Overview of the trip

I will always remember gazing down at Machu Picchu astounding group of mountain residence and astrological temples where skyscraping mountains tops act as the city wall. The Galapagoes Islands on the equator 600 miles offshore were a world on their own. Their volcanic landscape with their unique flors and fauna plus the unique animals will remain in our minds forever. 1,159 pictures will help refresh our memories. OAT ( Overseas Adventure travels) did a excellent job taking care of us. I definitely would recommend them to travel with. Another great trip for out memory bank.

February 25 Friday 2011 Our daughter's 5^th Anniversary(Shannon and Ethan). We were sure glad we stayed the night in LA. After breakfast and a good nights sleep we drove to Palm Springs. Arrived around 11am. We did some grocery shopping. Thank goodness Bill's cousin (Ken and Linda ) invited us for dinner so I didn' t have to cook. Bless them.

Remember- Knowledge talks wisdom listens.

February 24 Thursday 2011 Quito Day 16

A long travel day today. 5 hours from Quito with a 3 hour layover then another 5 hours to Miami. The international flight was great– leg room, food, blanket and pillow. The domestic flight was awe full- no leg room, $10 for a sandwich, and $8 for a blanket. We arrived at our Hacienda hotel around 8:30, watched CNN then crashed.

REMEMBER- Happy are those who dream dreams,and are ready to pay the price to make them come true.

I am having difficulty posting some of the pictures. But will try again latter.

Overview of Ecuador

Ecuador is bordered by Columbia to the NE and Peru to the SE. It has a long coastline on the Pacific. It is roughly the size of Navada. Their main exports are oil, bananas, shrimp, and roses. We stay in Quito the capital city (9,200' altitude). It was a major Inca city and was destroyed by the Inca in a scorched earth policy that only briefly halted the Spanish invasion. Old town is home of the gold decorated La Compania church. Many other 17^th and 18^th century buildings. Most of the colonial houses were built adobe complete with traditional balconies. New town is the financial and business part of town with modern buildings, shops, hotels, and restaurants. Peru is on the American dollar.

Quito

Quito Ecuador

Quito Ecuador

February 23 Wednesday 2011 Quito
today we get the bus it takes us to Sinamune Orchestra a school for down syndromes pupils. We hear wonderful music and dance. Oats helps support this organization. Next we go to Quinto's historic center and stand on th e equator. We see many demonstrations to prove this. Awesome. Mile ooo. Next we get a treat and go to a homemade ice cream place. Samples of coarse. Old town Quito next first for lunch , then we walk old town . We see the basilica and many other churches . Back to the hotel and a nap the hight altitude (9 th feet takes it's toll. Our farewell dinner next with a briefing for tomorrow.
Remember-A wise man does not need advise a fool won't take it.
Remember- Knowledge talks wisdom listens.

An overlook on the Galapagoes

As we cruised the Galapagoes on the Queen of Galapagoes (about 90 feet ) we see wildlife, geological formations and creatures unlike anywhere else in the world. We saw magnificant landscapes of white sandy beaches, sparkling clear water, and black and red volcanic rock. The diverse flora and fauna of these islands are so unique that it inspired Charles Darwin's therory of evolution. Unesco declared the archepelico a world heritage site in 1979. 19 islands 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. A great site to be seen.

February 22 Tuesday 2011 Galapagoes to Quito Day 14

Today is a travel day we get the bus and go to the ferry then another bus to the airport. Then plane made a stop at Quayaquill before we arrive in Guito Ecuador. A bus takes us to our hotel (Mercure). There is a casino in the hotel (Montecarlo). Tonight our group splits in 2 and we go for a home cooked meal .We get a nice home with 2 children 6 and 10. The husband worked for a bank checking on money laundrying.

REMEMBER-Don't drown the man who taught you to swim

galapagoes

galapagoes

galapagoes

Galapagoes

February 21 Monday 2011 Galapagoes Day 13

breakfast at 6:30am. We do a dry landing and go to the Darwin research center. We see baby turtles, and breading stock. They keep the turtles for 5 years before releasing them. We also see lonesome George. Next we take a bus and get a surprise visit to Josie's bed and breakfast. We also meet her mom. We continue on to the highlands at the center of Santa cruz Island. We see a sugar cane and coffee farm and get sample of both. We have lunch at a restaurant outside of town (Puerto Ayora) in the highlands. Back to our hotel (Casa Natura.) free wifi so do some posting very slow. Bill took the camera to town so couldn't download todays pictures. We get the bus for dinner in town .

REMEMBER- A boiled egg is hard to beat.

galapagoes

galapagoes

galapagoes