Fernandina Island

This is an island were your dreams and wishes could can true. Why am I saying this? Well, not too long ago while sailing nearby the waters that bathe its coastline, I wished for a volcanic eruption. Not that I haven’t seen one before, but it has been ten years since the last time I saw one. It was shortly after I came to the Galápagos as a young marine biologist, full of dreams and full of expectations, that I was surprised by nature with a tremendous volcanic activity from this very island. At that time, I was not that conscious of how special that moment really was; I was full of dreams but I never said I was wise! As I turn my head and look back at the last ten years of my life since that remarkable moment, I see nothing more than blessings in my life. I have a really good job, more than that, and excellent job! One of the wisest things I have heard lately is, “have you realized how lucky you are to do what you do?” And it is true; I am lucky! Not only for that, but as I analyze this phrase, I visualize the picture as a whole. This job came with the requirement of meeting people that would enrich my life as a person and as a professional. It has made me try to be a better son, a better brother, a better friend and a better worker. As I understand things better, it has made me seek for knowledge. Where else can you find a job that would make you feel this way? I don’t have an answer for that, but looking for a quick one, I would have to say not everywhere.

As I observe the sun setting behind Fernandina Island, my memories of the last volcanic eruption here rushed into my head. The ship is moving and we will reposition it soon at the southern flank of the island. The intentions are to see the last bit of the volcanic eruption that started only few days ago in this area. Reports indicate that there is not much left of it, but I am hopeful that we will still see something. Even if is not much, the feeling of being back here will be special.

How lucky am I to have this job? Well, I ask this question to myself every time I watch a sunset like this by the end of my work day…