Monday, April 28, 2014

Galapagos And The Blue-Footed Booby...

Il 17-21 aprile
Galapagos

So how many photos of blue-footed boobies did I really need to take in order for it to be enough? I think this was one instance when “more” was better than “less” as my new camera seemingly couldn't stop itself and kept on taking picture after picture...Whether the blue-footed booby, the Nazca booby, the albatross, sea lions, iguanas, lizards, sharks, rays, a varied assortment of birds and, of course, the giant tortoises, Galapagos is a paradise for the naturalist and amateur photographer alike. (There are other species to see, as well, but this depends on the island, season, and time of day one visits; all explorations are securely controlled by the Galapagos National Park.)

Our time on board the Galapagos Legend was full of adventure and fun-filled camaraderie. Wet-landings, dry landings, hiking on the islands, snorkeling, and cruising on the zodiac boats all made for non-stop days and lots of exercise. The astronomy lesson one evening was unforgettable; never have I seen the quantity and sparkle of the stars as I did that night...and the Milky Way was in its full glory.

Let the pictures tell some of the story...












































Sunday, April 27, 2014

A Glimpse of Quito...

Il 14-17 aprile
Quito, Ecuador

Ecuador is one of the world's greatest exporters of roses and so it was fitting that, on our first day, we tour a rose plantation in the Otavalo region outside of the capital city. From planting to pruning to cutting to measuring to packing to shipping, the process is done with expertise and great care and the variety of roses a treat for the eye. Of course, a tour of the area must include a stop at the famous Otavalo market and the purchase of arts, crafts, clothing, and scarves occupied all of us for about an hour...and much fun was had! 

Lunch at the Hosteria Hacienda Pinsaqui, a beautifully restored colonial property built in 1790, (one of whose guests was Simon Bolivar), was a delight; the hacienda's interior and its beautiful lush property were a calm retreat and a welcome respite.



                          


                           















Quito, surrounded by the Andes Mountains, has a charming historic area and, like Peru, the Spanish influence is everywhere. There was a political demonstration going on outside the presidential palace when we were there and signs were a plenty with pictures of people who have mysteriously disappeared...a call for justice was the sounding cry.











And finally, a trip to this capital city needs to include a stop at “La Mitad del Mundo” (Middle of the World) complex where we had photo opportunities standing on the equator and in both hemispheres...lots of laughter and a lot of pictures!