Well, the troops are on their way home.  They spent the day at Cotopaxi National Park yesterday.

Cotopaxi Volcano

They were up super early for their 5:30 flight home this morning.  We leave in a few hours for the airport.  We'll be happy to have her home...it has been super quiet around here.  Expecting more snow tonight so will probably get a snow day tomorrow which will be a great catch up time around our house, laundry, pictures and a big fire in the fireplace.  Actually looking forward to a snow day...our 15th this year.

We actually went snorkeling again, and I saw a shark!!! It was sooooooo cool!! We also saw rays, a turtle and more pufferfish, more sea lions and more fish. I saw these cool fish that were fluorescent purple and orange, little things. 

Tomorrow, when we go back to Quito we get down time at the hotel and we get to just swim and relax all day until dinner. I'm sooooooo looking forward to it.

I love you guys!! See you in a couple days!!

We all got really badly sunburnt today (yes, I did put sunscreen on!!) but we saw baby pufferfish, pufferfish, sea lions, 15 sea turtles, sharks, and lots of fish and birds.   Tomorrow we go to the plazas islands to see flamingoes, frigate birds, blue footed boobies, sharks and penguins. Today we went snorkeling in this famous place known for snorkeling in the galapagos. We were supposed to see sharks and there were 3 kinds, including hammerheads, galapagos sharks and white tip reef sharks. They told us they were harmless, and not interested in people, which they weren't, otherwise they wouldn't have let us go snorkeling there. Our guide said that the white tip reef sharks only eat little fish, and so do the hammerhead, because their mouths are so small. I thought I saw a shark, but I wasn't sure, but people in the other group of our class said that they saw them.

I was absolutely terrified, along with everyone else. When we jumped in I couldn't believe that I had made this horrible decision. I swam over to Mckenzie and we held onto each other for support. I saw a glint of gray and was terrified, I was sure that it was a hammerhead coming to get me. Then, the gray thing moved closer to us and we almost cut off the circulation in the other ones arm, but then, it came even closer, and we could see that it was a turtle. After that, I knew that every little thing, was going to be alright. The fish were beautiful, but the water was not as clear as when I snorkeled  in Panama and the fish weren't quite as cool.

Arrived safely to the islands.

We got a quick email late last night that the group had a big day of traveling, bus, plane, ferry, bus and finally made it to the island.  They spent the afternoon at the Charles Darwin Research Station and got to see a giant tortoise!  This morning they were going snorkeling.  We hope to have more of a post from her tonight.  However, it sounds like they are very busy.

On Monday the group went to Otavalo market for a day of shopping.  Alden said that she was able to buy gifts for everyone for just $35.  She said that she had a great time bargaining and talking to the merchants.  She was proud of her Spanish speaking skills.  They returned to Quito for an evening of Salsa lessons.  Can't wait to see her moves.

Today they were up early to catch their flight to the Galapagos.  They will be there for 3 days.
They sound like they are having a great but exhausting time.   She wasn't sure that she would be able to access wi-fi on the islands so we may not hear from her until she returns to Quito.

Email #2

So today we have learned a lot about Quito and Ecuador. We learned that Oil is Ecuador's biggest export. In Quito, gas costs 1-2 dollars a gallon. We learned all about the forces at the Equator and how they affect us. We have ridden all around the city and taken many pictures. 

We saw the Virgin of Quito statue and The Church of the Society of Jesus. It is beautiful!! It was built from 1605-1765 with 54 kilos of gold. There was also a fire in 1996 that closed it down for a couple of years.

I miss you guys a lot but it's nice to be able to email you. We are back at the hotel for a couple of hours before we go to dinner. We are going to go swimming!!

Love love!!!

The Church of the Society of Jesus

Inside

Virgin of Quito

They made it!  Alden emailed this morning to let us know that they arrived safely.  They

sound a bit punchy but I guess that can be expected after a full day of traveling.  Here are some comments that she shared...

Alden: So we have successfully gotten through customs with no problems.

Jenna: I ATE A BLUEBERRY DOUGHNUT! THAT IS MOMS FAVORITE FLAVOR!

Phebe: I made it through security!!!

Sarah: sitting here...been forever...very bored.

Taylor: I made it through security...They thought I had drugs in my hair. I had pizza. :)

This was from wayyy earlier. Say like 3:pm or something.


A little later she sent this...


We got here at 3am. Then we got 5 hours of sleep. Today we are going to explore Quito. Our guide is very nice. We should have free time later. Which is exciting.

I love you!

Iglesia de San Francisco

Pichincha Volcano

On Saturday, March 8, 17 students and 2 teachers will embark on a great adventure to the equator.  The group will fly to Quito were they will spend a few days sight seeing and shopping in Otavalo market, before heading to the Galapagos!  There, they will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and tour some of the islands.  After a few days they will fly back to Quito and continue their adventure with a side trip to Cotopaxi National Park, which is the highest, active volcano (above sea level).  I will be publishing posts during our trip, so try to keep up if you can!