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Different Travel Styles: A Day Exploring Ecuador

When the MV Explorer docks in a port, there are a lot of decisions that have to be made by the students, staff and faculty. The possibilities are truly endless when you step onto the land of a country you have never visited before. Options can range from taking a Semester at Sea excursion, to a service visit where you can give of yourself to a community who needs it, to venturing out with your friends and exploring the country. This is a series of photos documenting a day of different explorations in Ecuador.

12 kilometers outside of Manta, Ecuador in the town of Montecristi a group of students take a break from exploring the Cuidad Alfaro Complex and pose for a group shot high above the town below. Left to Right Top Row: Nicole Capodiferro - St. Leo University, Raphael Sherak - Hampshire College, Aubrey Fewell - Drew University, Ashleigh Hertzig - Arcadia University, Tessa Hasson - Hunter College, Lauren Marston - University of Massachusetts Boston, Joshua Brown - Coastal Carolina University Bottom Row: Emily Kelsey - University of Maine, Kristen Curtin - Southwestern Michigan College, Akanksha Batura - National University of Singapore, Tyler O'Brien University of Massachusetts Boston
Fewell takes a moment to reflect and take in the beauty of the town of Montecristi before she and the rest of the group make the hike into town to continue exploring.
Marston admires and takes in her surroundings, as she and the group seek to experience Ecuadorian food.
Hasson's smile comes easily as she poses with her elven year old local guide Jose. Jose guided Hasson's group throughout the town of Montecrisiti and was invited to join them for lunch.
O'Brien cheeses it up in celebration as she finally reaches the top of the stairs to Montecristi's Basilica of the Holy Virgin of Montserrat.
Among the sites and experiences that are encountered by the students throughout their travels, are unique views of the local people's culture and values. Nacho is doing a writing exercise assigned by his mother in addition to the rest of the homework he has from his school day.
Staff members Bo Odom and Marvin Maldonado explore the beauty that is the Pacoche Forest. During their several kilometer hike, they encountered howler monkeys, undulating swarms of ants, and many other species of flora and fauna.
A Pacoche Forest guide, helps Fewell navigate some of the obstacles encountered on their trail.
After having climbed over 200 stairs, it is time to rest and take photo of themselves and the fantastic view that they have earned. Left to Right: Darcy Jones - University of South Carolina, Monica De Lorio - Aurora University, Adeli Duron - Dependent Children Coordinator.
During a Semester at Sea field program to the Isla Corazon, where students saw firsthand, the unique area and how the mangroves are the perfect place to see frigate birds by the thousands, they were also witness to the local children taking part in one of their favorite ways to spend an afternoon.
Once more leaping through the air into the water that is a refreshing break from heat, with a bit of showmanship for the benefit of the students watching from the dock.
After a long day of learning and experiencing Ecuadorian life Ellen Hahne, student at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, takes some time at the beach to treat herself to a bit of hair styling. Spending a couple of hours just relaxing is very popular amongst the students before saying goodbye to a port and boarding the MV Explorer.
Topics
  • Culture
  • Life at Sea

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