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
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BLOG POST FOR JULY 19
Hola from Ecuador!
Our first students arrived bright and early today, enjoying some breakfast and coffee at the airport before heading to our hotel. We passed the time asking each other questions and learning some new games. The last of the group landed after taking in the breathtaking night view of the city lights of Quito from their planes. We lounged about in the waiting area, eating empanadas and playing cards. Once everyone arrived, we hopped in the bus and made our way to the first HB of the trip.
We are looking forward to visiting the equator tomorrow and learning more about what to expect here in Ecuador, including the Galápagos. We are so glad everyone has arrived!
– GLA Staff
BLOG POST FOR JULY 20
Greetings from the Equator!
Our full group finally met this morning for breakfast! We made some introductions while feasting on our first Ecuadorian meal all together. After breakfast (and digesting a bit), we jumped into the cold water of the pool to complete our swim test. Everyone did great! Following the swim test, we all gathered outside in a circle to go over the expectations for the trip, the schedule, and the Code of Conduct. We paused to play games such as “common ground,” “screaming toes,” and a version of blind samurai that involved throwing a soccer ball while blind folded. For lunch, we had Ecuadorian traditional pumpkin soup with popcorn! It was so tasty!
After lunch, we got in the bus and made our way to the equator. Our drive offered a stunning view of the snow-capped volcanoes, including Cotopaxi, Pichincha, and Cayambe! We learned about the volcanic history of the area as a few of us got our first look at the city of Quito. At the equator, we walked through exhibits about chocolate, indigenous people of Ecuador, and the fauna of the Amazon. Our guide also took us through some demonstrations that showed us how they determined the location of the equator, how to tell time with the sun, how the Coriolis effect works, and how the equator affects our balance. A few of us even balanced an egg on a nail, earning a certificate to show our accomplishment! To close our time, we hopped back on the bus to go down the road to the incorrect location of the line that we determined by the French in the 1700s. We climbed the Mitad del Mundo monument to get an absolutely breathtaking 360 of Cotopaxi, the city of Quito, and another volcano called Pululagua.
Once we made our way back down the monument, we split up to go shopping or get ice cream. The shoppers found many gifts for family and friends, along with some ugly-cute collector items. Before leaving, the group took a magical (and all too short) train ride around the park, catching even more views of the avenue of volcanoes. We had some good chats and naps on our way back to base. As soon as we got back, our group washed up and did our first chow circle, where we give each other shout-outs from the day! Dinner was served soon after, and we closed out the day with a presentation of the schedule for tomorrow and a distribution of our life jackets!
We can’t wait to finally get to the Galápagos tomorrow!
– GLA Staff
BLOG POST FOR JULY 21
Hello from the Galapagos Islands!
Today the group saw an early start, as we rolled out around 5:30 am to make it to our connecting flight in Guayaquil and finally to the Galapagos! On the flight, the peaks of enormous volcanoes became apparent amongst the clouds. We touched down in Baltra Island, where we were ferried across the canal to Santa Cruz Island. After being bussed to our home base, we settled in and prepared for the day’s activities. We enjoyed a delicious lunch of a creamy vegetable soup with popcorn followed by a dish with chicken, rice, and vegetables. After lunch, we held a small group discussion centered around community policy, respect, and cooperation.
After establishing the communal rules of home base, we embarked on a trip to downtown Santa Cruz. We visited the Charles Darwin Research Center and learned about the indigenous wildlife and the history of the islands, including the effects of human activity on the islands. Additionally, we observed both young and adult tortoises, as well as the taxidermy of the famous “Lonesome George” (Who was the last of his kind, the Pinta Island subspecies).
On the way home, we stopped by the shore to watch the sunset. We then came home after enjoying some delicious street food, including fried plantains with pork and fish.
Dinner was lentils with yellow rice along with baked chicken. We finished out the day with some friendly banter and a final activity. We decorated and customized door signs and completed room agreements with our roommates. This allowed for us to show our creativity, and communicate our opinions and preferences to avoid future conflicts. As people headed off to bed and to relax, we stayed back and played some card games with our fellow GLA students.
Looking forward to beginning our project tomorrow!
– Jacob and Thomas
BLOG POST FOR JULY 22
Hola from the Galápagos Islands!
What a day we had! Up and fresh early, the team headed out to Primicias Ranch for a long day of hardcore conservation work. On our journey, we were greeted by numerous giant tortoises scattered along the side of the road.
As we entered, we were met by the lovely team who would be working with us in our efforts today. Before we began our work, they enlightened us to the incredible nature of the giant tortoise. After getting ready, we began our work cutting down foreign trees with machetes and removing invasive species that plagued the area, in particular, the blackberry bushes. We cracked on, tirelessly working to clean up the area, in preparation for the planting of native plants later in the week.
At 12:30, we took a long break for lunch, eating at the delicious restaurant attached to the ranch. There was a variety of options available, all of which were delectable, and a wide array of drinks, in particular an incredible coconut lemonade (group leader Charley’s favourite) and a popular Oreo milkshake. After a wonderful meal and a well-deserved break, the team got back up and running. The team really worked together, forming a line in order to remove the debris scattered across the area.
Additionally, many members of the group contributed to the removal of several large trees. The job was successful! Finally, after many tireless hours, the group called it a day, learning more about each other through fun games. These activities included the chow circle and the anchor activity Social Sync, which we completed as we waited for the bus to arrive.
On the way back, we took a pit stop at a fabulous bakery with many feasting on the sweet treats on offer. Many also pounced on the delicious bread rolls at only 25 cents each. We went back to home base for dinner and then went on another (high heel voice) adventure to a small supermarket and ice cream shop.
After a long walk, we had arrived, albeit through some interesting alleyways. We had been duped, but it was for the better, as the group proceeded to have some amazing ice cream, before walking to the harbour where we spotted some beautiful black tipped sharks and other sea life. It capped off an amazing day, but we have had a bit too much sugar. I guess that is for you to decide.
– Leaders of the Day Charley and Nehru
BLOG POST FOR JULY 23
Hello everybody!!
Today was a spectacular day! Activities in the morning consisted of a breathtaking walk followed by a picturesque boat ride to Las Grietas, where we had a great time swimming. Las Grietas was formed by an earthquake that split a rock in half. We took a pit stop at another bakery before heading off to watch an incredible and informative documentary about sea lions and the journey of their lives, focusing on their migration patterns within the Galápagos Islands.
Lunch was exquisite, consisting of a delicious soup and tasty fish. After recharging from an action-packed morning, the team headed off to continue their conservation efforts. Today, we saw the removal of several more invasive trees. In a display of great collaboration, the team worked together forming a chain to remove a vast number of heavy logs. Spirits were high and the vibe positive with everyone enjoying each other’s company.
Hakan and Fernando picked native peppers burning most people’s mouths, with some people struggling to hold in the pain. We also purchased some milkshakes, soothing our mouths and providing a much-needed boost. On our way home, the bus stopped at the same bakery as yesterday, where we feasted on even more sweet and savoury treats! Dinner was then served at the home base, consisting of some delectable chicken and rice, in addition to a supreme passionfruit and papaya juice. The cherry on top was hearing about the schedule tomorrow… we get to sleep in!
Adieu!
– Leaders of the Day Asha and Cooper
BLOG POST FOR JULY 24
We woke up at the “late” hour of 8:00. This was a big deal considering we had woken up early every other morning. We had a quick breakfast and loaded onto the van heading to “Los Gemelos,” or the twin volcanic sinkholes. It was the biggest hole in the Earth that we have ever seen. After that, we hiked down into the lava caves under where we work; don’t worry, there wasn’t any lava! After we ascended from the lava caves, we went to the restaurant at our worksite and ate lunch. Emi and I love the empanadas at the restaurant.
After a purposely lazy, lengthy, slow lunch, we made the walk of shame to our worksite. On the way, the beautiful, giant tortoises got us excited to work for them. We worked for four hours, taking lazy, lengthy breaks in between that involved freshly picked oranges and passion fruits from trees next to the path.
After work, we made a pit stop at our favorite bakery on the way home to pick up desserts/pastries for the next morning, as Emi and I love eating them with our homemade lattes. We eventually found our way home, bellies full with empanadas, quickly followed by a trip into town for souvenirs and ice cream! After that, we walked home and immediately went to bed.
– Emi and Sebastian
BLOG POST FOR JULY 25
Hello!
We woke up at 5:30 and had empanadas for breakfast, which was great! Then we went on a scenic hike to Tortuga Bay, which had really fluffy white sand (thanks to the parrot fish). We snorkeled and saw giant sea turtles and white tipped sharks, which caused a lot of excitement. Then we hiked back and went on the coach back to home base for lunch, which was spaghetti and soup. Then we did service work and moved rocks and planted some trees, and got some drinks! It was very fun. For dinner we had soft shelled tacos 🌮 and then had a pulse check. It was pretty yummy😋! It was a beautiful day 😊. Tomorrow, we will be taking the boat to San Cristobal. We are sad to leave Santa Cruz, but also very excited for a new island!
– Sahaana and AJ
BLOG POST FOR JULY 26
Hello everyone!
Today we woke up at 7:45 and had a hearty meal of eggs and bread with a side of fruit. Soon after, we started our day-long journey to the island of San Cristobal, our final island for the trip. We loaded our bags and left (hopefully) no trace in the hotel. Next, we got on a bus and went to the harbor. The boat ride to San Cristobal was a whopping 2 hours, and I noticed some people struggling to keep their breakfast in. Once we reached the island, we walked to our hotel. The hotel is very nice and cozy, and we are very excited to get a good night’s sleep in it.
Our lunch was fish, rice, soup, and salad. Next, we went to Playa Mann and had some snacks on the beach while swimming and coexisting with the sea lions. It was so cool to see the babies and moms swimming under the water. We also swam with the Beach Master – the alpha male of the beach. That was less fun and more scary! Dinner was spaghetti and chicken, with some fruity sweet tea. After a long day, everyone was ready to sleep. We can’t wait to snorkel tomorrow!
Adios!
– Jadon and Khloe
BLOG POST FOR JULY 27
Hola!
Today, we split into two groups; the first group had breakfast at 7:00 while the second got to sleep in. As the first group, we took a boat at 8:00 to Isla Lobos and saw a humpback whale on the way there. We then took a small hike throughout the island and saw many blue-footed boobies and sea lions. We even saw a baby seal that had just been born.
After the hike, we snorkeled in a channel, managing to see turtles, swim with sea lions, and many schools of different fish. We got back onto the boat and had banana bread and other snacks as well as coffee. At around 11:30, we went to a secluded beach (we were the only ones there!) where some tanned in the sun and others continued swimming with sea lions and starfish. We got back on the boat around 12 and went back to the harbor. The second group then did the same activities, except they got their own amazing snorkeling adventure!
After getting back to the town, we shopped for souvenirs and had ice cream. We were able to relax and nap for a bit before dinner, and some even went to the park nearby to play soccer/football. Dinner was pork, rice, and beans. We are very excited to snorkel again tomorrow. Today was such a magical experience.
Adios amigos!
Dhilan and Lyla :)))))
BLOG POST FOR JULY 28
Hey!
Today we were able to sleep in a little, for breakfast at 8. From there, we ate yogurt and fruit, then hopped on the bus to Playa Loberia to snorkel with a variety of marine animals, including fish, sea lions, sea turtles, and rays. We had to keep our eyes open to avoid stepping on sea urchins. After hanging out on the beach, we came back to home base and had some fish for lunch. Then we were able to go to town and visit a few souvenir shops. We then walked down to a local park and did a community-building exercise. We came together to create a shared goal of giving back to our community.
We took a brief walk over to a recycling workshop and learned more about how to be sustainable before sanding and painting reused bottles. When done, we walked back over to the park and played soccer and basketball, and then washed up before dinner.
Ciao,
Margot y James
BLOG POST FOR JULY 29
Hola!
This morning, we woke up and after refreshing with breakfast of fruit and an omelet, we started off the day by walking down to the San Cristobal Information Center. There, we split into groups and learned about the diverse history of the Galapagos. One group focused on geological history, another on human history, and the last group tackled the modern problems that the Galapagos faces due to human impact and a changing environment. Each group presented what they learned, and the winners of the best speech got to have a HUGE slice of homemade banana cake (everyone else still got a piece 🙂
Then we went snorkeling at Las Tijeritas! We saw lots of colorful fish, sea turtles, a stingray, a marine iguana eating under the water, and the cutest baby sea lion ever! After sunbathing for a while, we walked back to home base and had lunch. With full bellies and some quick power naps, we got ready to go to the local school for service.
At the school, we got to see all the artwork of previous GLA groups, and then we all worked together to add our own. People painted sea turtles, sea lions, sharks, stingrays, and even a WHALE! Bubbles and crabs were also included. A group even sparced up a game of 4-square using marine animals. Don’t worry, we tried it out and it worked great!
After a few hours of ongoing creativity, we said goodbye to our art and met the local soccer team for an epic face-off. While the boys played their hearts out, some of the girls played volleyball with a couple of locals. Others sat on the sidelines and enjoyed watching the game. In the end, we won 7-5! We said goodbye to our new friends and headed back to home base. We ended the day with a dinner of chicken/fish with barbecue sauce!
Adios!
Charley & Thasya
BLOG POST FOR AUGUST 1
Hello from Quito!
Today, we woke up at the late hour of 8:30 AM (9:00 AM for some stragglers) before heading out to the mall! We went to a bowling alley and an arcade, passing the morning hours away with many laughs and gutter balls. A few of us also took the time to do a caffeine run and some last-minute souvenir/gift shopping. After spending the last of our cash, we made our way back to the Home Base for a quick lunch and goodbyes to our first group of departing. Everyone else stayed at the hotel. We chilled by the pool, played some volleyball, and hung out on the terrace. In the blink of an eye, it was time for dinner, and the rest of us loaded into the bus for the airport. At the airport, we received our passports and the handwritten notes we were gifted from our fellow global leaders.
It was a bittersweet ending to an amazing adventure!
Adios, Ecuador!
