Days
1-7 | Days
8-14 | Days 15-21
Day 15: July 27
Author: Taylor
Location: Isabella Island
On Friday, team Lifeworks got a much desired and hopefully well earned day off.
We all eagerly planned to skip breakfast, sleep into the afternoon and then relax
on the beach. But, as we've learned so many times this trip, things don't always
turn out as expected! The majority of us woke up between 6:30 and 8, ended up
eating breakfast of arroz crocante cereal and pancakes with coconut whipped cream.
After breakfast, some went back to bed, some read books on the beach, and some
watched Pirates of the Caribbean 3. The only real activity of the day was Theo's
snorkeling adventure. Saphir, Eliot, Deb, Margaux, and I managed to raise enough
energy to join him in his search for manta rays in a sheltered bay of mangroves.
The manta rays did not oblige us with their presence, but we did manage to find
a sea cucumber (secret cumber, as Theo would say) and have a small water fight.
We managed to snorkel in earnest for at least 20 minutes before we decided that
it had gotten too cold. Dinner was the usual fare of rice, plantains, and meat
with papaya to follow. We watched the community basketball game afterwards, bought
some ice cream, and walked on the beach. Our day drew to a close with the relaxing
feeling of contentment, and we went to bed with happy expectations for the day
to follow.
Day 16: July 28
Author: Cason
Location: Isabella Island
We woke up and went to breakfast. It was tasty! We had a glorious breakfast full
of PAN!...JUGO!...MANTEQUILLA!...french toast...it was really good! We headed
to our meeting point and met Maria Isabella...everyone getting excited for a
long day of horseback riding. Let me tell you, no one was expecting what they
were about to experience! Whether it was a biting horse, dust up your nose, or
a horse that made it a point to kick everyone else...it was a wonderful experiential
educational adventure! Our final view point was the edge of the Volcan Chico
crater. Another beautiful sight of the day was the 2nd largest crater in the
world, Sierra Negra Volcano. After the long day of horseback riding, we all went
to get ice cream in town. We went to dinner at Pepe's restaurant and then had
a bonfire at Dora's hotel. Our guest star of the night was Maria Isabella! We
sang songs and admired Saphir's Madonna interpretation...his high voice could
crack windows! Saphir won the horse race game with his horse, Arted. After the
bonfire we headed to the Fiesta in town! Theo got everyone to start dancing and
after that they had trouble getting us off the dance floor! Our last night in
Isabella was a blast!
Day 17: July 28
Author: Alice
Location: Santa Cruz Island
We woke up at our normal 6:30 this morning and had our last breakfast as Ballena
Azul. Then we took a boat transfer back to Santa Cruz Island. Once we got there,
we check into the hotel and had lunch. After lunch we had the afternoon at Playa
Allemanes. Some of us snorkled which was okay, but the sunset was incredible!!
We all watched it together then had dinner at Cafe Hernan. Not sure what the
evening activity will be....
Day 18: July 29
Author: Averill
Location: Santa Cruz Island
We woke up a little earlier than normal this morning and had breakfast. Then
we meet with the Galapagos National Park people at the Collegio Nacional and
gues what?! We rode in the back of chicken truck! Once we got to Los Gemelos,
we cleared vegetation from the side of the roa with shovels. After lunch, we
went to the Guayasamin School with the park rangers and did loads of arts and
crafts. It was really great day!
Day 19: July 30
Author: Libby
Location: Santa Cruz Island
We woke up around 7:00 and had breakfast. Then we went to meet with students
from the Guayasamin School. With them, we painted the roof of the school and
the football field. After painting with the students we had lunch at Descanso
Del Guia and ending with paint on every check, we went for lunch. In the afternoon
we had free time for shopping and internet. We met up at 6:30 for a group slideshow.
It was so great to see how much we have accomplished. After the slideshow we
had dinner at Zayapa.
Day 20: August 1
Author: Cason
Location: Transferring to Quito
We woke up extra early again this morning (we're so used to it by now!) in
order to make our first flight out of Santa Cruz Island. We then took a bus
to Citteo to make a 10:45 flights to Quito. Once we arrived in Quito in the
afternoon we took another bus to our hotel and had a really nice dinner before
trying to fit in all the last bits of time together before our super early
(really this time!)wake up... good job Lifeworkers!!
Day 21: July 11
Author: n/a
Location: back home
Student wake up at 4:00 and and head to the airport, say their goodbyes, and
catch flights back to family and friends at home!
