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Monday, October 8, 2018
I had a leisurely day, just putting things in order for the last minute check-up. Hello Dolly was on my lap most of the afternoon and as I was leaving she was looking up at me with those loving eyes I just hated leaving her. I got to the Four Points Sheridan at about 4:15 p.m. and was alarmed that Carol would have to pay the daily rate for her car since only one car is allowed per room. I gathered my bags and as I was going to my room Carol Bospiro was checking in. We couldn't have timed that better if we arranged it. I was relieved that she was dropped off and didn't have a car. We sat in the lobby and met some of our group that was arriving. I also realized that I didn't have anything to eat for breakfast. But I'm sure I'll survive until Chicago.
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
I had a good night's sleep, even though I had a dream the bus left me in Munich while I was getting a sandwich at a bakery, really wierd; Chet and Claude were also I my dream. We got up at 3:00 a.m. and are waiting in the lobby for our bus that arrives at 4:15 and departs at 4 30. We rode in the dark and I was able to catch a few winks. I couldn't believe how fast we got to O'Hare with no conjestion or back-ups. Check in went smoothly with our group. I had a bagel and coffee while waiting for our 8:35 flight. And I saw the sun rise. Flight to Miami was smooth and pleasant. I finished a cap before we landed. The walk to Gate 42 was taking linger than I ezpected. I thought a little exercise would be good, but this was getting ridiculous. I got on the skytrain, and should have taken it sooner, but I found the gate with some of our group already there. There was about a 3 hour layover, but it passed. Flight to Quito was a little bumpy at times. We were served a sandwich with a lot of roll, which I managed to avoid. Arriving at Quito going through immigration was a snap, and when the agent asked if I was here before and I said yes, she said that my name was in the record. Baggage claim was fast and we waited to be greeted by Marco who took us on one of the buses for a 45 minute ride to the Hilton. On the way he told us about the weather, water and what we should wear (long pants). We have a very nice room with a small plate of cheese, that we thought was left by the prior lodger, but the porter said it was for us.
Wednesaday, October 10, 2018
I had a restful night on a comfortable bed. Breakfast was a nice assortment to choose from. I had a couple of pancakes, cheeses, a small omelet, an apricot and tangerine. We were on the bus at 9:00 a.m. heading for the Old City. We walked to a square with brass plates Imbedded in the brick pavement showing some of the old buildings. Independence Square had a huge angel symbolizing independence and many ideas were incorporated from the United States independence, as we're other countries. We went into la Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus a magnificent Baroque Cathedral with almost every surface covered in gold gilt. Unfortunately photos were not allowed, but it was amazing to see all the details throughout the church. I bought a set of postcards. We also went into a Franciscan monastery that I been to before. We walked up to the choir loft and could view a mass in progress and photos were allowed. We drove to an elevation where we could get a panoramic view of Quito and a very large statue of the Virgin Mary made of aluminum. On the way to our restaurant Marco gave us much information about Ecuador ' s econmy, weather, agriculture employment, main sources of income: 1. oil, 2. bananas, 3. shrimp, 4. roses and 5. tourism. He was extremely knowledgeable and answered many questions. We couldn't have had a better guide. We got to the restaurant named The Crater as it is next to two volcanos. We took pictures before going in to the restaurant. I had a lager beer, then we were served potato soup with an avocado garnish. Because of the abundance of potatoes, they are incorporated in many ways. Also on the table were small empanadas with two different sauces and crusty breag. The main course chosen by the majority of us was cooked pork combined with other ingredients. It was difficult to cut and not easy to chew. There were three pieces, I managed to eat two, they were pretty filling along with a fresh little side salad, orange potatoes, large white corn, plantain and a small empanada. Passion fruit mousse was delicious. We took a group picture before moving on to straddle the equator. It was a rather long ride, but Marco kept us interested with his commentary. At the equator site it was overcast and rather chilly. Marco took everyone's picture with each foot on each side of the hemisphere. We took an elevator to an observation lookout, and took the stairs down where there were posters explaining the construction of the monument and other features. We got to our hotel shortly before 5, and after depositing extra items in our roo s we walked to the handicraft market. Vendors were in your face with their wares, but they did get some sales. The small purse I was carrying showed wear where the string was connected, and I didn't want to lose it, so I bought another small purse for $10. Before going to our rooms we decided to use our complimentary cocktail coupon at the bar. I guess everyone had the same idea, and we kept the bartender busy making mostly Pisco sours. At first he said he didn't think the coupon covered that drink, but after checking, he said it did. There were really a lot of Vagabonds gathered there. We have an early wake-up call tomorrow, so I'm charging electronic stuff, and going to bed early.
Thursday, October 11, 2018
My clock did not automatically change time, so when I set the alarm to go off a 5:00 a.m. it actually went off at 4:00 a.m. We had our bags outside our door by 6:00 a.m., and went to breakfast. I had strawberry juice, oatmeal with lots of raisins and some fruit. Everyone was on the bus at 6:45 to the airport for our 9:35 departure. On the way Marco talked about the problems with narcotics, where they come from (Columbia) and the devious ways they are transported. Once we got to the airport, Marco was there to guide us through the check-in process. We had a outer dedicated to LA Pinta. We were boarding by about 9:15 for our 9:35 departure. Ron boarded with a huge bandage on the back of his head. Apparently, he was Taking a picture while the bus was moving when the bus made a sudden stop and he was thrown. He got emergency care at the airport. I thought that he was smarter than that. We had a short layover in Guayaqui then boarded another plane with the same seat assignment for the 1 hour and 55 minute trip to Baltra Island. One there, the temperature was noticeably warmer. We went through immigration and customs, claimed our luggage, then boarded buses that would take us to LA Pinta. We were given life jackets and instructions how to board the little boats that would take us to the ship. We had to grasp an assistants arm, while the assistant grabs ours and aids us getting or out of the ? Carol and I should be very comfortable in cabi 315. The first order of business was the safety drill, with a lot of explanations about why a certain procedure is done. Then we gathered our skubba diving gear; even though I never did it, I think I'd like to try in shallow water on the beach. Roz is planning on joining me. We again boarded ? to explore South Plaza Island with Sabrina as our guide. She was very thorough explaining the geology of the islands and pointing out sea lions, a red crab and yellow-green land lizards. We also saw a swallow tailed seagull. The pace was slow and careful over rugged terrain. Claude's walking stick was invaluable; I never would have done it without it. As difficult as it was walking at the airport, I didn't feel any fatigue at all. It was starting to get dark as we were winding up our walk. We didn't have much time before our welcome cocktail at 7:25 with little canapés. We were introduced to the crew and were were given the schedule for tomorrow. There isn't a printed handout, but we have to refer to an announcement board. We also get announcements through the speaker system. Next we went to dinner. I had an octopus appetizer with tiny cut up vegetables, a delicious beef tenderloin that had a marvelous taste, even though it was well done, over mashed potatoes, and fresh fruit for dessert. I also ordered a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon that the steward will keep for me.
Friday, October 12, 2018
I had a very restful night, Carol said she did too. The boat is very steady, sea is calm. All we hear is th hum of the engine, but not bothersome.
We had breakfast on the bow deck on a cool pleasant morning. We were warned last night of a very rocky terrain in Santa Fe Island that we would be climbing and I was very apprehensive about venturing it. I went out in the boat and would determine how brave I'd be once We got there. We had a wet landing, which means we had to take off our shoes before climbing out of the pango onto a course sandy beach. Once on the beach we dried off or feet with towels that we brought along and put on our footwear. I shouldn't have been worried. It was very rocky, but it wasn't a climb. Paul led us on a slow walk as he pointed out and talked about the wildlife that we saw: a Galapagos hawk, yellow warbler, Galapagos dove, ground finch, Santa Fe iguana and a blue footed boobie. We kept our feet bare as we climbed back into the pango until we got back to the ship where we could spray our feet of sand. Our next event was a choice between kayaking or a ride in a glass bottom boat at staggered times. I went on the glass bottom boat at 10:15 with Sabrina. We saw a number of colorful fish and some huge turtles. Then it was lunch at noon. I had just a salad with some crusty bread with cheese and a mocha torte and creme brullee for dessert with coffee. I did some knitting in the lounge until 2:30 p.m when it was time to get into the pango for a 35 - minute bus ride to the Cerro Colorado Tortoise Habitat on San Cristobal Island. Sabrina was our guide and she must have spent about 15 minutes in front of a mural talking extensively about the islands, inhabitants, animals, etc. It was information overload. We took a slow walk and observed a number of tortoises of various sizes also the San Cristobal lava lizard, endemic to this island. They were relatively close to the path. Then we climbed a quite steep and rocky path to see immature tortoises being protected in cages and other enclosures until the would be released into the wild. Sabrina also went into the egg hatching process and how the eggs are protected. We then proceeded to the bus. We were the first group to arrive and the last to leave, and no other group had a 15 minute lecture in front of that mural. When we got to town we were able to do some shopping to support the local economy. We were to return at 6:00 p.m. I was looking for a tee shirt, but did find anything that I liked. I settled for some earrings. I passed members of my group a number of times, but when it was time to leave, I couldn't find anyone. I thought we were to meet where the bus left us off. I went back where I shopped, not a soul. I stopped a cab driver to ask how to get back to the LA Pinta, but he didn't speak English. He said that I should find the police. I went in search of one, when along came a man and seemed to sense my difficulty. I think the cab driver was trying to explain it to him. This chubby man said that the ship wouldn't leave without me because they had markers that keeps track of the passengers. He said that some of the crew of LA Pinta would be waiting for me. Sure enough! He called to two men, one was the small black man the other a good looking guide, and said that they would take care of me. One guide made a call to the ship that they found me and I got I to the Punta for my ride home. Needless to say, I had my story to tell, even though I was embarrassed to tell it. We had our briefing for tomorrow's activities, then dinner of a tuna appetizers, soup, pork tenderloin medalions and cheesecake.
Saturday, October 13, 2018
After our 7:00 a,m, breakfast, we had a wet landing at San Cristobal Island where we had a choice of either a very strenuous climb or a pango ride along the shore, which I did. Afterwards, we could swim/snorkel on the beach or stay on the ship. There was also going to be swimming and snorkeling in the afernoon, so I'd have a chance to do it then. I stayed on the ship and did some knitting. The people that came back from snorleling said the current was too strong and it wasn't enjoyable, so I was glad I didn't do it. After lunch we saw a video on the Galapagos Island, then a pango took us for another wet landing to Cirro Brujo's white coral beach. We walked along the very fine sand where many sea lions were lounging. Walking on that soft sand was very difficult, plus it was sunny and hot. I walked as far as I cared to, and walking back seemed more strenuous. I decided to give snorkeling a try. Getting the wet suit on was like putting on a straighjacket. Then the flippers, safety vest and goggles. Sabrina helped me get adjusted and I tried walking backward into the water. I couldn't keep my balance, even though Laurie offered to help. I hardly got wet, but took everything off and everything was full of sand, and my hiking shoes were soaked when a wave got up too far. We took a group picture and then it was time to get back to the ship. Then all the snorkeling gear had to be rinsed of all the sand in large tubs when we got back on board. I had my short experience with snorkeling that I don't plan to repeat. We had a lecture on birding, which I don't think most people would be interested in, even though they were taking pictures of birds. Then a briefing of tomorrow's schedule before dinner. I bought a Galapagos tee shirt from the gift shop, which should just about exhaust my $100. cirtificate. I had an appetiser, prawn bisque and chicken for dinner, plus fresh fruit for dessert. I sat with Susan, Maureen, Suzanne and Wally; Kaye joined us later. We lingered until after 9.
Sunday, October 14, 2018
A cool and breezy morning, not a good choice to have breakfast on deck. It was much too cool, unless one was wearing a jacket, I wasn't. At 8:00 a.m. We had a choice of a rocky hike or a shorter rocky hike. I chose the latter and it wasn't rocky it was bouldery! It was very precarious walking. We stopped for a while at a sea lion nursery with pups I all stages of development, some newborn and some newly born. Pups were scurrying in and out of the water with mothers close by. There were also a lot of marine iguanas with mostly red coloring that would turn green during g mating season. We walked for quite a while over terrible rocks and I had some help, but decided that I didn't care to go any farfarrther. I told the group to go ahead and they could pick me up on their return. What an egregious mistake. They saw albatrosses with chicks! But as li k would have it, I forgot my batteries and my Soni died. My phone had a little life, but not much. We had a lecture at 11:15 on preserving the ecosystem and the invasive that were introduced. Before lunch one of our group was an assistant chef and helped prepare an Ecuadorian dish. There was a whole pig that got cut up. I had a bowl of the most delicious potato soup topped with chopped avocado, a small piece of the pork with some crisp skin and the special salad with squid, shrimp, a lot of other ingredients plus popcorn. I had a very little dessert. I can't believe how much people eat. Their plates are full and in a few hours they'll be eating another meal. I went for a ride on a glass bottom boat, but it wasn't as good as the first one, not as many olorful fish, although we did see a couple of sea lions swimming by. We could take a pango and sit on the beach, but it was too gloomy and chilly, plus it would be a wet landing which means taking a towel and getting full of sand. I finished a cap, sat in the lounge until so e snacks were served on deck, then recognizing the crew and briefing for tomorrow's departure. During our stay the crew was taking a lot of pictures of us and they pit on a slide show. We could get a copy of the program by leaving out email addresses. Many cruise ships take pictures and sell the CD. I shared a table with Suzanne and Wally, and even though here were just three of us, we had a lively conversation. Suzanne was also presented with a Birthday cake which she shared. Our bills with tip suggestions were on our beds and we got busy packing.
Monday, October 15, 2018
After breakfast we got into Pinas that took us to Santa Cruz and a bus ride to a tortoise sanctuary. We put on tall rubber boots to trek through the grounds, which weren't muddy, but kept our shoes clean. Sarina told us about their mating and how the female goes down to the lowland to lay her eggs and how the hatchlings come back to this site. Our bus had to drive around some tortoises that were on the road. Next we got on a ferry that took us to the airport for our flight to Guaqui. Arriving at Guaquil, Fernando met Char, Bruce and me and gave us a tour of the city. My right foot was really sore, so I requested that we do a minimum of walking; Char liked that idea, too. The first place we stopped was a park with many iguanas that I had been to I 2011 with Road Scholar. We stopped at a handicraft center with all the traditional merchandise. I bought 2 bracelets and didn't realize that I had one on my wrist, so I actually bought 3 and paid for 2. I felt like a shoplifter! We were dropped off at the Windham, did a quick settling in and met at 6:15 for dinner outdoors. I had classic Caesar salad. When I got back to my room I took a shower and was in bed at 8:00 a.m. to get so e sleep before Fernando picks us up at 3:30 a.m..
Tuesday, October16, 2018
Fernando was at the hotel promptly at 3:30 a.m.. We loaded our bags and were at the airport in plenty of time for 5:56 a.m. flight to Miami. I don't remember the plane taking off. I fell asleep so soundly that when I awoke there was food on the tray of the seat next to me, so I missed the meal service. It wasn't much, but it would tide me over. The flight to Miami was fine, but then came the nightmare. I took almost 2 hours to get through immigration, customs, baggage claim, baggage check-in and security. As we were walking to our gate a man with a cart told us to jump on. I couldn't belive how much walking that saved us. That airport is beyond description. Once on the plane everything went fine. I finished one cap and started another. When we got to O'Hare and claimed our luggage our Go Riteway driver was there and we had a smooth ride back to the Four Points Sheraton. I had a great shrimp scampi and a martini at DiGeorgio's on Rawson. It was quiet and relaxing, just what I needed after a hectic day. Hello Dolly was happy to see me.
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