09-17-24 Off to Isla San Cristobal
It was up at ungodly time this morning to ready ourselves to leave for the coast and beyond. I had a small breakfast in spite of not being hungry and then went out for fresh air. Carlos saw me and lit up. He came rushing over and hugged me and we had a pleasant kiss before he asked in Spanish if we could write. I said yes and he was very happy. That may not have been the best idea as he has now, through WhatsApp, declared that it was undying love at first sight!
When we got to the airport we were met by an Exoticca agent who took all our passports and $20 for the transit pass to go get our luggage tags and boarding passes. Meanwhile, we had our luggage scanned for banned items. I was a bit unnerved about giving up my passport to a stranger. I was also sad that David and Sharon were on another flight. I feel that our group should stay together.
After that it was through the baggage drop where mine came in 1 Kilo over. The lovely agent of Latam took me and had it put through without change or charge, thankfully.
Jane let me know that the time to wear a mask is while the plane is idling, once in the air, it is filtered. Thankfully I brought some. The A319 sounded like someone was chain winding up the landing gear and I just muttered, ‘Just keep flying, just keep flying’. I had a short nap when I tried to read.
I read my book and let myself feel the emotions of the pending moment. I was finally going to be in the place I have dreamed of seeing for 50ish years. And, to be honest, may have even shelved that idea. And now, here we are. Tracey had the window seat and I don’t think I hid my disappointment well. As we neared, still above the clouds, she traded seats with me. shame that we didn’t get to pick our seats as we are mid wing
They sprayed the cabin for contaminants and we had to complete a declaration of what we were bringing.
We landed and went through a pretty smooth customs that involved two booths and a dog and we each paid $200 US for our park pass. We were taken to Blue Marlin Hotel in Puerto Baquerizo
Our room is very nice and on the main floor which my knees and heavy bag appreciate.
We settled in, went for lunch down the block (where, incidentally, the lady sitting beside me on the plane was working) and then met with Fabrizio for our orientation and headed out for a walking tour with him. As a man who grew up here he is a fountain of information and stories.
Made from 1946 closed airforce base
Marine iguanas made me tear up as I have been waiting 50 years to see them IRL.
Sea Lions here are smaller than at home, and when I researched it seems these are smallest and our Stellars are largest of the species
Mann Beach
We sat for a few drinks, chatting, and that is when I found that several of the Brits are staying here, skipping Guayaquil due to a concern over their travel insurance being void if there should be civil unrest. It is sad that our group will change, but I am glad for those who are carrying on with us.
Tracey, Jenny and I took a ceviche cooking class. This dish is very different every where. It was delicious. Ceviche—- siriri / chiri —- fresh / fish
Ceviche Galapagos Recipe as typed by our translator Carlos
1 pound of tuna
1 onion
2 tomato’s
1 green pepper
1 lime ( cup)
1 orange (cup)
Cut the tuna in small pieces , add half cup and 1 tablespoons of salt in a bowl. ( at least 25 minutes)
Cut all the vegetables in small pieces and mix with lime and tablespoon of salt.
In the blender add the tomato and the orange juice.
Mix together all the ingredients and enjoy with green plantain chips.
Carlos and Sol
Manzanilla bit me. A lovely English speaking server I found at the nearest restaurant confirmed I would be ok and used alcohol to clean it for me.
I enjoyed wandering the streets safely, in & out of shops, seeing low tide, running into friends and chatting at the dive shop. I do wish I had brought my certification card but snorkeling will have to do
Hari came and had a visit in our room and we chatted over a drink of interesting alcohol that I bought. It smells like tequila but tastes a bit like brandy.
triumphgal 