We have arrived in San Pedro! It’s especially amazing to be here after quite an eventful morning of travel. Though complications with the airline’s VISA confusion and lost luggage made it stressful at times, it truly proved the resilience of the team! If we can make it through that, we can do anything!

After a breathtaking plane ride over to the island, we were greeted by what Mandy called a “chilly day” in San Pedro. We enjoyed a late lunch at Lily’s right on the beach, and despite our tiredness, we were all itching to get in the water! During our first swim, we marveled at the warm temperature and beautiful blue color of the water and we saw a ray! We can’t believe this will be our home for the next six weeks!

By the end of the day, we were all impressed by how many people Mandy knows on the island, and we felt welcomed by everyone we met. We caught up on our sleep in the luxury air conditioned accommodations of the Mayan Princess Hotel.

The next day was move-in day! We all began settling into the apartment while Abby did her first day of certification dives. All very happy with the house, we proceeded to unpack, organize supplies, and stock up the kitchen after our first grocery trip in San Pedro! That afternoon, we began familiarizing ourselves with the island while enjoying the beautiful sunshine on a golf cart tour. Afterwards, we finally got to pick up our missing luggage which had been delivered to Tropic Air island airport, and we were all very excited to have our own clothing! The day ended with our first weekly “family dinner” in our new home: an amazing meal prepared by Mandy’s friend Hector.

Today we start the fundraising process and Abby finishes her certification dives! We’re looking forward to the arrival of the professors tomorrow!

-Emily Hitchcock and the Coral Ed Team

Here’s the Team on the tiny plane over to the island and going for our first swim!

Abby rockin’ her certification dives!