The Trip of a Lifetime

Back when I was in high school, I learned about the Galapagos Islands, where Darwin did much of his work on the survival of the fittest. It fascinated me. There were animals there that aren't found anywhere else in the world. And the photos of the place were beautiful. I vowed then and there that I would visit the Galapagos some day.

My husband and I planned a trip there for my 50th birthday. I was excited. And also a little anxious. What if it didn't live up to my expectations? Maybe I'd built it up too much over all these years...Well, I'm happy to report that it didn't disappoint!

The prevailing feeling I had was one of wonder. 

Being an animal lover, I was thrilled to see the uniqueness of the animals. And we got so close to them. They might lift their heads, but they didn't run/fly/swim away. Given the tough conditions and remoteness of the islands, very few predators made it to the Galapagos. (And regulations restrict the number of boats/people that can visit the islands in a given week.)

So, we got to watch the blue-footed boobies doing their mating dance; see the iguanas' scales, pink tongues and tiny teeth up close; enjoy seeing sea lions snooze and play...

I had so much fun traveling on boats from island to island, learning about the history of the islands, snorkeling, and swimming...

Our trip was a great reminder to take life a little slower, to take time to experience what's surrounding me. There's so much in this world to enjoy.

What can you do today to experience wonder?