Weather: Sunny and 80 with a slight breeze

Yesterday was the beginning of my final week of GIS as well as my final week here in the Galapagos. I had an exam yesterday in GIS that was a bit rough but there was only about 3 people that finished the exam out of a class of 20ish people, so I didn't feel too bad. It was a relief that it was over. My group for a final project met up again later in the day and we were able to finish which was a huge relief. The only thing in the way of me finishing this class is a presentation with 9 other people, homework that I'll finish tomorrow, and a field assignment. I'm looking forward to getting some beach time in on Wednesday and Thursday.

Today, after class everyone in IES got on a bus to the highlands with Cristina for our farewell lunch. We went to Otoy which is a restaurant I've been to before with my political ecology class. It's a beautiful location with great food. Today I had the veggie rice and dessert was passionfruit mousse. Delicious! We had to fill out this form that had 20 or so sentences we needed to complete. They were all about how we felt about leaving the Galapagos and our return trip home. It was a good time and a nice break from school work because as soon as we returned I was in the GIS lab finishing up my homework assignment.

Later, I returned home and dinner was ready eventually ready, so we ate as a family and then after dinner we all played UNO. It was good family bonding. I can’t remember the last time I had a family game night or anything like it so it was nice to play with all of them. Mateo and Helena had to get to bed so I ended up playing a couple of rounds with Anahi. We jammed to some music and talked. It was a good time and good bonding time with her as well. Throughout the semester, I have been filling her in on some of the drama that goes on within the program and she is always eager to listen. I’ll miss the chats we have but I hope to stay in touch with her and keep up on her life in the years to come (same goes for my whole family here). It was so nice and literally felt like I was a part of the family which makes the closeness of Friday a tad bit sad.

Lately, I feel like my Spanish skills have gone to crap. I am still getting my message across and my family is understanding but it's just so frustrating because I can talk better, I know I can I just can't seem to find the words fast enough. It could be language exhaustion and the fact that I am leaving here soon. I'm trying to give myself credit but it's hard feeling like I know nothing. The closer it gets to going home, the more excited I am getting to see the fam and the pups but it is definitely going to be sad leaving my host family behind.