I have Died and Entered Ecologists’ Heaven

Tor and I, super excited to be here

I have arrived in the Galapagos and oh my god, I am happy beyond all reason. This place is amazing. One of the things that I think is making me happiest is also that San Cristobal where we are now really reminds me of home. Maui, especially. There is a small town with a very touristy boardwalk area around the port, where our “school” is located. We have class for a few hours every day at the GAIAS (Galapagos Academic Institute for the Arts and Sciences), which is conveniently directly across the street from one of the best beaches on the island. We are staying in a hotel on the other side of town from Gaias, which means a 15 min walk if we take the long way by the ocean. It’s really hot, but not humid like the jungle, which is nice. What they say about the wildlife here is true! The birds don’t fly away, no matter how loud you are, you have to be careful to not step on the lizards everywhere, and I already have over 50 pictures of sea lions after only being here for 12 hours. I should also mention that sea lion pups are ADORABLE and EVERYWHERE. I may die of cuteness at any moment; it is quite the precarious situation. Basically, life is good. Reeeeal good. My desire to wear shoes has disappeared and I am delighted to be barefoot, covered in sand and coated in salt once again.