"I was fortunate enough to visit Uruguay in July of 2007, putting me squarely in the middle of their coldest winter in years. The mission was to collect annual killifish.

Jeff Cardwell and I were picked up by Felipe and Alejandro (local killi pro) at the airport; this was the first time that we had met, but I immediately felt like family.

You really couldn't ask for a better guide than Felipe. His firsthand knowledge of the entire country and its natural history is seriously impressive; whether you like to spot reptiles, birds, orchids, or anything else, he is the man to ask.

The collecting was outstanding - he put us on fish right away, and found us cichlids in the dead of winter.

Everything involved with such trips - from permits, to travel, to accommodations, to finding us the finest of grilled meats - was taken care of so smoothly. The second I got on the plane home, I was making plans to return.

And, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Felipe's wife Helen and her killer cooking. Good fish, good friends, good food - what else could you ask for?

Best,
Ariel"