PROGRAM PHOTO ALBUM
Thanks for the checking out the blog for this Global Leadership Adventures program!
Here are a few things to know and expect:
- Blog posts are written by onsite program staff and/or students and sent to our Headquarters team who will post the blog on this page.
- We typically receive 2-3 blog updates per week from each program, so please don’t be alarmed if you don’t see a blog post every day – that’s totally normal.
- Blog updates received late in the evening or overnight will be posted the following day.
- Blog updates received on weekends may not be posted until Monday.
- Due to many factors such as internet accessibility, program staff aren’t always able to send photos, so some blog posts may contain text only.
Thank you for your patience and understanding, and we hope you enjoy following along on these unforgettable adventures.
For frequently asked questions about the blogs, please visit our Program Blog FAQ page.
-The Global Leadership Adventures HQ Team
Click here to jump down to the most recent post!
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 16
After a much needed rest from the long and exhausting previous day’s travel, we started our morning with a simple but delicious breakfast of toast, eggs, and a variety of fresh fruits. Once we let our food settle for twenty minutes, we took our swim tests and then went over important ground rules and trip expectations.
After, we did one on one interviews with randomly selected partners to get to know each other better. After a few minutes of chatting and asking questions, we introduced our partners to the group, which helped us all get a better sense of who we are traveling with.
Lunch was a hearty spread featuring chicken soup, grilled chicken breasts, mashed potatoes, a vegetable salad, and local ice cream. After a short break, we boarded a bus and headed out to visit two different equator sites. Our first stop was the Mitad del Mundo monument, which marks the modern equator line. There, we toured a museum that showcased Indigenous life and history, along with a complex but fun demonstration about how gravity and balance are affected near the equator. The guide referenced the work of French explorer and geographer Charles Marie De Condamine, who dedicated his life studies to map the equator in the 18th century.
Next, we visited the Initiñan, a nearby site historically believed to be the true equator prior to recalculation in 2008. At the top of the museum’s lookout tower, we enjoyed a breathtaking view of Ecuador’s mountains and volcanoes which were blanketed by clouds.
Afterward, we explored local shops and food stalls. Some of us had more ice cream.
We wrapped up the day by returning to camp for dinner of spaghetti and meatballs with chocolate pudding for dessert. The night ended with some friendly blackjack (no gambling money, sadly) and some frantic packing with everyone needing their suitcase to be under twenty three kilograms (about forty four pounds).
– Henry (Hank)
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 17
By Marielle K and Hanna P
This morning 12 shivering and groaning teenagers woke up at four in the morning to start their journey to the Galápagos Islands. With suitcases by the bus by 430 and bagged breakfasts in hand we started driving towards the airport, the stars still awake and waving us away from base camp number one. When we reached the air we were somewhat more awake and ready to roll. Instead we ended up standing around for quite a bit while we waited for the boarding passes and the checking tags to print. With all of that taken care of we headed towards the plane. With a scale ranging from fast asleep to coffee everyone spent their plane ride a different way. We got a friendly Iguana greeting when we landed. Once inside the airport Hakkan handed out passports and money like we were in a heist movie.
The island we had flown to is a small island right next to Santa Cruz that used to be a US Navy base. Because of this we had to ride a short bus right from the airport to the edge of the island before boarding a small boat. We actually got to watch some blue footed boobies and pelicans diving, which was an awesome view backdropped by the perfect teal water. After the boat ride we took another bus, our final step before making it to base camp two.
Once at the base, the 12 of us split into our new room assignments to explore the cozy cracks, stains, and lizards decorating our new home. After everyone settled down and settled in, there were a few heated rounds or BS and blackjack before lunch. We had a tasty lunch, endured some heat to make your eyes sweat and a few rules of the part, before setting out on the next part of our adventures, tortoises! We saw all ranges of a giant tortoises’ life; the babies breed in the sanctuary, some teens wobbling around their enclosure, some impressively prehistoric, century year old tortoises, and a stuffed idealized grandpa turtle named George. He was a great sport when it came to photos. He barely moved a muscle! In the museum we feasted on the view of an enormous whale skeleton, as well as some cooling ice cream. After a nice walk back to base or day wound down, so I guess you’ll have to tune in tomorrow so get some more updates!
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 18
By Hannah B and Marielle K
Hi families! Today we had a very early morning, waking up at 6:30 and getting ready for a long day of work. We started off the day with some yummy fried banana patties topped with a delicious fried egg. Then, we took a long bus ride filled with snacks to prepare us for the long day!
We arrived at Primicias, where we worked for eight hours in total. We got rid of many invasive species of trees for four hours, which took a lot of hard work and determination! We had a quick lunch break with great food, such as pesto spaghetti, spaghetti pomodoro, and fish, as well as milkshakes, lemonade, and more! We went back to work for another four hours and we continued clearing out the area.
Once we finished, we came back to the home base, where we ate chicken, and rice with beans. Although we were very tired by the end of the day, we finished by walking to a local gelato shop, which was a great way to end our evening! Thank you for reading and get ready to hear about tomorrow!
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 19
Today for our delectable breakfast, we had tortilla de maíz and scrambled eggs after that we took a hike to swim in a crack that was created by volcanoes. Although the hike was decently grueling, as the weather was very muggy, it was very interesting to see the rugged beauty of the island during the dry season. The land almost looks cracked but the wildlife still seems to flourish. As soon as we reached our destination on the top of a hill, we immediately beheld the stunning view of Santa Cruz Bay. The water was ice blue and the ships were glittering on the bay.
As we turned around, we beheld the crevasse which we were about to swim in. In order to swim, we had to descend down about four flights of stairs. Once we reached the bottom, we jumped in the very cooling water. After such a long and grueling hike, it was extremely refreshing to experience the cooling sensation of the water. After that, we hiked back to base and ate lunch, which consisted of fried fish and coleslaw with rice as a side of course.
Then we went back to Rancho Primicias for another four hours ish of work. We were able to witness two tortoises mating. An interesting highlight indeed. Then we came back to base again and ate a dinner which consisted of steak fruits. (the vegetarians had eggplant) after that we celebrated Rockwells birthday with ice cream!!!!!! he was so happy and so do we!!!
-Noah
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 20
Today we kicked things off with a tasty meal of breakfast empanadas! We then took a beautiful mile and a half hike to Tortuga Bay, full of amazing views from the white sand beach and clear blue water to racing lizards and vast mountains. Then stopping at a breathtaking part of the bay for some swimming. There, we played games such as Marco Polo, Chicken Fight, Duck Duck Goose, and many more!
After swimming, we went back to home base to get ready for our work and to eat a delicious meal of pasta and various meats. We then left to continue our work, today consisting of moving large stones to surround the baby trees growing there. This is crucial, as it protects the growing trees from the turtles stomping all over them.
After our tiring but rewarding work, some of us got smoothies as we waited for the shuttle to pick us up. On the way back to base, we stopped to get some street empanadas. They were so good many of us got seconds and even thirds! We then walked back to base for our dinner, which was a delicious dish consisting of beef, beans and rice. Finally, we ended our night with a fun game of mau and went to bed excited for the next day!
Lizzie :3
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 21
We began our day with a breakfast of egg and bolon, which is banana with cheese inside. We took a trail with two large craters and many endemic trees and wildlife, and then we walked through a lava tunnel which was really awesome.
After that we ate a great lunch at the ranch and went to work. We dug up rocks to protect endemic plants and planted some more. Today was our last day at this ranch doing physical labor, and by now our little area is almost completely clear. We also learned about the tortoises and their different types and how to tell if one is male or female and adult or younger.
After that, we came back to the hotel and ate spaghetti, and then went through the town center to shop and celebrate with the midsummer festival (today was family day because it was a sunday). Then we came back again to pack our suitcases and went to bed!
Izzy
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 23
Hello GLA families!
Today – Monday June 23rd – we woke up at 7:00 am, or at least the majority of us, as some forgot to set their alarms!
We then made our way up to the rooftop for breakfast where we enjoyed scrambled eggs, papaya, bananas, and rolls. This breakfast perfectly prepared us for our morning adventure.
At around 8:00 am, we took a bus and then had a short hike to La Loberia Beach where we snorkeled with sea turtles and sea lions. Though I can’t speak for everyone in the group, this experience has definitely been a highlight of my trip!
When we returned from our snorkeling adventure, we had a delicious lunch of soup and spaghetti.
After lunch, we had a debate on invasive species in the Galapagos, such as cats, dogs, and rats. Each person took a different perspective – for example, one person had to act in the interest of the local people, whereas another person acted in the interest of an NGO that sought to protect animals. Through this, each of us were able to gain a better understanding of a different perspective.
After this debate, we got our laundry back which was a huge relief as I was out of both shorts and shirts – it could have been bad!
Then, around 4:00 pm we went to a recycling workshop just around the corner where we learned to make crafts out of recycled material. In this workshop, we made a sea lion shaped keychain out of recycled jeans.
Across the street from where we did crafts was a soccer field where we played soccer (or I guess football here) for about an hour!
Finally, for dinner we ate mashed potatoes and fried shrimp.
Now, as I write this, we are playing cards and unwinding from the day!
We are all so excited for tomorrow!
Best,
Lily Malin
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 24
Today we woke up and ate breakfast at 7:00 consisting of eggs, fruits, and bread. Next we headed to harbor where we took a boat ride to isla lobos. There we saw the seabirds and blue footed boobies nesting site, the birds were very beautiful, we saw them nesting with their eggs, crabs, and baby iguanas. Then after wandering around for a while we got changed into our wet suits and went snorkeling with the sea lions of the island they swam around us curious, like puppies!!! It was such a life changing experience !!!! Then took the boat and we rode to a beach where played games in the water, jumped off the boat, and sat in the sun. We came back and ate lunch and ate soup and chicken with rice. We rested for a while with many of us taking naps. After we all woke up we all then headed into town and played some pickup basketball games with some of the local kids and got ice cream when it was all over. We headed back for dinner eating chicken wings and fries. Afterwards we had a surprise of karaoke and kabobs where we all had a ton of fun singing and eating together. We headed back and relaxed for a while playing some cards, resting, and then headed to bed for a good night’s sleep.
Rockwell
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 25
Today, we headed to go snorkeling after breakfast, and along the way we walked through a museum filled to the brim of interesting facts. We split into three groups; one learning about human history in the Galapagos Islands; one learning about the terrain of the islands and how these lands formed; and finally, the last group learning about conservation efforts in the Galapagos. We then taught each other what we learned, sharing our newfound knowledge with our peers.
Furthermore, after a walk to the beach we snorkeled with diverse life such as sea lions, marine iguanas, fish, a sting ray, and you guessed it- more fish! Everything in less than 10 minutes! A bit later, we had lunch and arrived at the nearby elementary school where we painted the floor with colors and fun animals. This included a beach section with hand-painted Galapagos animals “swimming” in the painted water, along with a mermaid. Dinner came after we showered and got ready, and afterwards we drifted off to sleep to end the day.
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 26
Hello from the Galapagos!!
Today we started the day off with Cantalope, Eggs, and Fried Plantains! After we did a group goal building workshop that focused on what we’ve learned, the problems we tried to address and how we can implement solutions in our day to day lives.
Next, we headed to the beach with a quick stop a local bakery/ice cream shop for some delicious treats. At the beach, we relaxed, played soccer, swam, and hung out with friends!!
For lunch, we had Ceviche with rice and popcorn. Shortly after lunch, we learned how to make empanadas with a choice of nutella and bananas or cheese for the filling!!
After the delicious empanadas, we did a salsa dancing class where we started solo and later danced in pairs! Even though most of us have two left feet, we all had a blast!!
To end the night we each got dressed up nicely and headed out to a local pizza restaurant, before heading back for a movie and packing for the airport to Quito Tomorrow!!
– Hannah Brown and Hannah Price
BLOG POST FOR JUNE 27
Today we woke up feeling remorse, as it was our last full day together. Luckily we had pancakes for breakfast, which significantly brightened our mood. Our flight was at 2, so we spent the morning walking around, buying souvenirs, and enjoying the playgrounds we encountered along the way. After that, we visited a deli to buy snacks and drinks, we were ignoring every single “sugar tag” and we ate a lot of deserts. For lunch, we had a quite american meal of chicken nuggets and fries, which was very delicious, just what we needed for our hiking to the airport to ho´p on a flight back to quito. we do a small stop at Guayaquil and we started to create troubles at the plane changing seats, the lady at the airline was smiling so everything was fine. When we reached the hotel, we had chicken lasagna for dinner, and ended off the evening with a movie, Baby Driver.
