Blogs from San Cristóbal Island, Galápagos, Ecuador, South America - page 5

h1 Cruise aboard the M/V Santa Cruz We're actually back in New York now, so I will do an abbreviated version of our second cruise aboard the Santa Cruz. It is a bit more of the same - although not if you are actually there! We booked this cruise just a week earlier in Puerto Ayora, on Isla Santa Cruz, got a good last-minute deal for less than half the regular rate. Only the larger vessels visit the outer islands such as Fernandina, which Naomi was really keen to see, and I must say was worth the effort. Before I start, one more pic from San Cristobal - walking back from the restaurant the night before, we passed literally hundreds of sealions adorning the beach, fast asleep and totally oblivious to our presence. The Santa Cruz ... read more

Nice early wake up to be take to the interpretive centre which is a cool little museum that gives you an interesting geological and historical background on the Islands. I think a place becomes much more interesting once you know a little bit about how it became what it is today. After the centre, we had some free time. To shop! Or roam around San Cristobal. It´s a real modern looking, clean place but I have to admit that I did spend almost all of my time there looking in the shops (and yes I can hear the ´such a girl´comments being hurled at me right now.) On the way to the island we passed tonnes of boats all just sitting there, mostly acting as sun loungers for sea lions. They had been apprehended by the ... read more

Hacienda Tranquila Project, community-based organization, initiated and led by Galápagos residents Established in: 2005 Located at: Highland region of San Cristóbal, Galápagos Island, Ecuador Extension: 50 ha Forest type: Dry and Moist Tropical Forest The highland forests of the populated Islands in the Galapagos chain have been greatly altered due to the introduction of exotic and invasive species of animals and plants. Highland conservation, development and poverty issues have been almost completely neglected by conservation, development and government agencies. As a result of the lack of fruit and vegetable production on the Galapagos Islands, boats from the Ecuadorian mainland unload fruits and vegetables to hotels, restaurants, and markets on a daily basis. Quarantine regulations are consistently ignored and at least two exotic and/or invasive plant or faunal specie... read more

One thing I have wanted to see since I have set foot in Ecuador is a local wedding. Today my American friend Jenni married a local guy, and the ceremony was on the beach among the sealions and marine iguanas. The reception was small, an intimate group of family and friends. Her hair and dress was simple, yet VERY beautiful! A light meal was served by a local restaurant on the balcony of an upscale hostel right beside my house. The music was a wide range of English and Spanish music, from Barry Manilow to Daddy Yankee. All the best Checho and Jenni! ... read more

A quick fruit salad in the hotel and we were picked up for the trip to the airport; seemed a little small... and we generally made a nuisance of ourselves by pushing into the queues where ever possible.There´s only 6 of us on this trip... 2 american couples and 2 brits. In true south american style our aeroplane was late, and then turned out to be a little on the old side. No matter, after a quick stop in Guyaquil (?) we made the hop over to San Cristobal safely, only to be greeted with sullen, rain filled skies. The bags were visibly sniffed for drugs, then we were met by Sambo, and taken to the hotel. Ironically I had been recommended a different tour company so that I would get Sambo as a guide, but ... read more