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April 27, 2009
Lessons from Iguanas
For me, the highlight of my trip to the Galápagos was experiencing a world where wildlife comes first. Our approach from the ship was so calming, the scenery so beautiful, but nothing could compare to actually walking on these incredible islands.
I was especially fascinated by the marine iguanas, so uniquely adapted to survive in an environment that just wasn’t meant for them. These creatures weren’t designed to swim: too long in the cold sea and they’re done for, yet life solely on land would mean certain starvation. Physically, marine iguanas aren’t attractive animals—even Charles Darwin found them repulsive—but to me, their resilience is beautiful.
As Darwin once said, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.” I think it’s important for all of us to remember this throughout life, especially as we get older—and especially now, given all that’s going on in the world.
The Galápagos was a perfect place to think, reflect, and ponder the beauty of life and our place in it. Has travel ever made you think differently about your place in the world? Tell me your story at:
harriet@oattravel.com
Harriet Lewis