CAA Saskatchewan Fall 2018 | Page 29

The author and her grandson I a turtle,” proclaims my grandson, Daniel, on day one of our Galapagos adventure. He belongs to a generation that seemingly believes something hasn’t happened unless there’s photographic evidence; that you weren’t really there unless you snap a pic. It’s as if the photograph matters more than the actual experience. But Daniel’s proclamation also reveals a keen—albeit camouflaged— curiosity about nature and wildlife. As a longtime traveller and former teacher, I believe the best education happens outside the classroom. Exposure to new languages, cultures and environments leads to a richer view of the world. With that in mind, I promised Daniel an epic adventure: He could choose the place— anywhere in the world—and we would go. A few months after his 10th birthday in 2015, Daniel burst into my living room, cellphone in hand, to show me his dream destination: the Galapagos, a chain of Ecuadorian islands made famous by another curious young man—Charles Darwin. Our trip planning had begun! » “ have to get a selfie with CAA SASKATCHEWAN FAll 2018 29