In 2006 I started working for an amazing organization called Global Explorers that offers conservation/ service themed trips throughout the world, namely to the Peruvian Amazon. I've worked for 5 summers as an "expedition leader" where I coordinate the trip for school groups. This year made particular sense because I'm so close to Peru and also because I went with the teacher 2 years ago and he requested me again. The kids were really great - very quiet and well-behaved and altogether easy to manage. Dave, the teacher, was also a lot of fun (he's a sarcastic dude from NJ) and I bonded with the other teacher, Mo. Luckily these teachers know what they're doing and didn't invite parents. Most of the activities I have experienced before, although a new one was the visit to a manatee rescue center, which included feeding and petting the manatees! Very cute. We also had some fun doing service projects and swimming near pink river dolphins.
On the way back I had several days of travel which included a shopping day in Lima and a day running errands in Quito. But finally I made it safe and sound back to Macas.
