Weather: Sunny and 81

Today marks an entire month of being in the Galapagos Islands and I truly don't know where the time went. I feel like I just got here and was trying to adjust to everything. Now that I have adjusted and have embraced days of self care and relaxation it is a whole new experience for me. When I first arrived I wasn't quite sure how this would go, especially since it is a developing island and you can see almost everything it has to offer in about a week. I have been here a month and there's a beach I haven't been snorkeling at so I plan to do that next weekend. At times I found myself thinking that if we were on Santa Cruz the adjustment period would have been shorter because the population is about 18,000 people, and it's where all the tourists go. However, I saw a picture in one of our speaker's presentations that showed how crowded Puerto Ayora can get which is a main hub for tourists. I realized we hang out here in San Cristobal on the malecon which is the main tourist hang out too (even for locals). Being on an island there's only so many places to hang out. If the malecon was crowded all the time I wouldn't find it enjoyable nor relaxing so I am so happy we're in San Cristobal...again everything happens for a reason. I'll be happy visiting Santa Cruz with my next class and over Spring break.

Two months ago today, I was gearing up to leave for Quito! Again I can't believe I am halfway through my study abroad experience and I am soaking it all up. It has been an incredible experience so far and I have done so much during my time here. I am pumped for Spring break in two weeks and the opportunity to see the other islands. I can't believe I'm already on my second week of Political Ecology, it feels like yesterday I was in orientation listening to Tammy give her culture shock talk and being excited to have her as a professor. Here I am, already halfway through her class.

More to come...