Vol c a no Ch ico h i k e They were troopers. Our guides – Geoffrey, Pepo and Franklin, took us on a long walk through the Highlands and along Volcano Chico to witness the various geological and ecological influences on this part of Isla Isabella. Geoffrey used the dramatic background of the caldera to share some truly magical moments from the evolution of the Galapagos. As the World Literature teacher, I was particularly interested in the tales of mystery
surrounding these islands. There are many species there that don’t exist anywhere else. Cactus as tall as trees! Iguanas that are older than the island itself! Sunflowers that look like dead trees! Caves that warm your hands with a touch! These are certainly the beginnings of a lot of inspiration for Magical Realism, which just happens to be the genre we are studying. This made me a happy teacher. - Irene