Galapagos and Quito, 2006

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My friend Jeanine asked me to go with her to the Galapagos - I already had my vacation planned that year - I was planning on getting in my car and driving. Just driving to see where the road would take me. Jeanine gave me the opportunity to scrap that plan for something a little more...structured. I am so glad. Not only did I have bonding time with my friend (we have known each other since gradeschool), but I had the opportunity of a lifetime to see vacation as something other than a random beach, with a novel in my hand and a drink by my side. Instead, I saw a place of such wonder and beauty that I have never forgotten it. We made friends and we saw things that are not possible to see anywhere else on earth. I will never forget the Galapagos and will return someday, I hope.

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Photos

Swissotel
The view from our room in Quito

The Albatross
Just lucky timing

Blue Footed Boobies
Watching the mating dance is a once in a lifetime experience!

Deep Sea Snorkling
With my best friend and partner in crime, Jeanine (I am on the left)...

Galapagos Turtle
Amazing to see how truly large these guys are. Some of them have bullet holes in their shells, that are decades old!

Iguanas
I love how they all "snuggle"

Resting Sea Lion
What a day!

Pinnacle Rock
On a "young" island. I have never experienced such quiet.

Land Iguana
They were so cute when they tried to get a flower from a cactus tree.

Watching the babies
My friend Jeanine

On the beach
When we first arrived. So much to see!