Pre-departure Simulations, Photos, and Lists

Hello, my name is Ella Fornari. Junior, Occidental College. Human, Earth. This semester I will be traveling 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador to study evolutionary biology and ecology in the Galapagos islands. As a New York City native I look forward to the transition from concrete to Amazon jungle (for 1 week) and to the volcanic rock of the Galapagos.

Me in the jungle of the American Museum of Natural History

In my final week in NYC before departing for Ecuador I said my goodbyes to family and friends, had some bagels, and found time to visit a few favorite spots. Today I went to the American Museum of Natural History where I walked through the rainforest (Dzanga-Sangha) and celebrated shark week by seeing a 3d imax movie on great whites.

Some pre-departure shots of my home town:

Content from NYC from LIC

I enjoy lists and thus to mentally prepare for my semester in the Galapagos have devised 3 lists entitled “Excited,” “Not Excited,” and “Indifferent.” I will list these lists starting with “Not Excited” in order to build rather than deflate excitement.

Not Excited:

• Haven’t taken Spanish in 5 years, in for a rude awakening
• Giving invasive species a free ride to the Galapagos
• Ice-breaker games

Excited:

• Study evolution in the biologist’s equivalent to mecca
• Birds (Frigates, Boobies, Finches, etc.)
• Tortoises
• Snorkel for class
• Trip to Tiputini (Amazon region)

Looking forward to updating you on my adventure as it unfolds,

-Ella