So I'm off on another adventure: Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands! I'll be finishing up all my requirements for my Spanish Major, along with a submersion course for my minor in Latin American Studies. The flight leaves 1o am January 2nd, 2007. Bringing in the new year with a bang!
Here's my itinerary:

Jan 3rd: Historical Tour of Quito, Ecuador and the Middle of the World (stand with each foot in a different hemisphere!
Jan 4th: TBA- possibly a hike in the Andes
Jan 5th: Depart to the Galapagos- cabin assignments, boat drills and introductions.
Later, observing of wild life including seabirds like blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, frigate birds as well as some sea lions and fur sea lions. Not to mention some lava lizards!
Back on board the boat for a welcome cocktail with the captain and dinner.
Jan 6th: Morning outing at Punta Suarez for an exciting walk on lava terrain to see the sea bird colonies, iguanas, and sea lions.
Disembark for Floreana Island to a brackish water lagoon with flamingos and various other birds as well as a white sand beach where sea turtles come out at night for nesting (December to May--I'll be there!) Snorkeling...or glass bottom boat.
Jan 7th: Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island): First, a dinghy ride to observe Galapagos penguins, then a mile walk. Highest density of marine iguanas, sea lions, sally foot crabs, and hawks.
Possible snorkeling, volcano tour, maybe some dolphins and possibly whales!
Urbina Bay (Isabela Island): Walk to observe large and colorful Galapagos land iguanas, land tortoises, followed by a refreshing swim.
Jan 8th: Charles Darwin Research Center to view the conservation efforts promoted by the institution, stroll through a prickly-pear forest.
Head back to the mainland of Ecuador.
Jan 9th-1oth: TBA
Jan 11th: Quito
Jan 12th-14th: TBA
Jan 15th: Home again, home again

The archipelago of the Galapagos