Sun - April 17, 2005

Sunday, April 17, 2005 (Quito - Ecuador)


The Galapagos Islands have become my new favourite place. Turtle, rays and sleeping shark amongst the last few things we get to see. Happy and sad at the same time. Disregarding the cost for our last night of the trip - but I couldn't resist a bit of haggling nevertheless.

Posted at 08:27 PM     Read More  

Sat - April 16, 2005

Saturday, April 16, 2005 (NEMO I - Galapagos Islands - Ecuador)


Yet another new colour for another new island. Keeping track of our eating likes and dislikes. Problems with the underwater camera equipment just when I needed it the most. Penguins at last! Bartering photos for the bar bill.

Posted at 07:09 PM     Read More  

Fri - April 15, 2005

Friday, April 15, 2005 (NEMO I - Galapagos Islands - Ecuador)


Body clocks and morning bells. The effort to make it to the top of the volcano was rewarded by spectacular views. Nothing ruins the view more than several dozen offloading passengers from a large ship. Captain has the final word. Another beach - another colour.

Posted at 06:29 PM     Read More  

Thu - April 14, 2005

Thursday, April 14, 2005 (NEMO I - Galapagos Islands - Ecuador)


Getting over the illness and on with the cruise. Heading into the Santa Cruz highlands on trail of geological features and giant Galapagos tortoises. Checking out the Charles Darwin Research Institute again but this time with our own guide. Bugger the expense - it's rotisserie chicken tonight and we're not going to bed hungry!

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Wed - April 13, 2005

Wednesday, April 13, 2005 (NEMO I - Galapagos Islands - Ecuador)


How not to start the day. Missed out on all the day's events due to a tummy bug rendering me inactive for the entire day. Rising temperatures dictated a quick visit to the doctor. Being well looked after by the crew.

Posted at 09:30 PM     Read More  

Tue - April 12, 2005

Tuesday, April 12, 2005 (NEMO I - Galapagos Islands - Ecuador)


Getting up this early should be illegal when you're on holiday. A different island - a different set of sub-species. Timing is everything when you want to see the good stuff. More blue-foots. Our first foray into underwater Galapagos. Mingling with the wildlife.

Posted at 09:06 PM     Read More  

Mon - April 11, 2005

Monday, April 11, 2005 (NEMO I - Galapagos Islands - Ecuador)


Not many people can claim this reason for a restless night. Remaining between the steaks is imperative! Strikingly blue webbed feet. The evening's entertainment was in front of the laptop.

Posted at 05:47 PM     Read More  

Sun - April 10, 2005

Sunday, April 10, 2005 (NEMO I - Galapagos Islands - Ecuador)


We hadn't even yet made it to our cruise when a truly magnificent spectacle caught our eye. Making our acquaintances with the NEMO I catamaran but not everything was the bed of roses we were expecting. Our first trip to shore to see turtle nests and a whole host of other unique wildlife.

Posted at 12:10 PM     Read More  

Sat - April 9, 2005

Saturday, April 9, 2005 (Puerto Ayora - Galapagos Islands - Ecuador)


Having to chose between breakfast or more sleep. No success in finding a private guide for the day. Picking up some souvenirs. Another long evening in the pleasant company of some Canadians.

Posted at 12:29 AM     Read More  

Fri - April 8, 2005

Friday, April 8, 2005 (Puerto Ayora - Galapagos Islands - Ecuador)


Making the last-minute flight to the Galapagos Islands but we were considered too old to be students. Giddy with excitement at another life's ambition now realised. Working my magic to secure a last-minute cruise on a superior vessel but trusting my instincts was a good idea. Dinner with new friends.

Posted at 12:25 AM     Read More  

Thu - April 7, 2005

Thursday, April 7, 2005 (Quito - Ecuador)


To drunk to notice. Is it even worth them charging anything at all? Another clapped out bus ride. When the equator is not the equator. A surprisingly nice little out of the way museum. Time to stuff ourselves silly.

Posted at 09:33 PM     Read More  

Wed - April 6, 2005

Wednesday, April 6, 2005 (Quito - Ecuador)


Sometimes, a little nudge is just not enough. Still thinking of that Rapa Nui music. Was there really any need to worry to begin with?

Posted at 09:30 PM     Read More  

Tue - April 5, 2005

Tuesday, April 5, 2005 (Santiago - Chile)


Smacked by the time zone fairy and hit by jet-lag. What could go wrong with a free breakfast? Fun and gamed at the post office. How to confuse a foreigner - send him in opposite directions. Incoherent dribble won't pass as Spanish. How to cruise for less. Make mine rare! So little time in such a large continent - why is the world so damn big?

Posted at 10:31 PM     Read More  

Mon - April 4, 2005

Monday, April 4, 2005 (Santiago - Chile)


More moving on and more farewells. Initial apprehensions about arriving in a new country on a new continent. Chile gracefully welcomes us with open arms. So may cities all in one. A problem that just won't go away. How to ask for something in a language you don't speak.

Posted at 10:09 PM     Read More  

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