Darwin's Footsteps

December 20, 2016 - Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos 

Nothing better than a morning hike. We arrived at the island of Santa Cruz and explored the natural beauty -- giant tortoises in their natural habitat. We walked around to see wild Galapagos tortoises doing their thing. 

Some were mating, some were playing, and I stood their observing in awe. Everything about them is slow, yet they quickly fascinate all those near. For those of you who have seen my mom drive, they made her look like she is speeding. Hehehe. 


These tortoises are the longest living land animals and can live around 150 years. That is, after the fight for survival.The tortoises lay their eggs in holes above sea level. They then cover them with a certain scent to mark their territory. X usually marks the spot, well in their case ... pee marks the spot. They are not gender specific, so the eggs towards the top (receiving the most sunlight) are females. However, that also means they come out first and the predators are most likely to kill them. This is the reason that there are many more male than female tortoises. 


I watched as the turtles gently made their way from one place to another, and it seemed to have taken ages. Their arms and legs were huge in perspective to their neck and head, and they were extremely wrinkly. If I got too close and startled them, they would quickly tuck their head in their shell. These creatures seemed prehistoric and dinosaur like from such a close distance. 

After walking through their home, we walked around town and familiarized ourselves. The island looked just like some other Ecuadorian town. Nothing was extremely well built and it was all pretty dirty. However, they had some cool Galapagos souvenirs (since they mainly factor off tourism). Plus, we also got Wi-Fi for the first time in a few days, so everything worked out for the better. 

The adventure didn't end there. We then hiked through a lava tube. It is an underground tunnel from inactive volcano through which lava used to flow through. My mom and sister backed out after hiking for about 10 minutes, but my dad and I hiked the entire thing. It was incredible. The walls were all rock-like but very sharp. The ceiling was dome shaped and the height varied depending upon where we were in the tunnel. 

There were well lit lanterns in some areas but there was barely any light in others -- but we were able to find our way through. 

It was the end, however, that was unique. The ceiling had collapsed and we had to climb to get ourselves out. We planked our way through, climbed over rocks, and eventually saw the light peering through-- we had made it! 

I have seen many things this trip, but the tortoises and lava tube are definitely some of the most fascinating. You don't see something like that everyday ... or in the Galapagos, do you?

Another Great Day in Galapagos

Floreana, Galapagos - December 19, 2016

You probably know how I started my day. If you haven't figured it out by now, it's my typical morning hike. We sailed to the island of Floreana and stopped at our first destination. We visited the oldest post office in Ecuador. It is no longer an official post office, but people try to keep the tradition going. They write a post card and leave it in the barrel. The following tourists check the post cards and destination and see if they can deliver it. I wrote one as well and sent it to myself to see if I will ever receive it. Who knows how long it will take. If you are up to it, write in the comments what you think and I'll let you know who was the closest. 

Straight from the Island's beach we went into snorkeling mode. We got to be head to head with sea turtles. I was so close that if I even extended my arm a little, they would scurry in fear. I just swam in place and admired. These magnificent creatures were huge in size and graceful swimmers. There were also many parrot fish surrounding them. These rainbow fish lighted up the ocean with their neon colors. Seeing one is incredible, but seeing a group is unforgettable! 

Today didn't have too much action. We returned from snorkeling and got in the hot tub with our hot chocolate. I am really liking that tradition. Lol! We survived another great day in the Galapagos. Can't wait to see what tomorrow will hold.

IGUANA Take a SEAlfie?

Española Island, Ecuador - December 18, 2016

I was referred to as 'Ms. Chicken' today. I have to admit I was scared, but I had all reasons to be. You couldn't take a step without stepping on an Iguana. The scariest part of all is that the Iguanas camouflage with the rocks... so they constantly startle you. So as I said, I believe I had all reasons to be scared! However, I don't regret taking this hike at all!

Today we arrived at Española, the southern most island in the Galapagos. We walked through a clearly marked trail of rocks, sea-lion and iguana dung, birds, iguanas, sea lions, and crabs.The rocks themselves had a distinct color. They had a shiny, black look which made all the animals pop out. 

There were crabs of red color, which almost appeared to be glowing. There were Boobies, Mockingbirds, Albatross, and my favorite, Frigates. I like to call them 'Bat man birds' because these fascinating creatures look like the bat man symbol. They fly for hours without flapping their wings and just glide near us. 

The Albatross were neat as well, sending a quite frightening vibe. Their feathers were of a grey, unattractive color and they looked almost sick. Our guide told us that these birds are believed to bring sailors bad weather. I guess I'm not the only one who felt their disturbing vibes. 

The Boobies, however, didn't seem so unique. On some other islands they have Blue footed Boobies which have bright blue feet and white feathers. Now that I want to see! We did see one Booby who was hovering over an egg. That was super cool! It was guarding it with its life and put a sour face if you walked even near it. 

The birds were pretty interesting, but my favorite creature was the sea lions by far! They looked so sweet and playful. I wasn't allowed to touch them, but their shiny, soft skin and big eyes were so tempting. Even my mom admitted she wanted to take one home. Some of them would rest on land, but most of them chilled in the crystal, blue water. They would swim around, splashing and climbing on each other. The only thing keeping me from joining their stacks was the Alpha-male. He was... not so friendly. He had the same features as the others, but was much larger. He protected his pack and was ready to charge at any threat Immediately. Most of the colony was made of females and young, and the Alpha-male watched over them all. He stays their until he is challenged by another male, and the winner remains King of the island. All the ones who didn't succeed join their own island, the 'Bachelor Island'.

I started the hike afraid to even step on a rock and ended up almost running around. My fear had drifted with the tide, and I felt invincible. The Iguanas wouldn't even flinch as I walked past them and remained zen. We hiked back enjoying the view and the calmness of nature. When we returned to the ship, we washed off our shoes to get rid off all the dirt and dung. The smell still follows me as I am writing this, but I'm glad because this is something I never (I)guana forget. 

Raising Money for Challenge Aspen

March 28, 2012 - Aspen, Colorado

It was a sunny, bright, and snowy day, that was a perfect day for skiing.  Sadly a few days before I strained a minor ligament.  In short terms, that meant there was going to be no more skiing for me.  What hurt most of all was my whole family was going skiing but me.  Well, except for my mom and me.

Instead of skiing, I decided to walk around and ask people for money. I know you might be reading this, thinking I am crazy, but all of the money I collected was going to be donated to Challenge Aspen. 

Challenge Aspen is a program that helps people with disabilities learn to ski. 

I asked many people and I said the same thing to everyone I asked.  I told them "I am trying to raise money to help kids with disabilities learn to ski, would you like too donate? All the money goes to Challenge Aspen." 

 

That seemed to work. I collected $1,000 in one day.  The people at Challenge Aspen were so impressed, they put me on their Facebook Page and gave me a job to work a second day at a booth by the ski slopes. 

On the second day, I ran into two men in wheelchairs. They each had no legs, but both could ski.  One of them was featured in the newspaper in Aspen.

I was dying to take a picture with them.  They were really nice.  They told me how they were in the military in Afghanistan and were badly hurt.

  

By the end of the second day, I had enough money to buy 3,000 chocolate bars.  I had collected $2,755 in all.

The best thing I got when my work was complete was not the sunglasses and other items from the people at Challenge Aspen, or being written about on Facebook, but the fact I helped so many people.

Thank you Casey, Siri and everyone else at Challenge Aspen.  I had fun helping out.

   

 

    

Home School Presentation

January 30, 2012 - Miami, FL

Today I went and gave a presentation at a public school about my trip to Argentina.  Here are a few photos followed by my Power Point presentation.

Update on Mr. Claudio Gallina

January 25, 2013 - Miami, FL

Dear Mr. Gallina,

I looked at the painting and could not believe you made it. I looked so real. It was just like a photograph. You do have a very nice imagination and I love the way you think. Your art is so different than anything I have seen before. 

Thanks once again. 

By the way next time you come to Miami to do an art exhibit let me know. I will try to go to the exhibit when you come. 

Thank you and enjoy your day!!!