REFLECTIONS ...

So far, Brazil has been really great. Not everything has been exactly as I expected, but everything (except for Chicago) has been amazing. There have been far too many great experiences to recall. It seems like every few seconds I am taking out my camera to take pictures of an animal, plant, or landscape that I have never seen before. I still haven't quite comprehended that I am in Brazil; every time I step outside I have to remind myself where I am. By far, everything has exceeded my expectations. ~Andrew Young

I still have trouble believing that I'm actually in Brazil! The people here are all so friendly and the place itself is so beautiful. Everything I've done here is something that I've never done before, and that makes the trip very exciting. In these past few days, I've had more fun than I thought I ever would, and I have learned so much! I can't wait for our next activity, whatever it may be because everything we do broadens my knowledge of the world that much more.~Emily Marshall

The landscape of Brazil is what I had expected, however it's impossible to predict exactly what we were all going to see. The Pantanal is amazing; it's difficult to warp your mind around everything that is happening. In one day I danced the polka, went horseback riding, and rode in the bed of a truck through 11,000 hectares of farmland. We are doing so many new and exciting things, and that paired with the people I'm here with makes for one good time. At this point it seems like it will be very hard to leave. Did I mention the hammocks? No? Well, they're sweet! ~Hana Carey (AKA Rihanna)

This Brazil trip has proven itself to be a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity filled with learning opportunities at every step. Duka and Alexine have a remarkable wealth of information regarding the surrounding wildlife. They can answer almost all questions I have had about the naming and interactions of/between the animals. Aside from learning a lot about the wildlife, the culture is very interesting, the people are friendly, and the attitude is super chill. I have seen one of the most remarkable sunrises of my life and have had a very positive and recommendable experience. ~Ben Hecht

The decision to undertake this Expedition to the Pantanal was probably the best I have made in a long while. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the landscape here is absolutely breathtaking and never have I seen so many different colors and textures and heard so many different sounds. Then again, after the horrors of O'Hare international, I feel that any place would be paradise. There is no other way I would rather spend two weeks of my summer than being here, in these hammocks, with these people. From horse back riding to trap checking, I have done more adventurous activities here in one day that I have done my entire summer. I absolutely cannot wait for what events and adventures await us in the days ahead! ~Sheila Connolly

The landscapes of Brazil were what I expected, however it is impossible to predict exactly what we were all going to see. The Pantanal is amazing. It’s difficult to wrap your mid around everything that’s happening. In one day I danced the polka, went horseback riding, and rode in the bed of a truck through 11,000 hectares of farmland. We were doing so many new and exciting things, and that paired with the people I’m here with makes for one good time. At this point it seems like it will be hard to want to leave. Did I mention the hammocks? No? well, they’re sweet. ~ Hana Carey

I was not expecting to see so many people out here, living this life 24/7. Sure, I knew there were people like Alexine and Duca who came to research, but I had no idea there were so many Pantanal natives. Some of these people have never even left the Pantanal, or even this Pausada for more than a few weeks at a time. What a wonderful place to live. Simple things like wasting your hours in a hammock and getting called to dinner by a bell really makes me yearn for a more relaxing and simpler life back home. As long as I can have my iPod, and a few select DVD box sets. ~ Sheila Connolley