So it seems I wasn´t the only one who didn´t complete the assigned readings! On the plane, our group looked like an overeager book club. In between chapters, we chatted about the things we packed, the things we forgot, and The GIANT LOSS yesterday. Our flight from Philadelphia to Miami was wonderfully unmemorable. Éverything went as expected. Flying into Quito was a different story. The turbulence was nuts as we got closer over the mountains. When we landed, we all breathed a sigh of relief....until we got to baggage claim. Rumors were flying that tons of luggage had been lost for those traveling from Miami. As the carosel emptied, our group was standing with nothing. Just as we were all mentally preparing for the worst, our bags came out one after another. When we regrouped, we realized that Adam wasn´t with us. Someone spotted him across the room. It was too crowded to see whether or not he had his bag. Every traveler´s worst fear. *Ashley* was near Adam and must´ve seen the worry on all our faces. She gave us a thumbs-up and from that moment on we haven´t stopped smiling. We piled in a very posh coach bus, whipped out our cameras, and arrived at our 1st hotel. It is spectacular! There is a casino, penthouse pool, and ginormous rooms. Today is a free day in Quito. We have been instructed to relax and adjust to the altitude. Everyone is happily obliging.
I´ve gotta catch breakfast before it closes....Wish you were all here!
p.s. Spell check doesn´t work on foreign computers. Please forgive any mispellings. I´m an English major not a saint.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
A Quick Hello From Ashley!
I just arrived in Quito, and am already having the time of my life! Honestly, I do have a pretty major headache (hopefully this isn't another altitude sickness), but I have already taken medicine just incase! For those of you who do not know me, my name is Ashley Barrera, and I am a sophomore Earth Science Education major. I absolutely love traveling and the environment which made this trip a perfect fit! I cannot wait to fill my memory card with pictures for all my family and friends back home, who I already miss so much! Evidentially my prepaid calling card doesn't work in Ecuador so I hope everyone back home doesn't mind collect calls! Well, for now, we are in for the night, but tomorrow we are on our own in Quito to do some exploring. Wish us all good luck!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Packing
My suitcase lies empty in the corner of my room mocking my procrastination. I've gathered everything from Professor Shriver's check list--field pants, two water bottles, rain boots, binoculars, etc... Now, I'm on my own. What else will I want? A few sundresses? A pair of jeans? Some comfy sweats? Ugh, I have no clue! Do I need everything? Do I want anything?
I'm a chronic under packer. I hate feeling burdened by possessions while traveling; yet, I want to be comfortable. Smart packing requires thinking ahead. What will I want to be wearing on Day 1 while sight seeing in Quito? Definitely comfy shoes. What will I want on Day 4 while touring the shade tree coffee farm? And, what exactly is the dress code for "evening insect sampling?" Even Carrie Bradshaw's bottomless closet would be inadequate for such an excursion.
Within a few short days, we'll be away from the cold, transplanted to a new place. No matter what I bring or don't bring, I know an amazing trip is ahead of me. Just don't forget your passport!
I'm a chronic under packer. I hate feeling burdened by possessions while traveling; yet, I want to be comfortable. Smart packing requires thinking ahead. What will I want to be wearing on Day 1 while sight seeing in Quito? Definitely comfy shoes. What will I want on Day 4 while touring the shade tree coffee farm? And, what exactly is the dress code for "evening insect sampling?" Even Carrie Bradshaw's bottomless closet would be inadequate for such an excursion.
Within a few short days, we'll be away from the cold, transplanted to a new place. No matter what I bring or don't bring, I know an amazing trip is ahead of me. Just don't forget your passport!
A Quick Hello from Katy
Hi friends and family!
This is Katy speaking. As you may or may not know, I’m a junior Natural Resource Management major with a Resource Economics minor at UD, and I’m about to embark on a study abroad excursion to Ecuador and the Galapagos. We’ll be there from 1/11 to 2/1- a three week journey during which I’ll miss you all very much! But through the magic of the internet, my study abroad group should be able to post updates on this website. And if I’m lucky, I’ll have access to Facebook and email as well.
For those of you who don’t know me as well, here’s a bit about myself: If you couldn’t tell by my choice of study abroad, I love most everything to do with nature and the outdoors. Canoeing, kayaking, tree-climbing, camping and swimming would all naturally fall under this category. Riding horses has always been a big part of my life, and I will dearly miss Koh-i, Maddy and Boomer while I’m gone. I look forward to going on a trail ride while I’m away. I am also scuba certified, and have had the privilege of diving in Belize and Grand Cayman. I’m not sure if I’ll get a chance to dive in the Galapagos, but we will certainly spend a considerable amount of time snorkeling. My family is very important to me, and I will miss them and think of them often while I’m gone! I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to travel and learn simultaneously in these amazing places. I know my mother in particular is extremely jealous of me- she purchased a suitcase large enough for my supplies as well as herself. My dad and brother, Alex (18), are also probably trying to find a way onto our plane. I’m lucky to come from a family who loves to travel, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we return to the Galapagos one day. I’ll miss my brother’s comical antics, and will probably end up emailing him at least once for some kind of electronic advice. My friends are also a huge part of my life, and I hope we can stay in touch one way or another over the next three weeks. Those of you doing winter session and heading back to various schools- good luck; those of you staying home- have a fun break! See you guys in February :)I honestly can’t describe how excited I am to embark on this journey- I feel so lucky to be a part of this! I am excited to visit Ecuador, but I’m particularly looking forward to exploring the islands of the Galapagos. And I can’t wait to get to know everyone on the trip!
That’s all for now- wish me luck!! For those of you going- see you at the airport!
~Katy
This is Katy speaking. As you may or may not know, I’m a junior Natural Resource Management major with a Resource Economics minor at UD, and I’m about to embark on a study abroad excursion to Ecuador and the Galapagos. We’ll be there from 1/11 to 2/1- a three week journey during which I’ll miss you all very much! But through the magic of the internet, my study abroad group should be able to post updates on this website. And if I’m lucky, I’ll have access to Facebook and email as well.
For those of you who don’t know me as well, here’s a bit about myself: If you couldn’t tell by my choice of study abroad, I love most everything to do with nature and the outdoors. Canoeing, kayaking, tree-climbing, camping and swimming would all naturally fall under this category. Riding horses has always been a big part of my life, and I will dearly miss Koh-i, Maddy and Boomer while I’m gone. I look forward to going on a trail ride while I’m away. I am also scuba certified, and have had the privilege of diving in Belize and Grand Cayman. I’m not sure if I’ll get a chance to dive in the Galapagos, but we will certainly spend a considerable amount of time snorkeling. My family is very important to me, and I will miss them and think of them often while I’m gone! I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to travel and learn simultaneously in these amazing places. I know my mother in particular is extremely jealous of me- she purchased a suitcase large enough for my supplies as well as herself. My dad and brother, Alex (18), are also probably trying to find a way onto our plane. I’m lucky to come from a family who loves to travel, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we return to the Galapagos one day. I’ll miss my brother’s comical antics, and will probably end up emailing him at least once for some kind of electronic advice. My friends are also a huge part of my life, and I hope we can stay in touch one way or another over the next three weeks. Those of you doing winter session and heading back to various schools- good luck; those of you staying home- have a fun break! See you guys in February :)I honestly can’t describe how excited I am to embark on this journey- I feel so lucky to be a part of this! I am excited to visit Ecuador, but I’m particularly looking forward to exploring the islands of the Galapagos. And I can’t wait to get to know everyone on the trip!
That’s all for now- wish me luck!! For those of you going- see you at the airport!
~Katy
Saturday, January 3, 2009
A Quick Hello from Mike
"Hey everyone,
Just a little bit about me real quick. I'm currently a Junior at UD, this will be my first study abroad trip and first real trip out of the country (I don't think cruises count 100% haha). I love music and will be planning on creating many playlists for this trip. I really want to see hammerhead sharks on this trip if nothing else, marine life fascinates me. I am really going to miss all of my family and friends while I'm on this trip but am excited to make new friends. I believe this trip is a once in a lifetime opportunity so I can't wait until the 11th, see you all then!"
- Mike
Just a little bit about me real quick. I'm currently a Junior at UD, this will be my first study abroad trip and first real trip out of the country (I don't think cruises count 100% haha). I love music and will be planning on creating many playlists for this trip. I really want to see hammerhead sharks on this trip if nothing else, marine life fascinates me. I am really going to miss all of my family and friends while I'm on this trip but am excited to make new friends. I believe this trip is a once in a lifetime opportunity so I can't wait until the 11th, see you all then!"
- Mike
A Quick Hello from Mary
"Hey everybody! My name is Mary and I’m a sophomore Wildlife Conservation major with a minor in Marine Studies at UD. I love anything to do with the ocean and beach, being active, learning, swing dancing, reading, and laughing. I’m lucky to be surrounded by astoundingly awesome family (including a crazy yet lovable dog) and friends, all of whom I will miss a ton while I’m gone. Thanks are in order to my parents who made it possible for me to go on this study abroad. THANK YOU for this wonderful opportunity and I LOVE YOU!! I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone on the trip and checking out all the amazing things Ecuador and the Galapagos have to offer!"
-Mary
-Mary
Friday, December 12, 2008
Welcome!
Hola & welcome to our blog! This is a place where family and friends can come to receive updates and stories during our 3 weeks away. I will do my best to include anecdotes about everyone on the trip. If I do my job well, this blog should keep you entertained. My goal is for you to feel like you're with us hiking through the cloud forest, snorkeling amongst hammerhead sharks, and frying under the equatorial sun!
The first few blog entries will be from me, so, I'll introduce myself. My name is Deborah, and I'm and English Major at UD. I'm from Westchester, NY and love traveling, skiing, dancing, and meeting new people. My grandmother, Nanny, will probably be my first reader. (Shoutout to Nanny and Poppy)!!! They love snorkeling more than I do, and I wish so much that I could bring them along. I have a younger sister, Rebecca, in high school and an older sister, Rachel, in medical school. Rachel and I have traveled together in Israel and Italy. She would probably describe me as overly cautious and girly, but I like to think my adventurous side prevails when I'm traveling. My Mom appreciates my cautiousness and will weigh down my suitcase with tubes of SPF before I leave. My Dad will tell anyone who will listen about my travels and might even print out this blog to keep in his wallet. I'm fortunate to have tons of great friends all over the place (Rye, Montauk, and Delaware). Some of them might make fun of me for having a blog, but I don't mind. I'm a nerd at heart and I love you all!
I suppose that's all for now. Check back regularly to read more. Before we leave, I'll probably dedicate an entry to shopping for the trip and my frustrations with packing. I'd also love to post a brief biography similar to mine for everyone on the trip. So message them to me! As soon as I have a bunch, I'll put them up!
<3 !
The first few blog entries will be from me, so, I'll introduce myself. My name is Deborah, and I'm and English Major at UD. I'm from Westchester, NY and love traveling, skiing, dancing, and meeting new people. My grandmother, Nanny, will probably be my first reader. (Shoutout to Nanny and Poppy)!!! They love snorkeling more than I do, and I wish so much that I could bring them along. I have a younger sister, Rebecca, in high school and an older sister, Rachel, in medical school. Rachel and I have traveled together in Israel and Italy. She would probably describe me as overly cautious and girly, but I like to think my adventurous side prevails when I'm traveling. My Mom appreciates my cautiousness and will weigh down my suitcase with tubes of SPF before I leave. My Dad will tell anyone who will listen about my travels and might even print out this blog to keep in his wallet. I'm fortunate to have tons of great friends all over the place (Rye, Montauk, and Delaware). Some of them might make fun of me for having a blog, but I don't mind. I'm a nerd at heart and I love you all!
I suppose that's all for now. Check back regularly to read more. Before we leave, I'll probably dedicate an entry to shopping for the trip and my frustrations with packing. I'd also love to post a brief biography similar to mine for everyone on the trip. So message them to me! As soon as I have a bunch, I'll put them up!
<3 !
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