Translation from Dutch into English with GOOGLE TRANSLATE

Galapagos, here we come.

Let's first breakfast at the hotel in Guayaquil, our last stop on the mainland of Ecuador. Then the stuff down and go with a taxi to the airport for our flight to highlight what the was our introduction to South America. Almost we had our other camera bag in the room to stand, there seems that respect is a curse to rest it further great vacation (see the travelogue of our trip on the mainland of Ecuador). Still complete in a taxi for a ride of 20 minutes that lasted less than ten minutes. The case had a screwdriver to force open, but otherwise it went well. Just a couple of hours hanging around the airport and we went with a comfortable flight to the dream islands. Williams was at the airport our guide waiting for us, the boat was fully booked, so there were eight people. Fun, meet each other again. First by bus, with a water on a ferry and a bus to go back to the boat. Because we are full, the passengers still in two parts ashore and aboard the dinky. When we arrived we were assigned our cabins, we have one of the four ones at the bottom front of the boat, but we're though. It is finally one of our dream destinations and then go We certainly do not complain. Peter and Joke are one of the largest cabins, complete with a double bed, we had as our large luggage bag houses, so that was also good. Further we have everything, clean beds, towels and a private (Tiny) bathroom. After lunch which consisted of sandwiches and explain what Williams about the state of affairs on board and on the islands We went ashore to the Twin Craters view. Since we saw a Galapagos Dove, our first bird. but at the same photo, glad we have again good stuff. We also visited a lava tube, fun by climbing, but also not that special. Williams could we just go shopping, we have the opportunity to rent fins for the rest of the week and have some chocolate, biscuits and Toni's purchased. Also a bottle of wine appeared to have jumped into the cart. That we enjoyed with dinner at Peter and Joke eliminated. After eating some baco's, the rum bottle also creates a time and they do have Coke on board, but not too much alcohol. Then it was time to go to bed, I did pretty well slept, Piet less. I also do suffer from the pounding of the diesel and air, but sleep always a bit earlier.


Saturday, October 5

At 6 o'clock the alarm went off, every day is 7 hours at breakfast ready. A shower in our tiny bathroom and then delicious breakfast. The breakfast is excellent, with a fresh piece fruit and something warm. Brushing teeth and go for our first landing law. We had our swimming and snorkeling gear. The first island we visited was Rabida, we saw our first sea lions. It would certainly not be the last. Fool you can come so close, it's really true. The stories we heard of course, the accompanying photos also seen but it was still "see and experience first and then believe". On the beach were a few nests with young pelicans, the parents were probably fishing. After a walk along the beach and a bachelor field big cacti we went snorkeling. We met many great and small fish that unfortunately did not set under water. Out of the water was somewhat strange, there was a male sea lion near the place where I come out. Yet happened nothing, he looked around and see what went on further the beach happened. Back on the boat we looked carefully at the underwater and there appeared to roll is not to worry. Meanwhile went back to sail the boat to the island of Santiago. After lunch we went ashore at Puerto Egas. We saw (of course) sea lions, but also very special marine iguanas. The rocks were also the hometown the bright orange crabs. After walking a little further into the island we came to a small colony of seals. Links and right were also different lava lizards on a rock suns. After the walk it was time to snorkel stuff to get out, this time there was also a sea lion play. Very special, but quite a shock. All in all, an excellent day, with a good weather seal Coba-libres dinner and what to vote.


Sunday, October 6

We loose track of the days lost some, it is always see what day it is. There is nothing wrong with you on holiday, so we only laugh at. Time again risen, the breakfast is all about 7 hours. At 8 o'clock we go, this time all together in the dinky, we would go spotting penguins. Unfortunately the penguins there do not really need, so we have not seen them. So we walk to the top of a hill by Bartholome a wooden staircase. Very nice views many lava cactus. You really do not understand that something can grow. Unfortunately, We set the panorama forget there really a curse on the rest taking pictures during this holiday. Fortunately we have all the new stuff from us, so we did pretty well here pictures .. Then we went back to the boat for our snorkel gear to pick. En route to snorkeling beach we saw the penguins which we almost morning together had sat on his lap. Cute animals, but also very special because you (at least I) do not expect penguins on a island in the tropics. After landing we went walking to the other side of the Island, on sand dunes around it (to warm the feet). When we arrived there appeared to be sharks swimming along the coast, they probably are not visible in the pictures, but for all security we have taken yet only a few. We could did not the water, not because the sharks we would attacks, but because we would scare them. It was certainly very impressive to see. Back through the sand dunes to go snorkeling again. We were 20 minutes snorkeling and were on time from the water. After an excellent lunch, it is almost monotonous, we the dinky sail to Sea Turtle Cove. We saw a some couples mating turtles and various species rays, including a eagleray and a small manta. We went as one of the few boats in the mangrove forest. Our Williams is not willing to paddle, there where the other guides like it either to the engine boating. In the forest we saw several turtles and we have the underwater try to make shots. Back on the boat back a beer with snacks, beer was own costs, but there was something for us every evening ready to snack. This time it was chips and chocolates. After dinner, we emptied the bottle of rum, but, we must but otherwise it's all co hoot and we naturally lazy, so ...


Monday, October 7

Last night we went to North Seymour dangers and we have stopped for the night and slept so. To 8 hours we went ashore along the path sat the famous blue-footed Gannets. We also frigate birds seen and wonderfully we met at sea lions. Soon the famous proverb "Gosh again (Sea) lions" comes up again, the Kenya begins to look like (but different). In other words, it was wonderful again. At Seymour we saw the frigate birds to impress the females in their pouch inflation so it looks like they have a big red balloon under their beaks are hanging. There were even a young, so nice to see that despite not leading to the path were, but we had a closer look. Then we sailed back to Baltra to refuel. Since we went to the beach for some snorkeling and sunbathing. Soon we came to sea turtles while snorkelling, that is a bit different than they see from the dinky, they are very large and have strong jaws, so not too close nearby. Piet was at one point and surrounds went swimming somewhere else anyway. Not that they hurt you , but if they accidentally hit you with swimming up Hard shields you walk just a big scratch on. When I went Joke a bit of sunbathing and swimming Piet went walking a little around with sea lions and he has also seen a stingray. Back to the boat for a delicious lunch, it is well care of us. In the afternoon we went by boat to South Plaza where we very much land iguanas and the inevitable sea lions. In addition, the Great Frigate Bird which we had nowhere seen. New were the swallow tailed gulls on the cliffs and in the cactusbos we also saw new (to us) species ground finches. When we walked back to the station we had dinky along a number of male sea lions in the middle of the path layers. Despite a total ban on the path to go could do this as no different and we took a bow to they walked, accompanied by a lot of noise from the animals. It was not scary, they just wanted to hear that They were watching us. Back on the boat for dinner for me this time not so good much that the fish was very salty and cooked potatoes are not my favorite holiday food. Moreover, the wine good, it seemed that so long had stood (While he still had not been opened). All but washed down with a few baco's, the beer was already on.


Tuesday, October 8

To the alarm was half past five, it seems almost vacation. For six hours it was breakfast and we sat for seven hours back in the dinky. We're going on a long walk San Cristobal where we search for the tortoises which the archipelago owes its name. After more than one hour walk we saw the first copies. They had not as big as we have imagined. During the time we Then have walked, we saw many more, even bigger. The walk itself was very nice, there are a large number of different plants and flowers can be found. After walk a total of three and half hours we were back at the dinky station and we went back to our floating hotel. During lunch we went to Kickers Rock sail. It was fun but not particularly spectacular. We had to go through before sailing We arrived at Isla Lobos. There were still other types frigate birds to find and (how we can miss) usual seals. After the walk we returned to the boat went to pick up our snorkel gear. We went to a special place to snorkel with sea lions. We had to be from a boat along the coastline because males swam and then it is not very convenient to use the coast. On the beach and in the deeper water they do not hurt, but the coastline is their territory and one must therefore inevitable. We also had to stay together as a group to avoid unexpected movements of the males to provoke. Anyway, it was a great hour. Back on the boat, we got something rather than expect our dinner i.v.m. the daily schedule. It was a burger with chips, rice and pasta. All again very tasty. After dinner we took a few baco's (it becomes almost monotonous) and to bed.


Wednesday, October 9

We are at night to Espanola danger and went nicely rampage. Fortunately, this time Piet slept well and me it is not so exciting, I fail every time anyway quickly. 7 hours to 8 hours and breakfast on land again. Fortunately, the sea lions and marine iguanas there again, we would be different, but feel displaced. We have a whole colony of masked Gannets seen and, like all other animals on fantastic islands we could again very close also come to admire their young. We also had the good fortune to see albatross, again boy. The young albatross looks like a gray Pino. On this island we saw Moreover, most species of finches, the birds that Charles Darwin's evolution theory is based. Also saw I break some small tubes (Or from the oversized piers I'm still not completely). Back at the dinky station had the shoes yet again, the water was so low that the dinky close enough for dry feet could come. After lunch could still snorkel, but I had no sense and I sit reading. Piet first had no sense, but later it went. After dinner and the briefing for the next day was a discussion about whether or not at night sailing.


Thursday, October 10

Return to normal time risen to seven hours and breakfast quarter to eight on land to see the flamingos. There There were quite a few, not as much as Lake Nakuru but a lot closer. It was also the only place on the islands where we met other groups of tourists, it is That really nice to go into the season, it will be here in high season a lot busier. At the end of the Williams gave an explanation of the hike where we were going snorkeling, Devil's Crown. He did that very much, with the swimming direction shown in the sand and where the currents would , so you should stay away. After a while boating we arrived at Devil's Crown, and we went snorkeling. The current took us along nicely and we have seen a lot including a white tip reef shark (thankfully at a distance), but also a sea lion who once did not play, but good easy it was floating around. After three minutes I went out, I got a bit cold. Piet and a few others remained anything while I swim and a few others sitting in the dinky waited in the sun. Then we went back back to the boat again for a superb lunch. After Lunch was time for another trip. The gentlemen of the crew thought it was about time for a football match the tourists. The whole week had been plagued by our waiter outcome of Ecuador against the Netherlands during the last World Championships football. Arriving at the beach we went to a underlying Zandveld what these guys and the teams are formed Charge for the contest. Obviously the first group and when to go. It was a nice game, with many "players woman" her breath holding, afraid of injuries. Peter and Piet had already a long time and not play football in the sand rather fanatical crew went at it pretty strong to it. The rest of the men had little or no experience with the game. After half hour of play the score was 4-1 for the tourists and everyone found it enough. Just one visit to our Post Office Bay post sailor to leave and see if there was some mail for someone near Den Bosch. We have two cards left and see when and how they are coming back. Then we continued sailing to Santa Cruz for our last evening on the Galapagos Islands, the dream is almost out. For dinner we did a toast with a cocktail of captain and guide. We had a farewell dinner with a truly sublime lobster and shrimp. Our last bottle of wine to fit the bill nicely. After dinner we would go ashore to return to our fins into the shop where we had rented, but it was gesloten.Wel a few beers and bought back to boat. We have fun chatting with Mandy (South Africa) and Andrea (Germany). Then the bags packed and only After eleven hours to bed.


Friday, October 11

Our last visit to the animals of the Galapagos Islands was the programma.Eerst we were awakened at 5 hours by Marine who went running for water to be stored for the next shift. Another nice gasoline smell in the cabin. On the Darwin Station, we have the breeding and growing up as event Views famous turtles. They pick up the turtles that an years from the islands, and keep them for about 4 years, so they are safely on their own island to continue until they grow old. All to protect the species from extinction. There is a special turtle present, Lonesome George a turtle over 100 years still the only of its kind. They have two females subspecies of a put with him, but he does not sit. Unfortunately, George probably died from his kind. After visiting the station back to the wharf to our fins returned and a t-shirt now. The public bus back to the plane, the dream uitgedroomd. Of course the ferry and another bus but we were right on time at the airport. After a flight turtle without a souvenir, we arrived in Quito, and there was the bus already waiting. Because he has two people from one another group brought to their hotel until we arrived at 6 hours in our hotel. It was too dark to take pictures. Too bad because we had not, which sat in the stolen camera. As usual last night together in a pretty nifty, very tasty but surprisingly not too expensive restaurant (El Cuevo del Oso). Then some night shots made. The doorman of the hotel told us to be careful, but I only understood what she meant when we came out. The town was deserted on a large number of police after that the squares that were guarded during the day so filled with guns and dogs. There was even a policeman standing with us when we pictures made. When I asked him if all this monitoring is was needed, he said it had no choice, there were many robbery, with violence. All this made me feel ill at ease, not only for ourselves but also for the camera. It will only half once. With a beer to bed on time, tomorrow at 7 hours away we go again


Saturday, October 12

Back home. For five fifty-five we woke called the bus is not for 7 hours, but at half past six. A quick shower, well we have caught yesterday. We were just at 7 pm at the airport. But first check because someone tried us a row to leave the control of our suitcases, but Unfortunately ... He spoke no English and we do not understand Spanish so We walked on. Nice weather 2 seats next to each other without s nice, so nice to hang. After a flight of more than two hours we arrived on a sweltering Bonaire where we again hours in the transit could hang out. When we wanted to take the train home we came to the discovery that we were too early and we still have a may linger awhile before we had the first train home. Public transport not always great.

Well good to be home again unscathed.