Another week in Galapagos has come and gone in the blink of an eye. Our classes with Dr. Olson have included lots of nature walks led by our guide Alfredo, complete with salinity profiles and birdwatching (two of the professor’s favorite pastimes).

Almost every day after lecture, our entire class will head to the beach for an afternoon of relaxation and various games. If you ask me, life’s simplest pleasures require only a ball, a beach, maybe a sunset, and a group to enjoy it all with.

Students spent a sunny weekend with their families and together at the popular surfer spot El Faro. It was a delight watching the locals shred alongside IOI’s very own surfer extraordinaire, Rachel Sandquist. My favorite moment of the day had to be when UGalapagos student Karen Slattery, under Rachel’s encouragement, got up on her first wave. Shoutout to Josh Zahner for capturing that scene perfectly, as seen in the picture below.

*(Left: Karen Slattery, happily atop her first wave. Right: Proud teacher Rachel Sandquist pumping her fists)*

On Monday we celebrated the 22nd birthday of UGalapagos student Kate Cordero with cake and a visit to the nearby tortoise conservation center! After cooing over the abundance of these adorable baby tortoises at the facility, students walked back to IOI through lush green forests and mangrove ponds dotted with bright-pink flamingos and slumbering ducks.

Looking forward to our big snorkel tomorrow at Isla Tortuga!

Thanks for reading! Until our next adventure,

Claire Griffin

Photo Creds: Claire Griffin