BIO 42: Tropical Ecology and BIO 53: Biology of the Andes ...



BIO 42: Tropical Ecology and BIO 53: Biology of the Andes/Galápagos

Winter 2008

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU

READ CAREFULLY -- This list reflects our past experiences and addresses questions you may have.

The ultimate principle is to travel as light as possible. However, we will be in different climates and different cultures, in the field and in cities, so your wardrobe must be flexible.

Cost Ricans and Ecuadorians are diverse peoples drawn from many backgrounds. In general, they are friendly to visitors, courteous, and soft-spoken. It is very important to respect the fact that we are guests in their country, and as such, we have several responsibilities to them. This means, among other things, being sensitive to their cultural standards in appearance and behavior, being very patient, and not projecting the "ugly American" image by being rowdy, loud, or pushy. You are not only representing yourself; your behavior reflects on the group, on the group leaders, on the university, and on the United States. Latin Americans are more conservative than Americans in many ways, and more liberal in other ways. Be prepared to dress accordingly and to realize that women and men are not necessarily regarded as equal in all aspects of daily living. You should plan to dress neatly when in town - set aside a clean pair of slacks and a collared shirt or neat blouse as "town clothes". Assume that all of your other clothes will become muddy, stained, torn, or otherwise inappropriate for town wear. When you travel, it often helps to dress neatly when going through customs. As such, wear your "town clothes" when we leave Greenville and on other days with air travel.

You will pack one piece of check-in luggage; it will be your dufflebag. Those that zip from end to end are best. Be sure you can affix a small clasp to anchor the zipper (locks may not be permitted on flights). Your loaded bag must weigh less than 35 pounds; we will have a weigh-in in January 2008 before we leave. (Yes, I know the airlines allow more weight, but we do not want to be throwing 50 lb. dufflebags onto the top of our minibuses.) You will also want a day pack (“book bag”) that you will carry on the plane with you and that you will use on day hikes in the field. Also, we may be able to camp out for an overnight atop Volcan Alcedo in the Galapagos. If we do this, each of you will need a hiking backpack. An inner frame pack can fit inside a large dufflebag. We will keep you abreast of this possibility. When you pack for airplane travel, place your camera, film, binoculars, field notebook, set of underwear, and toiletries in the day pack. You will find it helpful to purchase some seam-sealer at an outdoor store and seal all the seams of your dufflebag and daypack. Here are some helpful packing tips: 1) roll your clothes rather than folding them; 2) pack the clothes in zip-lock baggies - this will make access easier and the baggies come in handy on the trip. Also, you can squeeze out the air while packing, and use less room. Expect your clothes to get dirty and wet. Everything will probably be permanently soiled, plus the tropical sun is especially harsh on fabrics. You many even want to leave some of your clothes in Ecuador to make room for souvenirs. Therefore, this is an excellent time to get rid of clothes that are no longer favorites in your wardrobe. Avoid nylon, polyester, and acrylics; they are hot (the obvious exception in your swim suit). Use all cotton or blends that are mostly cotton. Label all your clothes and equipment with waterproof marker or sewn-on labels; we wash clothes communally and all socks look alike. Plan on keeping one set of clothes set aside for town, another for relaxation, and another set aside as "field clothes". When we return from the field, set the dirty clothes aside for the next excursion and switch into the relaxation/"camp" clothes. We will only do laundry sporadically, so there is no need to keep washing field clothes that will be covered in mud again after ten minutes of walking in the rain forest.

In Costa Rica you will need town clothes, camp clothes, and field clothes. Town clothes have been discussed. Camp clothes are for sitting around the field-station compounds. You can wear shorts, tivas, sandals, t-shirts, etc. as camp clothes. Field clothes are to be worn AT ALL TIMES when you exit the station compounds and enter natural areas. You will ALWAYS wear hiking boots and long pants in the field. You will always carry a long sleeved shirt and hat with you, as well as water. You will see other students from other colleges out in the forests in shorts and sandals. They are stupid. You are with us so you will be smart and wear appropriate clothing. It will be hot (85 F) and wet at La Selva, cool (55 F) and wet at Monteverde, and hot (100 F) and dry at Palo Verde.

In Ecuador, the Andean highlands will be the coldest habitat we visit and the Galapagos will be the hottest habitat we visit. A sweatshirt is essential, at a minimum. You will have the chance to buy warm, hand woven woolens in Otavalo, so you can stock up on warm clothes then. In the Galapagos, clothes are easy. You will need a durable swim suit (you'll wear it often), a pair of shorts, and t-shirts (although you will have the chance to buy plenty of these on the trip, as well.) We will go snorkeling and take short walks every day. You will want tevas, or sneakers that can get wet for "wet landings". At several times in the trip, you are going to be sleeping near members of the opposite sex. Bring sleepwear that is appropriate and won't offend others in the group.

No matter what we do, we will look like tourists. Anywhere in the world (including U. S. cities), that will make us a mark for thieves. San Jose is safer than almost any city in the U. S., but that does not stop all forms of crime. Quito is safe, also, but like any big city. As you decide what to bring, be sure to think about security. Don't bring jewelry. Don't carry valuables in the outer pockets of your packs. Secure your wallet and passport. Be especially careful in airports and outside of the hotel. We will review all risks at a later date, but these may influence your choice of clothes.

Souvenirs: Students spend between $100 to $800 on souvenirs. Costa Rica is best known for wood and leather, but these are of equal quality (and are cheaper) in Ecuador. Also, remember that you will carry all items that you buy in Costa Rica in your personal luggage through out the rest of the trip. Ecuador is most noted for textile and leather items. For a woolen sweater, you would pay about $12 to $15; small woolen blankets are about $19 to $26; large ones could cost $50 -- or even more for finer quality. Leather coats might be bought for $100 or less; purses about $15 to $20 and leather carry-on bags about $25. T-shirts are available everywhere and cost from $5 to $12. Of course, you bargain for prices whenever you buy something from a street vendor. Often in finer shops the price is fixed -- but it never hurts to ask.

Camera and Film: In 2004 and 2006, about half the group had simple point and shoot cameras; the rest had single lens reflex cameras or digital cameras. Most shot prints, but two or three students used slides. Cost and convenience are two considerations in your selection. Most students shot between 4-7 rolls of 36 exposure film in Costa Rica, and 8-10 rolls in Ecuador/Galapagos, but as many as 20. On each trip about two students had camera problems. We will have two laptops with us in Costa Rica, and you can download some pictures onto their hard drives. However, you should also carry as many memory cards as you think you’ll need. The best advice is to make sure your camera works before departure! Most of all, be sure you know how to work your camera! For film speed, 100 or 50 ASA is fine in the Palo Verde and Galápagos, but you will need 400 for rainforests. A couple rolls of 200 are good for general use. You may want to try those cheap disposable underwater cameras or those panoramic ones; they produce some incredible shots. On each of the last three trips, one student brought an expensive underwater camera for the Galápagos. Each one said afterward that they wished they had not -- it seems that these cameras are prone to problems. Finally, be sure to put your name and address in the bag that holds your film -- or on each film canister; one student lost her film in the airport. The group will have a videocamera and you can help take footage. You will receive a copy of the edited tape as a keepsake in spring 2006.

Items to Bring:

Luggage:

___ Dufflebag, to be checked as luggage (35 lbs. fully loaded). Seams waterproofed. Clasp to anchor

zipper to end-ring.

___ Day pack, to be used as your "carry-on" item and field pack. Seams waterproofed.

___ Internal Frame back pack is optional at this point; we will tell you if it is necessary or

recommended later.

Shoes:

___ 1 pair of comfortable shoes (such as sneakers/tennis shoes)

___ 1 pair of flip flops, Tevas, or sandals (for around your room, on the boat, and in the showers)

___ 1 pair of hiking boots. You may want to wear these on the plane since they will be heavy. Opt for a light weight, flexible variety, if you are buying a pair. Break them in well before the trip.

Clothes:

___ 2-3 long sleeved shirts; these should be cotton/blend; 1-2 for town, 1 for field

___ T-shirts/tank tops: probably about 5; bring none that advertise other universities -- those don't look too good in FU publications. You will probably buy a couple during the trip, too.

___ Pants; 1 pair for town (women may replace one with dress/skirt) and 2 pr. for field. Bluejeans are hot and dry very slowly, cotton pants are best for field. But jeans for travel days and for city touring days are fine (1 pair). Past female students have recommended 2 sets of town/party clothes; they said it is good to have something nicer when relaxing/going out in the cities. Do not bring army surplus/camouflage pants or clothes, even as field pants. These aren't appropriate for Latin America.

___ Walking shorts; probably about 2-3 pair. Also shorts/shirts for leisure wear – on the boat and around the hotel.

___ 2 Swimsuits (durable).

___ Underwear (cotton recommended) - 7 sets. Females recommended quick-dry sports bras (~5).

___ Socks; probably 6 good pairs cotton socks; plus one heavy pair for cool weather. A polypropylene pair is good for hikes, too.

___ Sweater, sweatshirt or wool shirt (wool or synthetic fibers will dry much quicker than a sweatshirt)

___ Soft (foldable) hat for sun and rain -- make sure it has a full (360o) brim (absolutely essential)

___ Belt

___ Sleepwear

___ Rain coat or poncho (preferably one with a hood). The breathable fabrics are best -- but expensive). It must be durable.

___ Handkerchiefs

___ Bandana (1 or 2). These are great as a sunscreen.

Snorkeling Equipment: (this can be packed in the group equipment on Jan 4, 2008, or in your own bag)

___ Mask that doesn’t leak – MAKE SURE – use it under water before we leave.

___ Fins that fit (some also have booties or wear socks)

___ Snorkel

Personal Supplies:

___ Towels; 1 thin one (the luxury type take too long to dry). One beach towel. Towels will be provided during most of the trip.

___ Wash cloth, if you use one.

___ Toiletries; Soap (small bar - it's provided most places), shampoo (small), nail clippers, toothpaste (large), toothbrush, comb, brush, shaving gear, contact lens solutions (including enzymes), deodorant (avoid spray cans), dental floss, tampons, etc.

___ Sunscreen (two full bottles, rated AT LEAST 15)

___ Skin cream or after-sun lotion (aloe vera)

___ Personal medical supplies; including a 2 week supply of any prescription medications in their original bottles. Motion sickness medication (the ear patches work well); about half of the group will probably be affected. A few bandaids, aspirin, pepto-bismol, diarrhea medication.

___ Sunglasses with elastic straps to hang around neck.

___ Extra glasses or contact lenses

___ Chap stick or lip balm (for wind and sun)

___ Insect repellent with DEET (2 bottles, non-aerosol).

___ Female students recommended midol, heat packs, and yeast infection treatments (Monistat) - humid weather and excessive sweating put some females at high risk for infections.

Other Items:

___ A Really Excellent Flashlight. Waterproof would be best. It should be very bright, and you should bring 3-4 sets of high quality batteries. A backup flashlight of lower quality would be good, too.

___ An additional headlamp for hiking is good to bring. We will take nightly walks in Costa Rica.

___ One extra flashlight bulb (yes, bring one!)

___ Pocket knife or Utility Tool (DO NOT PACK in "carry-on"!!)

___ Wristwatch, inexpensive, but with alarm function.

___ 2 Canteens, (20 oz. each, minimum. Plastic drink containers can work)

___ Field Notebook with 250-300 pages

___ Small spiral notebook for taking notes in the field

___ Pens; waterproof; 15, for field notebook

___ 1 2-liter drink containers for use as canteens on hikes

___ Copy of your Galapagos paper

Identification/Money:

___ Passport - must be valid through July 2006. Must have it by MAY 2007. Get it!

___ Drivers license

___ Student ID

___ Money, in $20 or $50 denomination travelers checks or cash. Also smaller bills.

___ Credit card.

___ Waist purse or a coin purse

___ Phone card. Sometimes collect calls can't be made. Calls can be very expensive ($50/10 minutes). Make sure the cards work in Costa Rica/Ecuador and, if so, they probably need the access numbers in order to use them. (Can be found online)

Items you may want to bring:

___ Camera and film or memory cards (extra batteries for the camera)

___ Filter and lenses for camera

___ Flash unit for camera

___ Waterproof bag for camera (at minimum several durable zip-lock bags)

___ Addresses of friends and relatives for post cards (perhaps write these on adhesive labels for easy use)

___ A few US stamps for cards carried back to the states for you

___ Foot powder (e.g. tinactin)

___ Pencils, colored and black.

___ Insect repellent

___ 2 or 3 clothes pins

___ A cassette tape or cd might find some action on the bus rides.

___ Playing cards, Frisbee, hacky-sack, crossword puzzle book, or something similar.

___ Photo of friends/family to show new friends made on trip

___ Booties for snorkeling

___ Ear plugs (for excessive noise)

___ Extra water bottle (like a "platypus" or other collapsible bag).

___ leisure reading books ( a couple)

___ Gloves and a wool hat if you are easily chilled (the Andes can be cold, windy, and rainy).

___ Extra toothbrush

Items NOT to bring:

-- Alcohol or drugs (DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!)

-- Jewelry

-- makeup and hair spray

-- a valued diary, etc. (likely to get wet)

-- The textbooks (we will have copies in group gear)

-- Electronic equipment you value (a cheap cd player is fine)

-- Hair dryer, curlers, or curling iron

-- Mosquito net (provided)

-- Videocamera (we will have one)

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