Abigail Collingwood: 5/18-5/25

This week's main task was to build a fence for the garden. Without the fence, all kinds of animals, but especially pigs, would enter the garden and eat the crops we would plant. Building the fence was hard work but it was very rewarding to be able to see the work we did. We also began to plant a couple pineapples in the garden. 

When we aren't working on the reserve, we're usually resting because the work is so tiring. It's really inspiring to talk to all the other volunteers and hear their travel stories. It makes me want to go and volunteer in more places around the world because it seems to be a great way to experience the culture while helping make a difference, no matter how small. We also talk with the directors about their experiences working on the reserve. Cesar is from the Andes, and is so passionate about the environment. Eduardo is a native of the islands and wants to help preserve his home. Jaime used to be a lawyer in the states, but he returned to the reserve to be with his family. It's cool how different all of their backgrounds are and the different perspectives they bring to the projects. 

On the 22nd, I left the reserve for a couple of days to go island hopping with some friends. It was such a fun experience to visit Santa Cruz and Isabela together. Even though we had only known each other for two weeks, it definitely felt like much longer. Although it was super fun, I have to admit it felt a little weird doing touristy things on the islands after working on them for two weeks. I definitely felt more aware of the impact I could have than I previously did when I vacationed.