Friday, August 20, 2010 - This morning Penney and I boarded a flight to Quito Ecuador (via Miami where we are right now). We are very excited about our next big adventure. This evening we will transfer to the JW Marriott for a two night stay before flying to Balta to board the Celebrity Xpedition, Sunday for a seven night exploration cruise around the Galapagos Islands.
Tomorrow we will take an all day tour of Quito and get to go to the equator... I will post pictures as soon as possible.
I am still in wonder why Penney and her friend Sharon ever chose this itinerary as neither are the outdoorsy type... But I am thrilled. Stay tuned... This should be interesting :). I will post as often as the Internet Gods will allow.
7:40pm - We arrived safely in Quito Ecuador airport, retrieved our luggage... Yeah... And were greeted by the Celebrity reps (no not reps for celebrities, the reps from Celebrity cruise lines :) ). We were escorted to the waiting buses and taken to the beautiful JW Marriott about a fifteen minutes ride.
As we arrive they have Ecuadorian juices and drinks waiting in the lobby along with our room keys. We are escorted to a beautiful room on the 7th floor, as we step inside, Penney notices a beautiful city view and then... that there is only one king bed. She advices him that we need a room with two beds... She says.. Although she and Sharon are friends, they are not that good of friends :). We are escorted to the next room, one floor down, which also is a king room... We smile and are now on our way to the third room... As we enter we hear loud music coming from the lounge directly below, this KING room. So now our chuckles and smiles are turning into frustration and worry that there are no double rooms. Finally the manager finds a room on the fifth floor (the concierge club floor with two doubles). Yeah after nearly an hour and four rooms we are settled in. Off to bed, it has been a long and tomorrow starts at 7am.
Saturday, August 21, 2010 - Up early, nice breakfast and on to the lobby to meet the rest of the group before departing on our city tour of Quito, the capital of Ecuador.
Our group is divided into four smaller groups, we are the Volcano’s, and escorted to the waiting buses. Our guide is Cynthia (a Celebrity Rep), who will be with us until we depart tomorrow.
As we begin, Cynthia takes us around the downtown area giving us history… Quito was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inco City and stands at an altitude of 9,350 feet. Despite the 1917 earthquake, the city has the best-preserved, least altered historic center in Latin America. The monasteries of San Francisco and Santo Domingo, and the Church and Jesuit College of La Compania, with their rich interiors, are pure examples of the ‘Baroque school of Quito’, which is a fusion of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish and indigenous art. The city was declared “World Heritage Site: by UNESCO, the cultural department of the United Nations.
We visited a couple of churches, walked through the streets around the Plaza Grande, and visited the Palacio de Gobierno – the president’s house also known as Palacio de Carondelet.
On to Carmine’s Ristorante, which is in the world renowned neighborhood called "La Mariscal". The owner/chef, Carmine, greeted us with a warm smile and a delicious lunch.
Although many of us were ready for a nap after the wonderful food and wine, we boarded the buses for our next stop… the Half of the World Park and Museum.
Upon arrival Cynthia walked us through the history of the park, where the exact position of the equator is marked by the La Mitad del Mundo, “Middle of the World” monuments.
Then we were all able to stand on the equatorial line, (well I actually sat on it as my legs were not long enough to put a foot in each hemisphere.
We were then free to roam around, visit the museum and shop in the local’s artisan's’ market before returning back to the hotel.
This evening we were taken to the Theatrum Restaurant & Wine Bar for dinner. It is located in Quito's Historic Center on the second floor of the National Theater. We enjoyed typical Ecuadorian food and wine, as well as nice conversation with new friends Barbara & Bob, MaryBeth & Allen as well as their daughters, Bailey and Riley.
Tomorrow we depart for Baltra, to begin our adventure around the Galapagos Islands… stay tuned….
Sunday, August 22, 2010 - We awoke with a start at 5:20AM as Sharon realized that our wake up call did not come! Our instructions were to have our luggage outside of our room no later than 5am for pick up and transfer to the airport… Penney called down to the front desk they advised they would send someone up immediately. As Penney & Sharon rushed around to get themselves ready and their bags packed, I took a few minutes to catch a couple of extra winks. (i travel really light)
Whew, ready to go, we headed to breakfast then onto the waiting buses to go to the airport. As we arrive at the airport, the reps begin giving out boarding passes. Sharon & Penney somehow received 1D & 1K, why are these two in first class? Oh well, i am just along for the ride and this does give me more room too :)
The flight was very smooth, we stopped in Guayaquil to pick up more passengers. During the flight they fed us a nice breakfast, and then I kicked back and listened to music while Penney pulled out her IPad and worked on this blog.
As we arrived in Baltra we looked out the window to see the airport…
Because the Galapagos Islands are protected by the National Parks they do not have a typical pier where the ship docks, so we were taken via a bus to a pier and loaded into a zodiac… just the first of many this coming week I am sure.
Well the zodiac ride was a blast, several folks looked a little ‘green’ but I loved it. After a brief orientation we were escorted to our stateroom. We were initially listed for cabin 401, but when we arrive they took us to 506… which is a suite with a balcony! WOW!!! How did that happen?? But do you think we complained?? Nope, just smiled and said thanks!!
After enjoying a glass of complimentary champagne on the balcony, we decided to go and check out the ship… (which took all of about 35 minutes) :)
Deck 3, staterooms, the gift shop & hair salon, and Darwin’s Restaurant. The restaurant is open for a full buffet breakfast & lunch and ala cart for dinner, it is open seating so we can choose what time and with whom we wish to sit.
Deck 4 are more staterooms, the reception area, a desk for the naturalists, Discovery Lounge and at the rear of the deck is the Beagle Grill.
On to Deck 5, this deck is where the suites and the Blue Finch Bar. There is also a nice area to sit and enjoy the view and soak up some sun. Deck 5 is also where the ‘bridge’ is, and per the captain there is an open door policy so we can go up anytime.
Deck 6 is where you will find the spa and hot tub, as well as area to relax in the sun in comfy lounge chairs.
After our tour we stopped in for a quick lunch, a passenger came to us and ask if we would get our luggage from in front of her door… apparently, she had requested (demanded) to be moved to deck 4 near reception, so management gave her our cabin and moved us up to deck 5 (which is fine by me :))
By 4:30pm we were anchoring for our first excursion… North Seymour, which was named after Lord Hough Seymour. It is located at the central area o the Archipelago, just north of Baltra. It was formed through a series of uplifts of submarine lavas deposited as a flat plateau along underwater fissures. These sporadic uplifts took more than a million years to bring the island to its present level. The major attraction here is the colony of Frigate birds,the largest in the Galapagos. We made our way to the rear of the ship and boarded zodiacs, which was a lot of fun…
we were able to see Frigate birds, Sally Lightfoot Crabs and a sea lion
Back onboard, we gathered in the Discovery Lounge where we were welcomed by Jorge, the cruise director and Fausto Pacheco, the Captain
They introduced the naturalists that would be our guides for the week… all of them so knowledgeable about the area.
Each evening we will meet here for a briefing on the following days events. They will advise us of what we should expect to see and the level of intensity of the excursions.
Our first sunset in the Galapagos…
We then had a nice dinner and called it an early night as it has been a very long day.
Monday, August 23, 2010 - this morning we were up early to load the zodiacs for zodiac ride around Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido in Spanish, or Sleeping Lion)
This island is fund off the northwest shore of San Cristobal Island and it is a massive angular rocky block, the Galapagos version of Gibraltar.
Back to the ship for a quick breakfast before arriving at our next stop… at 9:00am, we are arriving at the island of San Cristobal the fifth largest and the easternmost island in the Galapagos, and one of the four islands that Charles Darwin visited aboard the HMS Beagle.
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is a town that stretches out along a small harbor. On one side of the harbor is a military base, and on the other is a dock where we disembarked off the zodiacs. The streets are cobbled and there is a pleasant waterfront part with benches along the main street – Charles Darwin Avenue. We had the chance to visit the Interpretation Center, which offers a journey through the history of the islands.
After lunch, on to our third stop today… Espanola Island. This is the southernmost island and is approximately 4 million years old, by far the oldest island in the archipelano. We landed at Suarez Point which is found on the northwest tip of the island.
We took a short zodiac ride around part of the island and then walked along a trail, about a mile over medium sized boulders, seeing a high concentration of wildlife including Sea lions, Galapagos Hawks, Blue-footed Boobies and a red variation of the Marine Iguana. (these strange creatures are found only on this island)
What a day…
Back on board for a lovely Pina Colada cocktail party and live music before our briefing about tomorrow’s adventures and dinner.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010 - This morning we visited Floreana Island, the sixth-largest island. Darwin was not impressed by the viceroy of Galapagos residing here in Floreana. The Viceroy claimed that he could look at the tortoise and derive its island of origin from the shape of its carapace; later this observance proved useful in Darwin’s thought process and writings. In 1832 Ecuador annexed the islands and established the first Human settlement here. It soon turned into a penal colony as many political and other prisoners were sent here. This island was the first capital of the Galapagos during the 19th century.
Here we had the opportunity to take a long walk into the interior where we saw several plants species, a flamingo and had the chance to snorkel from the coralline beach area.
Later we took a 25 minute zodiac ride to Champion Island, a small satellite island of Floreana. This island is one of the very few that holds a Floreana Mocking bird population. Floreana Mocking birds were present on Floreana during Charles Darwin’s visit in 1835, however, they promptly left the island when cats were introduced in the eighteen hundreds.
Back for a well deserved and wanted lunch onboard the Xpedition… wishing for a nap, but instead talked with some new friends, while Penney checked email.
At 3:30pm, loaded for another zodiac ride through a mangrove area observing Pacific Green sea turtles, Golden rays, and Lava Herons. The small island that we navigated around are formed of ‘Pillow’ lava, lava flows that are produced underwater making an interesting formation.
We proceeded to the beach area for a ‘wet landing’, however, Penney & Sharon decided to skip this afternoons walk and go back to the ship for a much needed rest and facial.
This evening, we were greeted with a wine & cheese party on the deck as we enjoyed the company of new friends.
The Ecuadorian Naturalist hosted a party after dinner, sharing with everyone some marine observation outside on the deck as well as some stargazing.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010 - Today we were actually able to sleep in a little bit as our first stop was not until 9:00am. We had a choice to do a falmingo search and long walk looking for black necked stilts & white cheeked pintail ducks OR do a wet landing at Bachas Beach for a chance to relax and chance to see Green sea turtle nests. Well i bet you can guess which Sharon & Penney chose :) yup, the relaxing beach!
Bachas Beach is a beautiful beach located on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island. The name ‘Las Bachas’ comes from the poor English pronunciation by the local population during the 1950’s. The residents could not pronounce the word ‘barges’ which described WWII barges that had broken their moorings and ran aground on this beach.
We enjoyed an around the world buffet at the Beagle Grill for lunch followed by a lecture on teh Geology of Galapagos.
Bartolome Island, a recent, volcanically active island. Bartolome is located in the central archipelago and built through submarine fissure. With its characterisic moon-like landscape and colcanic cones, this is a very good introduction to the Geology of the Galapagos islands. This site that we visited has a moderately strenuous hike to the top of a volcanic cone (374 feet in height). Again a choice of activities… either the long walk ‘to the top’ on Bartolome Island or a zodiac ride and short walk… many of our friends chose to hike to the ‘top’
however, Penney & Sharon did the zodiac & short hike seeing Galapagos Penguins, they are the only penguins in the world that are found north of the Equator, very samll and fast in the water (up to 22MPH swimming speed) but are usually tolerant of humans.
The Captain & Officer’s hosted a cocktail party prior to tonight’s briefing & dinner
After dinner we met in the Discovery Lounge for a celebration of the ‘Crossing the Line’… as we passed into the Northern Hemisphere. We had a special guest join us… Neptune (and his band of pirates) whom crowned his ‘queen’. She ordered all of the young adults to gather and kneel at her feet, then to perform various tasks.
Fun was had by all!
Thursday, August 26, 2010 - This morning we had a ‘wet’ landing at Urina Bay,
Next, we cruised along the coasts of Isabela and Fernandina Islands searching for whales and dolphins. Although Penney nor I actually saw anyone, another guest took this picture.
Chef Fleitas treated us to a Culinary demonstration after lunch
First we learned how to make Ecuadorian Fish & Shrimp Ceviche, as Penney is allergic to Shrimp she didn’t try any, but the next thing they made was a Red Footed Boobie Martini… when they ask if anyone wanted to try this guess who’s hand was first in the air :) Yep, Miss Penney was awarded this yummy drink!
Isabela Island, by far the largest island in the Galapagos Archipelago, with 4550 km2. It is composed of five volcanoes that over the years have coalesced into one island. All of these volcanoes are considered still active with the last volcanic eruption happening in May 2008.
About 3:30p we depart the ship for Espinoza Point, this was a dry landing but on very uneven trail approximately 1 1/2 miles long. Aa and Pahoe-hoe lava flows are found here along with the incredible volcanic scenery. This is one of the largest Marine Iguana ‘colonies’ in the archipelago. Manuel our guide advised that it is estimated there are 100,000 iguana’s here.
Tonight was the ‘talent show’ with several of the staff, however, only one passenger participated, a young girl named Alana who played the violin.
Friday, August 27, 2010 - Santiago and Santa Cruz Islands… We chose the zodiac ride around the island, including a walk along the James Bay Beach. We saw several fur seals, blue footed boobies, land iguana’s and even sea lions.
Santiago Island, also called James & San Salvador, is the fourth largest island. In the 1930’s a group of people attempted to colonize this island. Puerto Egas, is the most popular walk at James Bay. there are remnants of a salt mining operation that existed up until the 1960’s. Our wet landing was on a black-sand beach. Here some guests chose to swim and snorkel, but as the water was about 60 degrees, Penney did not.
I know you are thinking… wow what an itinerary, do these people ever rest? Well, no… at least not during the day, but to be honest I think everyone is in bed before 11pm. :)
So, after a yummy Mexican Buffet lunch, I watched a video entitled “force of change”, Penney came to the lounge too… but if you know her, she was checking email and facebooking through most of the video.
This afternoon we visted Cerro Dragon; “Dragon Hill” which is found on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Island and was recently opened for tourism in 1993. The site takes its name from the population of Land Iguanas living in this area. These iguanas were at the brink of extinction due to the attacked of feral dogs, domestic animals released by early settler that directly preyed upon the Iguanas. This area offers a beautiful view of the landscape from the top of the hill and two small brackish lagoons, where you can swim and snorkel.
Awwww a Margarita Party!
and beautiful sunset…
After dinner, our entertainment was… Karaoke!
There were some really talented and fun folks that participated, even a William Hung look/sound alike…
thankfully Penney did not choose to make a fool of herself :)
Saturday, August 28, 2010 - Well today is our last full day aboard the beautiful Celebrity Xpedition. According to the Captain, we have sail a total of 611 nautical miles in the past 7 days.
This morning we visted Santa Cruz, the second largest island in the Galapagos and a hub for tourists. WE anchored at Puerto Ayora (the largest town in the Galapagos) where the Charles Darwin Research Station and the National Park Service offices are located. In 1959, the Ecuadorian government declared all the islands, except areas already colonized, as a national park. In the station we visited the tortoise conservation building where we saw displays on tortoise exploitation, conservation and ecology. The captive breeding program for the tortoises started in 1962 and since this time many tortoises have been repatriated to their original islands.
We were also very fortunate and had the opportunity to see ‘Lonesome George’, the last member of the Pinta Island race. Currently they are attempting to breed him with two other tortoises from a nearby island.
After visiting the station, we wandered through town and some of the local shops… visiting a ‘supermarket’ where Penney bought some local coffee beans and tea before returning to the ship for an Ecuadorian feast.
This afternoons activity is in the same port, Port Ayora… again taken by zodiac to shore, then on a shore 30 minute bus ride to a ‘farm’ where we took a hike about a mile to observe giant tortoises in the wild. We also saw the entrance of a lava tunnel formation before returning to town.
No briefing tonight as we disembark tomorrow :( however, the captain, officiers, naturalists, and staff came to wish us farewell and share with us a slide show of our cruise before a nice BBQ dinner.
So after dinner, we retired to our stateroom to finish packing. We have to have our luggage outside our door tonight, sure hope i didn’t forget anything.
Sunday, August 29, 2010 - Early morning… one of those hurry up and wait mornings. Breakfast was served from 7-8:30, and we were asked to be out of our staterooms by 8:30, so we went on to the Discovery Lounge to visit with friends. About 9:30 or so they called us to board our last zodiac for this adventure… we headed back to shore where the buses were waiting to take us to the airport. Once we arrived we had an opportunity to do some last minute shopping before receiving our boarding passes and being escorted to the VIP departure lounge.
Soon we were boarding the flight back to Quito, as this was a really exhausting trip I decided to put my head phones on and kick back with some tunes while Penney pulled out her IPad and worked on her photos and this blog.
As we arrived in Quito, we were escorted by the Celebrity guides back to the JW Marriott. Once checked in several of the folks went shopping but Penney & Sharon chose to go to the executive club and check emails, print their boarding passes and basically just chill till dinner.
Tonight was our farewell dinner, hosted by the Marriott. There were Ecadorian dancers, music and a traditional meal.
Tomorrow will be another LONG day of traveling, so we called it an early night.
Monday, August 30, 2010 - As we bid farewell to all our new friends, we exchange emails and promise to stay in touch… so many great people, so many wonderful memories!
As we board the flight home, Penney & I look out the window for one last look…Good Bye Quito, Ecuador and the Galapagos!
