Reflection: Pre-Trip Meeting #3

I wasn't quite sure what to expect out of this third group meeting, and it followed a long school day in which I wasn't feeling very well. So I was pleasantly surprised by Elmwood School Principal David Ljungberg's presentation of photos from his own travels to Ecuador and the Galapagos. It was well-paced and informative and definitely helped to further build some excitement about the trip for me.

The country looks absolutely stunning, and I can't wait to explore the diverse terrains and climates. I'm envisioning our plane flying over the Andes, the mountains on both sides, and landing in Quito; sailing the beautiful Pacific Ocean to travel within the Galapagos; and traveling via long boat to get in to the jungle. I don't get motion sickness, but I do get anxious when traveling, if a flight is bumpy; I haven't yet experienced the winding roads described by Mr. Ljungberg, but I'm hoping I can at least keep my cool on land. I'll be nervous enough stepping onto and off the boats we'll travel in!

Locro de papa. Image from laylita.com.

I also look forward to eating traditional Ecuadorian food, such as locro de papa and strong chocolate. The drinks, from coca tea to white beer to chicha, sound interesting, but a little strange. I've always been an adventurous eater, and I think I will try guinea pig if given the opportunity, but I certainly won't force myself to eat anything I don't actually like.

I loved seeing Mr. Ljungberg's photos of the landscapes and animals on the Galapagos Islands. I'm jealous that he got to see Lonesome George, but hopeful that we'll see lots of other tortoises. I really love animals (except BUGS... YUCK!!!!) so I was very pleased to hear that animals have the right of way on the islands and we'll be able to get so close. The blue-footed booby mating dance looks incredible; I hope we'll get to see that at least once. I was pleased to hear that there are baby birds everywhere, and that 80% of the island species have been preserved. I'm also looking forward to snorkeling in the Galapagos, and I'm still trying to decide whether to be more afraid of the hammerhead sharks that Mr. Ljungberg said were plentiful in the waters, but harmless because they are so well-fed, or the fast and furious seals that are likely to bump us around in the water!

I got a lot of insight also into what to bring on the trip, including smaller bags to use each day. I'd better get shopping before it's too late!