The last few days have been pretty low-key. Most days have been spent with classes, homework, and relaxing in the sun. We've had a huge research project to work on, so that has taken up most of my time. It's actually been really fun: we looked at whether damselfish show selective defensive behavior. That is, we put urchins and rocks into damselfish territories and watched the fish react, usually by kicking the urchin out of its "farm" by pushing or carrying it away. The really fun moments, however, were spent with some adorable sea lion pups after a morning of research (aka snorkeling). The beach we were at, La Loberia, seems to function as this season's primary nursery beach. Watch the little guys play in the sand and the sun:
(ok so eventually there will be a video here. Again with the internet problems.)
(ok so eventually there will be a video here. Again with the internet problems.)
ADORABLE.
Last weekend held some fantastic dive trips to kicker rock, but the highlight was really a surprise. We happened to cross paths with a huge group of dolphins! And then? We jumped in. We delayed the dives for the sake of snorkeling with these beautiful animals. It was quite probably one of the most exciting and incredible moments of my life. It was only my second time seeing dolphins in the wild, and being in the water with them as they sang and swam around us nearly made my heart stop with joy. I'm working on my video clips from that, hopefully I can share them with you as well.
Otherwise, Island life has settled down to a pretty regular pattern. It won't last long, though - tomorrow we (the international students here) leave for a week long island hopping trip. Time to explore the rest of the Galápagos! I'll be missing out on my host family's Halloween and day of the Dead celebrations (serious bummer), but I'm sure the Island explorations will be worth it. I'll have TONS of stories after, I'm sure!
In the mean time, I noticed my posts have had a lot of writing and have severely lacked in visuals...In my defense, my access to reliable internet is a bit of a struggle. Nevertheless, I really should SHOW you what's been going on in my life, rather than just talk your ear off (or your eyes, I suppose, since you're reading). So, let's look back at what's happened since my lost photo post (not counting the turtles, I think I left you in the dark somewhere in Quito...).
Last weekend held some fantastic dive trips to kicker rock, but the highlight was really a surprise. We happened to cross paths with a huge group of dolphins! And then? We jumped in. We delayed the dives for the sake of snorkeling with these beautiful animals. It was quite probably one of the most exciting and incredible moments of my life. It was only my second time seeing dolphins in the wild, and being in the water with them as they sang and swam around us nearly made my heart stop with joy. I'm working on my video clips from that, hopefully I can share them with you as well.
Otherwise, Island life has settled down to a pretty regular pattern. It won't last long, though - tomorrow we (the international students here) leave for a week long island hopping trip. Time to explore the rest of the Galápagos! I'll be missing out on my host family's Halloween and day of the Dead celebrations (serious bummer), but I'm sure the Island explorations will be worth it. I'll have TONS of stories after, I'm sure!
In the mean time, I noticed my posts have had a lot of writing and have severely lacked in visuals...In my defense, my access to reliable internet is a bit of a struggle. Nevertheless, I really should SHOW you what's been going on in my life, rather than just talk your ear off (or your eyes, I suppose, since you're reading). So, let's look back at what's happened since my lost photo post (not counting the turtles, I think I left you in the dark somewhere in Quito...).