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Published: March 12th 2010
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Hotel Mainao
We are at the very top - third floor - commanding views! This an open area on the ground floor, bar, internet cafe, hammock! Farewell to Quito - finally on our way to the Galapagas. After some confusion at the airport as to what gate number, and the destination, we made our way across the yellow marked path to the aircraft. An hour into the flight it was evident given we were flying over water that we were not making the scheduled stop over at Guayaquil. So we were either heading directly to the islands or on our way to Cuba.
Arrived at Baltra airport, Galapagos and took our first breath of island air - hot and humid. So close. Only one more passport check, payment of fees, bagage check, collect luggage and then to the bus for a short ride to the ferry, followed by a 40 minute ride in a taxi truck to reach our final destination Port Ayora.
Port Ayora - Just your typical Ecuadorian costal town except the main street, Charles Darwin Ave, largely caters to tourists - restaurants, shops and tour agencies. Not to mention the local residents - 12,000 people and numerous sea life that inhabit the small local fishing dock. Probably home to the most photographed seal, numerous pelicans and frigate birds. 'Frigate' being my catch
Naomi and the Big Iguana
You didn't know they came this big, did you? cry when an over enthusatic Jim sent our beers flying in an attempt to photograph an arial battle between a frigate and a pelicam over a fish. Frigate 1, Pelican 0, Beers -1.
Best Quote: Port Ayora desparately needs ceiling fans and bike lights.
Best travel tip: Treat with caution roll-on deodorants at high altitudes.
Most hair raising moment:♦ JIm using roll-on and narrowly escaping serious injury from deodorant ball turned missile. Also doubles as most entertaining moment.
Most used spanish phrase: Mi marido es loco - 'my husband is crazy'.
BTW, I forgot to mention the taxi radio-dispatcher in Quito, a lady speaking rapid-fire Spanish radio-speak sounding just like the "Crazy Frog".
Thursday we had sort of planned to walk to the beach (about 5 km) and do a spot of snorkelling, but talking to Gaby in the hotel office we decided to visit a tortoise ranch, Ranco Primicia. Our driver Jose-Luis stopped first at a crater stop to see some ancient volcano craters. See the pics! Then on to the tortoises. He warned us we wouldn't see many as it was mating season,and most will have taken to the hills (the ranch is connected to
Heron and pelicans
Right opposite our hotel is the dock where the fishing boats come in - and the herons, pelicans and even seals hang around looking for a free feed. the adjacent national park and they can come and go as they please). We saw a couple of "small" ones, but then...a crowd of tourists was forming around some bushes, where there was an old "bull" (if that's what they're called) mating with a much smaller female, making the most agonised groaning sounds in the process. Needless to say, we have many close up pictures, including a video - tortoise porn.
Leaving the ranch, Jose-Luis stopped at a lava tunnel - surprisely large and evenly formed, we could walk quite a way (apart from the mud), an interesting end to the feature-packed 3-hour tour. Jose-Luis dropped us back at the hotel where he appreciated the $10 tip I gave him.
Lunch was at La Giardine where we had dinner last night (lobster ravioli for me, black pearl fish for Naomi) - lunch was salads but very delicous. We then wandered around, found a Lonely Planet-recommended travel agent and booked another 3-night cruise to see the outer islands. The rest of the trip is pretty-well laid out now.
Tomorrow we depart on a 4-night cruise on the Galaven I. We will be out of email range so no
Seal and pelicans
The seal was like a dog - looking for any bit of fish the fisherman dropped threw his way. Frigate birds moved in and even stole some bits from the pelicans - quite a sight! But I missed the photo...sorry! more blogs until mid-next week. Sorry this one is a it late and b it quick - not enough time as I still have to due a couple of hours work a day at least (cue violins). Not to mention a very dodgy internet connection. However as we will have bit more time on our hands, we can write them in Word and upload them next week when we get back.
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Liz
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Wonderful guys
Thanks for sharing your adventure. I could feel the heat, salty air and atmosphere of it all. It all seems so close to where you're staying - love the volcano, tortoises and everything!!!