3 weeks left!

Hey everyone! Update on the Galapagos: We went to this other Island last weekend and it was absolutely gorgeous. I was seriously almost tempted to stay there forever. The beach rapped around the whole town and the streets were just pure sand. The water was crystal clear and it was just so laid back! I loved it!!!! LOVE, LOVE, LOVED it! Eventually I was dragged back to Santa Cruz because my parents unfortunately refused to leave me there. While we were there we got to go horseback riding up to this super cool crater thing. That was fun. The other guy who went on the tour with us was soooooo funny and nice! We only have 3 weeks to go here! After the Galapagos we are headed to Chile! My grandma is going to come visit us there which will be super fun! The Galapagos, overall have been really, really great. It has been a incredible experience...and so much fun. We go to the beaches most days, and that is amazing. I am enjoying it much more then I thought I would. Next week and the week after are going to be spent only touring. We still have to volunteer, but only for 3 days each week. Since we do not have much time left, and many places to see we will be busy trying to fit everthing in!!! Happy valentines day!
-Vienna

The Galapagos by Noelle

The beaches here are ABSOLUTELY gorgeous!!! We try to go on the weekends when were not volunteering because on the days we volunteer, it takes up most of our day along with the school work we try to accomplish. I have found the heat to be excruciating but on the beach, its fantastic and keeps Treava, Vienna and I in the water playing for hours. When suntanning, you share the beach with hundreds of little finches and birds and lots of marine iguanas. The marine iguanas are quite freaky and definitely don't have much fear of humans. We tried chasing one once, and it just mozzied its way down to the water where it swam a little ways out, and returned to shore. At the boat harbor, many seals bathe on top of the boats or on the piers. Some even come up out of the water to the fish market and try to steal the fisher men's fish.

Most locals seem very accustomed to tourist which can be frustrating because they normally don't interact with you. The experience here has been so different from our experience in El Salvador in that respect. Our English students up at Bellavista have been a blast to teach, and are quick learners.

Miss you all!!!
Noelle

Galapagos

The town is really kinda small. Its kinda like the image of a tiny beach town, plus tons of animals! I like it alright but it is kinda frustrating becuase there are no big supermarkets so food is limited, except in resturants which are delicious! Overall, I am happy with our house and the town. We have been teaching english three days a week for 3 hours in a smaller town 7 miles away, Bellavista. It is really fun. The kids are misbehaved at times, but overall they are all very fasinated in learning English. Teaching them is fun, and I think I might be interested in helping special needs children. I enjoy working with the children who casue issues, more then the perfect student. I think it is more challenging and rewarding. I dont think I would be a special ed teacher, but possibly a mental health sychiatrist. The beaches here are stunning. White sand, streched out for miles being plummled by waves is the typical beach. Lots of wildlife including, Iquanas, Sea Lions, Birds, Turtles, Dolphins and seals surround the islands. We are taking a trip to another island this weekend and I am definitly looking forward to that. We get to go horseback riding! I am thrilled! Only one month left here, and then on to Chile. Definitly excited to get away from the heat, though I will miss the beaches and animals. Hope all is well.