We were woken up at 7:30 a.m. to eat breakfast and pack our backpacks for our full-day trip to Isla de Plata (Island of Silver).  We took a van to the port, and waited on the beach.  We got onto the speedy motor boat and traveled for an hour on the beautiful open Pacific Ocean.  The sun was really strong. Thankfully, we had been reminded to bring our 50 SPF and hats!  When we arrived to Isla de Plata, we got an English-speaking guide to show us around the island.  We took the 3-hour tour of the island, and saw the great biodiversity.  Blue boobies are birds whose feet turn blue when they mature, and are abundant on the island.  Male birds of a different species, which happened to be courting, had a red membrane that swelled up like a balloon on their necks.  These islands, similar to the Galapagos, are primary sights for many studies of evolution and natural selection. As a biology major, these various biological interactions I witnessed first hand were thrilling for me.
            After the tour of the island, we got back on the boat and headed over to the snorkeling area. The water was cold, but under it was quite a sight!  Schools of fish were swimming under us, and the water plants were vibrant.  When we finished snorkeling, we ate delicious tuna sandwiches on the boat and a bowl of fresh fruit.  As we were heading back to port, the captain of our boat noticed a huge fin pop up from under the water.  It was the fin of a whale! As it turns out, it was mating season for the whales, and there was more than just one.  We counted at least seven different whales, all in one area.  It was a great experience for us, because it is not a common occasion for us Chicagoans to see whales.
            We returned to La Barquita a little after sunset, which was around 7:00 p.m.  The whole group sat down for dinner and we enjoyed this time together, as usual. At night, we had a bonfire—a perfect end to a perfect day.  Mr. Pietkowski brought his guitar, and him and I alternated playing songs and singing with the whole group.  We played Polish traditional songs, as well as the Beatles and other classics. The atmosphere of this night was amazing—almost indescribable.  It was definitely a bonding experience for the whole group, and it was a day that I will never forget.

Dagmara Danek