Bienvenidos!

Greetings from Masaya, Nicaragua! I've only been here for 7 hours, but already my mind is swirling with the new things I've experienced today. I'm in awe of the people I've met, the country I have seen, and the science I am on the precipice of learning about. My colleagues on the trip span the globe, coming from England, Scotland, Holland, Canada, Spain, Germany, Vermont, Japan, Minnesota, and Kansas. One particularly zealous explorer is here on his sixtieth (yes, 6-0!) expedition. He is truly remarkable. Tomorrow morning we head out to Volcan Masaya National Park, and I expect to be able to report more on Masaya's persistently active volcano... hasta manana!