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3/4/2007 3:14 pmLast Read: |
Alas, back to the world of reality... say it isn't so!! I recently got back from a 3 week trip to Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands - what a fantastically awesome time & if you ever have the chance to go, then grab it! Where do I even begin?? It was absolutely amazing & there were enough activities to last a lifetime. I went with a small tour group (8 of us, plus the main guide) and there was a great mix of personalities among us. We hung out in Quito, Ecuador at the beginning of the journey and saw the poverty that was prevalent everywhere. Little boys of 5, 6 & older walking around with shoeshine kits offering to polish our sandals. So sad - makes you really appreciate what you have and not what you don't. What an eye-opening experience as far as that's concerned. The Ecuadorian people are very gracious & happy even though they don't have much. We eventually flew to the Galapagos island of Santa Cruz & stayed in very primitive hotel conditions which had one absolute primo factor ---- it was right on the water & when you stepped out the door onto the balcony, we literally saw sea lions swimming, pelicans fishing on the rocks, giant iguanas (some the size of large house cats) sunning themselves, and thousands of those red crabs like you see in the National Geographic specials. That alone made it all worthwhile. We also went trekking through the jungles of a turtle reserve & saw these massive tortoises, some the size of small dining tables, just standing there eating some wild guava. It was pretty wild. After a few days, we then boarded a boat named The Flamingo for almost a week's worth of boating pleasure. I say this somewhat sarcastically - it was extremely cramped & uncomfortable at times since the boat was small & slightly rickety, but the scenery we saw was unsurpassable at times. One of the best things about staying on that boat was when a group of us went snorkling around Devil's Crown. It was so fantastic -- the water was crystal clear, you could see all the way to the bottom. Again, it was like a National Geographic special with all the colorful fish, wild tortoises, mustard rays, sea snakes, sharks (small & not interested in eating us) and sea lions swimming up to us. Talk about an experience I will never forget!! We also did day trips to Galapagos islands uninhabited by humans which were all pretty neat & went to a beach where the tortoises lay their eggs. I'll never forget taking a motor boat to one of the islands & seeing dozens upon dozens of sea lions just lazing on the beach & not being too concerned when we literally walked among them, some of them less than a foot away! And it was the time of year where sea lion mothers give birth, so there were tons of sea lions pups to admire as well, they were absolutely adorable. From the boat, we headed off to another Galapagos Island called Isabela. The accomodations were much improved, although still primitive. This place was right on the beach with the ocean about 300 feet away, the view reminded me of one of those Corona commercials. A million dollar view from a slightly dilapidated shanty, so funny. We did some horseback riding & trekked miles and miles through this volcanic crater. Not to worry the guide said, a volcano hadn't occured there in 20 years or so. No, not to worry my foot. But boy oh boy, what a strenous hike that was & I ran of water half way through the return trip. So thirst it was!! We eventually left that dusty island and flew to beautiful island of San Cristobal, which was my favorite Galapagos island. San Cristobal is very charming, is probably one of the more up-to-date islands (has internet cafes!) and the islanders were gearing up for Festival, so the whole island was in a happy, festive mood. Eventually, we headed back to Quito, and then took a trip out to the highlands of Ibarra. Ibarra was great, very gracious people, much more laid back than Quito, and we saw many older people dressed in the traditional garb of little hats & wool wraps. We also visited the town of Otavalo where we got to experience some of the native Indians at their craft: looming & weaving, making reed mats & baskets, instrument making, etc. So much work goes into their crafts. Also, the Otavalo market was a fantastic time, plenty of shopping & people watching & eating to be done there. After 3 weeks, I was a little anxious to get home, but will never forget this adventure. Again, if you ever have the chance to go, you won't regret it, especially if you're a nature & animal lover. Hope all is well with everyone & thanks for stopping by. Any suggestions for the next adventure?? |
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3/4/2007 11:46 pm |
Dear Asian_Fusion: Thank you for sharing your fantastic and wonderful story of your 3 weeks in South America. I remember visiting China for 3 weeks way back in '91 and it was a very memorable but long trip. I like your descriptions and experiences of the exotic animals you saw on your trip. Why watch National Geographic when you can live it!! Maybe your next adventure could be in Los Angeles.  R
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3/5/2007 2:19 pm |
Dear Asian_Fusion: Thank you for sharing your fantastic and wonderful story of your 3 weeks in South America. I remember visiting China for 3 weeks way back in '91 and it was a very memorable but long trip. I like your descriptions and experiences of the exotic animals you saw on your trip. Why watch National Geographic when you can live it!! Maybe your next adventure could be in Los Angeles. RHope all is well & glad you liked hearing about the trip. China is a place I'd definitely like to visit someday - we should swap stories so I'll know what to expect & where to go when the time comes. And as you know, I've never been to LA or Cali, so that's another must-do place added to the list! I'll give you a heads up when that day comes so the CA National Guard can be on alert (kidding). Thanks again & always good to hear from you
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3/11/2007 5:33 am |
I luv being an armchair traveller, my excuses, time money and health ! TYVM for your adventure
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3/11/2007 1:41 pm |
I luv being an armchair traveller, my excuses, time money and health ! TYVM for your adventure
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3/12/2007 4:14 am |
Glad you had a good time.
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3/14/2007 8:21 am |
Glad you had a good time.
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3/23/2007 8:46 pm |
Did you tell everyone that we opened up a beach bar a student of life 
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3/25/2007 9:11 am |
Did you tell everyone that we opened up a beach bar 
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3/26/2007 10:42 am |
Why MrStan, can you imagine the crackling heard 'round the world (from all your fans hearts breaking!) if we let the cat out of the bag??  LOLa student of life
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3/29/2007 3:35 pm |
The crackling would be coming from many of your male followers knuckles I think LOL
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