Last Day with Tomas

I have been here on the island of Santa Cruz for two weeks now, and am headed to the island of San Cristobal on Friday for two more weeks. During my time here, I spent almost everyday with Tomas Cordova, who I'd call the "Renaissance Man" of the Galapagos. He's a lobster fisherman, a goat hunter, an jewelry maker, a wood carver, and artist, a husband, a father, and has been here for 45 years (something that he takes a lot of pride in, and something that is rare on the Islands).

My multimedia story far exceeded any expectations that I had for it. I became a part of Tomas' family, and felt almost invisible in his daily life, in the regard that he let me into every part and was never camera conscious. I am excited to piece it all together, which is what we will be working on in San Cristobal.

I have been journaling everyday here, but it's been more of a struggle than I anticipated to keep up with blogging and uploading photos as regularly as I would like to. There is such a give and a take when you go to a new place. How much time do you spend on the computer "away" from the Galapagos, but connected to the US, versus how much time do you really focus on that zen mantra of "be here now," where you really ARE in that place where you are, taking it all in, soaking it all up...?

This trip, more than any other, I have focused on learning in every possible moment, I have focused on asking questions from my coach and my peers, in hopes of learning more about this art of photography. And, I have learned more than I have ever learned about photography. It has been incredible. I wish I could begin to put into words all that I have learned.

When I go to San Cristobal (Friday), I will have limited Internet access (much weaker than I had here in Santa Cruz), and thus will most likely be unable to catch up with blogging. But, hang in there, and I promise you'll get all the juicy details--from the Galapagos and from my trip to China--sometime soon--though it might have to wait until I return to the states.

Until then, the update is that I am finding so much joy in this place. I love the people, the culture, the food. I enjoy seeking new adventures and learning more about photography. It's been a wonderful journey so far, and I can only hope that the next two weeks will bring about the same.

Con amor,
Carly