March 15, 2009.Day 1 of 10 on Isla de La Plata. The foundation I work for doesn't have its own boat therefore in order to get to the island we hitch rides with tourist boats.I got lucky today in a sense as there was only room for one person on the boat and having experience with the work on the island I was the one to hitch a ride.This means I get a free day alone on the island to spend with Hollis!To relax, think, write, read, nap, practice yoga in silence!Ge...

Hola hola… Wow, ya bienvenidos a marzo (already we are welcoming March)!Between Carnaval, island excursions, and working the night shifts at La Playita, often times in retrospect, a week seems like a really long day.We are well into the summer/rainy season here in Manabi, Ecuador.On days when there are no clouds the sun is SUPER intense, and on days when it rains, it REALLY rains!For almost two weeks there were no buses between Puerto Lopez and Quito due to ...

So CARNAVAL began on Friday night and tonight will be the final night of fiestas.Antonella and I went for ceviche on the beach on Friday night and upon leaving the restaurant were greeted with eggs and buckets of water on our heads…haha, VIVA CARNAVAL!! This nonsense continued each night (and day) we passed anywhere close to the main street next to the beach.Regardless of this silly custom, the nights out have been super fun!Full, full, full of music and dancin...

Isla de la Plata I spent last week on Isla de la Plata, aka The Poor Man's Galapagos.The island is roughly 30 miles offshore from Puerto Lopez and is part of Parque Nacional Machalilla which means there are fewer tourists (as only certain boats with certain guides are allowed to visit), and a LOT of unique marine life to observe! I was so happy getting in that boat the day we left as I had been anticipating getting out on the ocean for the last couple of week...

Last weekend began with a farewell party for Ceci & Juan Manuel, a sweet couple from Quito who have been working at Equilibrio Azul for the past year.It was sad to see them go as they are kind souls, but they will be returning to Quito to complete their theses and contribute to the wonderful world of science go peace be with them!More volunteers will be moving in this week so the house will be full again in a few days.The party was full of good food, laughter...