I just watched my last Galapagos sunset. Tomorrow morning I will board a plane to Quito where I will spend the night and the next day before flying back to New Mexico. Once there I will be able to eat green chile burritos instead of rice, talk in English instead of stutter in Spanish, and walk the streets without getting whistled at by every guy that passes. But all I can think about is how much I will miss Galapagos. I will miss the people I have met here, locals and international students alike. I couldn’t have chosen a better group of people to travel with. Everyone in the group has something unique to offer. There were no major arguments the entire 4 months that we’ve been together, studying, eating, and living right next to each other. And it was always exciting to see someone even if you had just seen them twelve hours ago. I learned to appreciate even the most eccentric of the group. I will never see most of these people again and that makes me sad but I’m happy I got to know them when I did.

What surprised me most about Galapagos was the people. Yes, people do really live on the Galapagos. And they are some of the most down-to-earth people you will ever meet. They’re nice even if you can’t understand a word they say. They will help you out with whatever you need from lending you a surfboard to buying you a beer. I have gotten used to hearing Hawaii! In the street and responding to it. I have been able to have deep conversations in Spanglish, and dance salsa without looking like a total fool.

I will miss the animals of the Galapagos. The finches that dive-bomb you for bites of your sandwich, the irate sea lions, the stupid, strange boobies. I will miss them too.

My host mom had a baby this morning. I am glad I got to see her before I left.

I’m sure I will go through major reverse culture shock when I get back. This is the longest I’ve ever gone in my life without seeing a McDonalds, Wal-Mart, or even a normal supermarket. For a person so frustrated with consumer culture already, I’m sure the transition from a place like the Galapagos to a place like the U.S. will be a difficult one. I don’t feel ready to leave this place that I’ve grown to love so much. It has taught me to appreciate things so much more, from a warm shower to a simple sunset. Life is so much simpler here. Not having every worldly good and service at your fingertips makes it so much easier to appreciate simple things that do come easily. I may not be ready to go home, but it’s time. My shoes can attest to that, with their soles worn through, allowing numerous rocks and plant material to pass right through. God knows my stomach can attest to it, which hasn’t had a decent meal in ages. So hasta luego Galapagos, until we meet again. Ciao.