Last Day in the Galapagos

playa corola at sunset

And so begins my last day in the Galapagos.  I just finished my final exam for my maritime communities class, and with my final paper turned in yesterday, I'm done with all academic work and free to enjoy my last day on the islands.  It's a weird feeling knowing that this is the last time I'll be on the Galapagos for a long time, possible ever.  The first part of the semester in Quito was a lot of fun, but San Cristobal is absolutely my home in Ecuador.  I've always been a mountain person at heart- before I came here going to the beach for the sake of the beach wasn't on the top of my to do list- bu now I'm definitely going to miss living right by the ocean, and  being able to jump in the water whenever I want.

the harbor, from the roof of the university

And the wildlife is gonna be a big transition- the flighty squirrels, songbirds, and occasional deer are so different from the fearless animals of the Galapagos.  Yesterday I went snorkeling at Playa Corola, and got to swim beside a pair of spotted eagle rays, right off shore.  They were completely unconcerned by my presence, and would swim so close I could reach out and touch their wingtips.  Probably wasn't suppose to do that, but when else would I get the chance?  For all the tourism that comes through these islands, and how much they've been changed since the Spanish first found them in 1535, the wildlife and scenery is incredible- not what I'm used to, but so much more impressive than what I was expecting.  From the boobies to the giant tortoises to the sea lions lazing in the water off the beaches, I think I've spent more time with wildlife than anywhere back at home.

with my host-brother Ivan

All in all, the Galapagos have been amazing.  There are a lot of things I want to do, and leaving the islands isn't one of them. Off to the beach for one last romp!

sunset at Shipwreck bay

the malecon at night

Darwin