Off For Some More Adventures

     Today, I left again for another J-term trip. For those whom may not know, I am studying abroad in Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands for the next month. Similar to my trip to India, I will be taking a course. However this time I will be studying Biology along with a little Philosophy. From looking at class material it apppears to be focused on Darwin and the studies of Evolution. We will take many hikes during our time here.

     As we began our travels, I was faced with the unpreparedness and the feeling of not believing that the day to leave was already here. In this experience being my second study aborad trip I was faced with the difficulity of not comparing trips. This is difficult to do for me as my trip to India was an experience of a lifetime and I made some of the greatest friends there. So, to begin this journey, the first thing I noticed was the size of our group. We are traveling with a group of 25 which is much larger than the 13 I traveled with last year. I am excited to see how the group dynamic, will work as it appears we will be together a lot during hikes, classes and just overall travel. 

     Speaking of travel, I am currently writing this first blog from our flight to Ecuador from Atlanta. In the last few days I was nervous that we might encounter delays in leaving due to the frozen tundra of Minnesota I was leaving. Everything went smoothly with no delays though. The flight to Atlanta was only a short and comfortable three hours and with this flight only being 5 and a half hours it is a very light travel day in comparison to most abroad visits. I am currently enjoying the luxury of improved technology by watching the Chiefs play the Colts and with it being late in the 3rd quarter I am hoping the Chiefs can pull out this win. I was nervous I was going to miss the game, but am very happy I can watch it.

     Anyways, we will arrive in Quito in just a few hours and I want to take this time again to thank everyone whom has supported me in my traveling adventures. To my family, I can't thank you enough, as I have been blessed with one, being related to you all, but also for having your support for everything I do. To everyone else, thank you for one reading my posts, as it means a lot that I can share this experience with you, but also for your support in encouraging me to travel and experiencing things beyond my comfort zone. Hope you all survive the freezing weather heading your way!!!