod was opened up and the red seeds were used to paint our faces with traditional symbols – strong and powerful woman, warriot, unique and beautiful spirit, martrimonial designs, and so forth. We saw pottery demonstrations as well as balsa wood cutting demonstrations. Finally, we made it back to the hotel, where some of us went swimming and others just swung in the hammock! AH.. this is the life! Dinner was at 7:30. Another amazing Ecuadorian meal! After our “TALENT NIGHT” which proved that not only are the students wonderful, smart and friendly – they have talents that are beyond description. Once the talent show was over, the students in the delegation stayed and danced. After watching the evening sky, throwing bugs in the pool and watching the bats swoop down and eat them, it was FINALLY time to go to bed! Lights were out at 11:00 and we were fast asleep before our heads hit our pillows. Happy day!

July 20, 2008 – Day 7 – Sunday

Adele — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 03:45:35 +0000

6:00 a.m.

That’s right!! Everyone got up at 6:00 a.m., had breakfast by 7:00 a.m. and was ready to depart on another exciting day by 7:20 a.m.! Everyone was on time!

Today we rode on the Pan-American Highway, which is the longest highway in the Western Hemisphere. It goes from Alaska all the way down to the tip of Argentina. The highway takes a brief “break” in Columbia because of the swamps and the road could not be build on the swamp land.

We first drove to Calderon, a town which is famous for the creation of “bread dough figures,” We saw a demonstration by a woman making a bread dough llama. It was quite impressive. These figures are NOT to be eaten, but to be displayed. In November the bakers in this town make bread dough figures that can be eaten. They are called “wah wahs.” After a quite walk down the main street of the town and looking at all of the vegetables and fruits that were being sold, we went back on the bus and went to Otavalo which is famous for it’s market.

What an amazing market, filled with handwoven objects – ranging from rugs, to hammocks, to clothing to all type of textiles and jewelry. Each of us had fun looking through the market and making those “very special purchases” that certainly helped the Ecuador economy!

We ate lunch at a beautiful hotel and restaurant – Hosteria Hacienda Pinsaqui. The restaurant was elegant, the service was terrific and the food was GREAT!

Our trip back to the hotel took two hours and we all had time to either chat or snooze. We passed MT. CAYAMBA , where is the only mountain on the equator that is covered with snow year round.

When we returned to the hotel we had an hour before dinner – where we had the opportunity to look over our purchases. After dinner the students were busy working on their “talent” for our talent show tomorrow night We can’t wait to see what talents the students are going to share!

AH… such excitement.

Tomorrow we’re off to the rain forest.

I’m not sure about the internet service – but PLEASE check the blog tomorrow to see if there is a new entry.

Happy day!

July 19, 2008 – Day 7 – Saturday

Adele — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 03:05:59 +0000

We are all sad that our visit to the Galapagos Islands is over! Each of us came away with wonderful experiences: seeing wonderful animals, snorkeling, swimming with penguins and seals, walking around the Pacific Ocean on huge lava rock hills and meeting two wonderful guides – Valerio and David.
Today began with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Center. We saw some amazing tortoises and had our group picture of the day taken among them. Valerio was able to mesmerize one of the tortoises so he stood high up from the ground and extended his neck. It was quite a site to see. Finches and tortoises has a symbiotic relationship where the finch helps the tortoise get rid of the bugs on its body. Somehow the finch knows exactly when the tortoise needs its help. The finch is able to read the body language of the tortoise!

We finally saw LONESOME GEORGE. Actually, he wasn’t so lonesome today, as he had a female friend visiting him! Lonesome George was quite excited at the site of her and stood up on his four legs and extended his neck. This is quite feat for somebody closing in on 100 years old. Apparently, visitors to the Research Center DON’T often see Lonesome George in this state!

We then took a bus ride to walk in some LAVA TUNNELS. Lava tunnels are formed when lava flows and the outer part of the lava stream gets cold and hardens. However, the liquid magma that is inside, continues to flow and this leaves empty “lava tubes” behind. Santa Cruz Island is filled with lava tunnels that were formed after many eruptions over a million years ago.

We then took a ferry to Baltra Island where we cheered to the 5th and final People to People delegation that was coming to the Galapagos. As we departed the boat we told the leaders and students what an amazing experience they were going to have, as we knew that they would love seeing the frigate, blue-footed booby, seals, sea lions, lizards and marine and land iguanas.

Our flight to Quito was 3 hours late, so we spent quite awhile at the airport. It was quite relaxing waiting for the plane to arrive, as the airport is “open-air” and the students were able to sit in the sun, shop, play soccer, read, eat and talk as we waiting for our flight.

After arriving in Quito we went to dinner – which was paella and a passion fruit custard. Our big food discovery was “apple soda.” It is quite refreshing and many of us are wondering if it can be purchased in the United States.

Another great day in Ecuador!

Be sure to check out the Flickr’ photos!

July 18, 2008 – Day 6

Adele — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 04:36:57 +0000

Friday

After an early breakfast we left for a tour of the Sierra Negra Volcano . It was quite impressive as it’s the second largest crater in the world. The last time the crater erupted was in 2001 and there is still steam coming out of some places! It’s 8 miles by 5 miles and filled with hardened lava and sulfur spots. Our group photo was taken at the top of the volcano.

Upon descending the mountain we went to an organic farm that looked like a park. The students were able to pick their own fruit: passion fruit and oranges. There was also papaya, pineapple and red and yellow bananas. The barbeque was delicious and everyone was VERY hungry as some students played soccer and others were swinging in hammocks under the shade of a gigantic tree. The farm also had many tortoises (each one had a number painted on their back!) They were in a very large area that was surrounded by a stone/wooden fence. It was great watching these amazing animals munch on the fresh fruit and vegetables that are grown on the farm.

We took another boat ride and 2 hours later we landed on the island of Santa Cruz – and are staying once again at the Red Booby Hotel.

With a few hours to rest before dinner – many students took showers or walked to town. (A few even took a short rest!) We had dinner at a local restaurant (we walked there) where the students had a choice of their dinner.

After dinner the students had free time to check out the local shops.

We have an early start tomorrow as we’re going to the Charles Darwin Research Center and then will take a walk through the lava tubes. At 12:30 we will be taking a flight back to Quito!

All is grand here in the Galapagos!