ZECO TRAVEL TALK

With the recent return of our first Galápagos trip of the year, we thought we’d post an advance notice of a momentous occasion: February 12, 2009 will mark the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth and has been designated “Darwin Day – An International Celebration of Science and Humanity.” Events will include symposia, seminars, stage productions, and exhibits held at universities, museums, and theaters around the world. UNESCO will also be associated with the celebrations that honor the man credited with the first measured study of biological evolution through the process of natural selection. The anniversary also marks 150 years since the publication of Origin of the Species and 50 years since the establishment of the Galápagos National Park. The Charles Darwin Foundation commemorates its 50th anniversary in 2009 with the launch of a new Darwin Galápagos Education Center. Zegrahm’s Galápagos voyages visit the Foundation on Santa Cruz Island. For more information, and for regular event updates, visit the website: www.darwinday.org.

In February 2008 the Pacific Island nation of Kiribati became a global leader in conservation by creating the largest protected marine reserve in the world. Known as the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA), the first reserve (78,000 square miles) was established in 2006. With the help of the New England Aquarium and Conservation International, the area has been doubled in size to 158,500 square miles. Kiribati comprises only 33 islands but spreads across two million square miles between Hawai’i and Fiji, encompassing a vast region of biodiversity. Some of the planet’s most pristine reef systems thrive here; more than 120 species of coral and 500 species of fish within the reserve exist nowhere else. The first marine park to include deep-sea habitat and underwater mountains, PIPA also protects some of the Pacific’s most important seabird nesting sites.

We are excited to announce that joining us on our August 2008 Line Islands: Hawaii to Tahiti cruise is Hawaii native John Earle, research associate in ichthyology at Honolulu’s Bishop Museum. A diver since boyhood, John’s fascination with and wonder at the undersea world was fueled by his discovery of seashells previously unknown to science. And, when a fish scientist friend noticed a new fish in one of John’s 14 saltwater aquariums, the field of ichthyology quickly became his new passion.

During more than 30 years of diving, John has proclaimed Christmas Island, a highlight on our voyage, “my favorite dive spot in the world.” He has been compiling a checklist of fish species there and in French Polynesia, was a featured diver on the Discovery Channel’s Pacific Abyss special last year, and is an avid underwater videographer. Joining Zegrahm cofounder and marine biologist, Jack Grove, John will accompany divers and snorkelers, following up with lectures on board—quite an exciting duo for underwater enthusiasts on this adventure. “I am particularly excited about diving the virtually unknown islands of Malden, Starbuck and Flint,” says John. “Here we are truly “off planet” and there is a chance of real scientific discovery. We may even see new species swimming by!”

Because of the remoteness of our Eco-Expeditions destinations, we don’t always hear from our field leaders until a trip is almost concluded. So we eagerly await news and are always excited to hear the details. Since so many Eco trips are happening at this time of year, we thought we’d share some of the enthusiasm expressed by our leaders via phone calls and quick emails to our office… Makes us all wish we were there!

BACK TO AFRICA SAFARI
from Lex Hes, Expedition Leader
“…As always, this has been a great adventure. And guess what? There was rain at Serra Cafema, Namibia, of all places! We had their entire average ANNUAL rainfall this afternoon! And with three times their average annual rainfall in the past three weeks, it has turned this area into an incredibly beautiful place, almost right before our eyes… the rolling hills are carpeted in lush, bright new green… Quite amazing!”

INDIA & THE BRAHMAPUTRA RIVER
from Jonathan Rossouw, Expedition Leader
“We’re on the home stretch of our trip… now over-nighting in Kolkata. With 11 tiger sightings under our belt, a pack of Asian Wild Dogs, and three… yes, THREE leopards, everyone is as happy as wild boars in a mud wallow!”

SNOW MONKEYS & CRANES
from Mark Brazil, Expedition Leader
“All is well from our spot in Tsurui. We’ve just enjoyed the best ever conditions at our monkey site; there were so many of them, and offered incredible photo opportunities… everyone was thrilled. Plus, there was fabulous deep snow and sunshine… and now it’s snowing here too – lovely!”

“…our first trip out last month was the most successful ever in terms of birds… We sited a whopping 145 species – shattering last year’s new record!”

Last fall, one of our wonderful and generous long-time travelers, who wishes to remain anonymous, came to us with the opportunity to jointly offer a Zegrahm Travel Scholarship. Its purpose was to fund a trip for a worthy teacher or educator who could apply what they learned to helping young people better understand our world. To find this recipient, we sent out an e-mail announcement to our past-traveled clients seeking nominations for the scholarship award.

Needless to say, we received many terrific nominations and thoughtful letters which we turned over to the donor for the final selection. It was clear to this person right away who would receive the scholarship: Patti Richter, from Conway, Washington, a 4th grade teacher at Conway Elementary School. Her nomination came from a Zegrahm traveler—the parent of two students at Patti’s school.

The detailed and heartfelt letters from Patti’s students demonstrated the love and respect they feel for her—as a teacher and as a person. They wrote: “She is the nicest teacher in the world…” And, “She is welcoming new people to another world of excitement…” And “She is very very very smart…” And, “She will be the happiest person that she will ever be…” And, “She deserves to have the time of her life…” And, “When she walks in she always puts a Big Smile on your face…” And, “You should pick her!” Read more

If you find yourself with a long layover in Singapore’s Changi Airport (5 hours or more), you can take one of the free city tours sponsored by the Singapore Visitors Centre. The tours operate on a first-come, first-served basis, last about two hours, and are conducted in English. There are six tour departures daily, starting at 9 a.m. The last one leaves at 5 p.m.

To reserve a time slot, stop by one of the Singapore Visitors Centre tour counters in Terminal 1 (next to the Nexus Lounge at Transit Mall East, Level 2); or in Terminal 2 (near Sweet Treats at Transit Mall North, Level 2). The tour counters are open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:25 p.m. This is a wonderful, visitor-friendly way for the city to promote itself and a great way to while away those long hours of waiting in-between flights.