Galapagos Trip Report - Day 1 - Swimming with Penguins

Locations Covered: Bartolome Island Galapagos

The tingly feeling in my fingers finally went away as soon as we touched ground in the Galapagos on TAME airlines! I was so relieved. I'm not going to die from AMS in Ecuador after all. (You must realize I am a bit of a drama queen by now!)

We were picked up by our guide from the airport to start our 5 day 4 night cruise of the Galapagos on the Seaman yacht. The boat didn't look that large from afar but it was quite spacious on board. Our cabin was small with a bunk bed but clean.

Before we even got on the boat, we already had our first sighting of a seal lounging on a bench at the harbor. The animals here are absolutely fearless of humans!

I was so excited!


After lunch and logistics, we docked near Bartolome and hopped on pangas to the island. The Panga is an inflatable motor raft that ferries people from where the ship has anchored to shore.

We had a couple hours here to swim and sunbathe. We're off to a such great start! This is one of my favorite Galapogos photos of all time. You get to swim with cute little penguins.


(The beach at Bartolome)

I have to warn that the water is a little cold however. Thankfully I'd purchased a short wet suite before hand. You can also snorkel here and see all kinds of fish!

After the swim it was back on the boat for a little bit as we sailed to another side of the island where we could ascend the summit trail just in time for sunset. There are some wooden stairs and a sandy pathway to the top.

The view from the top was spectacular. Here you can see all the peaks formed from volcanic activity. I'm really loving this place.


When we got back to the boat, we had some time to lie around on the deck followed by dinner and a briefing of the next day's activities. The chefs on board cook a variety of dishes. There's usually chicken, fish, vegetables, rice, potatoes, dessert and fruit. The style of cooking is homey and healthy. They are also very accommodating if you have food restrictions.

Deck for sunbathing and napping:


Dinner:


What I wish I'd Known - Tips for You

You don't have to bring your own snorkeling equipment. You can rent one on the board for about $15.

I don't SCUBA dive but this was offered on our boat. People who'd like to scuba go out on excursions very early in the morning so it doesn't interfere with day activities.

Bring a short suit if you're going when the waters are cold (August)

Destination Angkor - Trip Report

Places Visited: Temples of Angkor, Tonle Sap,
Psar Cha, (Siem Reap)

I visited Siem Reap last summer (2007) with my parents and in-laws. Ain't I brave? Fortunately no fighting broke out and we were all cordial! Perhaps we have the Angkor beer to thank.

We spent 2 and a half days in Siem Reap.

Day 1 Trip Report: To Market and Tonle Sap
Day 2 Trip Report: The Temples of Angkor Wat

Day 1: To Market and Tonle Sap
We arrived bright and early and were met by our guide who showed us around town. He took us to several places including a crafts school, the old market, lunch in the town center and a short visit to Tonle Sap.

I love this photo at the old market ( psar chas ), doesn't it feel like we've stepped back in time?


At Tonle Sap, we got on an old boat and toured the lake. The lake wasn't particularly spectacular however it was seeing the lives of the boat people that really made an impact. Most of the families are very poor however they don't let that get them down:

A happy child:


The boat people:


If you'd like to go to Tonle Sap, just let your guide or tuk tuk driver know and they can make the appropriate arrangements for you. No advance booking necessary. If you're interested in doing a boat cruise down the river check out Tara Boat. (Don't ask me why anyone would want to do this?!)

I ended the day relaxing by the pool. Dinner was in the hotel accompanied by an Apsara dance.

Day 2: The Magnificent Temples of Angkor Wat
We got up early to catch the sun rise which is said to be spectacular. Nature and I don't always get along. The conditions that morning weren't set up for an awe inspiring one.

The rest of the morning was spent touring Bayon, Ta Phrom, and Angkor Thom. I don't remember the names of the rest of the temples, however, travelfish.org has great descriptions of the lesser known sights at Angkor.



Here's our guide pretending to be an Apsara dancer:


Now presenting Angkor Wat:


I managed to climb to the top of Angkor Wat. Even though there are steps, the incline is literally 90 degrees. This was quite a feat for me since I am afraid of heights! I really don't know how the monks go and down so casually without any support?!

Note: I'm not sure if you can get to the top of Angkor Wat anymore. I read recently that the stone steps are worn out and are being refurbished.

Quito Trip Report - Day 2 (Old Town)

In Quito, you want to be careful because petty theft is common with the occasional armed robbery. Watch for pick pockets and do not walk around with your digital SLR (warning from the locals). Tourists have been mugged before. I hope this explains our lack of photos.

We started off the day with a visit to a food market in Quito. This is where the locals eat. Sadly it's been a while and I can't remember the name.



Ecuadorians like their pork as you can see We had a plate of the pork and chicharones downed with some coke for breakfast. Delicious!


We strolled around the old town for a bit and saw the presidential palace. I apologize for the poor photos. We had to do "drive by" shootings of photos, quickly stashing away our cameras. I know this sounds paranoid but our friend who lives there really freaked us out.



One of the next stops was the archbishop's palace that's been converted into a touristy mall of sorts with some restaurants. We ate at the one on the top floor. I know, I know we seem to be eating alot today! There's only limited time and we have to sample what Ecuador has to offer.



Ecuadorian ceviche is served with pop corn. Isn't it unique?


We were planning on taking the Teleferico up, one of the high points in Quito for views of the city. Unfortunately, we didn't end up going as I think my AMS would have killed me. I vividly remember throwing up outside the Hilton where we went for pizza.

Quito Trip Report - Day 1 ( Otavalo, Peguche Falls)

Our trip to Ecuador was my first time in South America proper (not including Mexico). Quito is the second highest capital city in the world after La Pez in Bolivia so you really want to be prepared for altitude sickness! I speak from experience.

On arrival in the evening, I was feeling fantastic though this didn't last so long. Being so high up, and located near the equator, the weather is quite pleasant, reminiscent of California. Our friend from college met us at the hotel and handed us 2 packets of tea (Cocoa de Matte) or mate de coco which was supposed to help with mountain sickness. P being the blackhole that he is devoured the tea in a gulp. Mistake number 1, I took a sip and tossed mine out. I think this is where my troubles began!

The next day we boarded a local bus with our friend (yes the theme of this vacation is do it as the locals do) to Peguche Falls near Otavalo. It's a 1-2hr bus ride away. Ecuador has a good system of public buses. It was all fun and novel initially but I wasn't so sure I enjoyed the ride on the way back. The blaring soap opera on the TV and the smell of garlic permeated did not go well with AMS.

Mistake number 2 was climbing a small hill near the waterfall. Probably not such a good idea on the first day in high altitude.

Peguche Falls:


The Country Side:


We eventually ended up at Otavalo Market and had lunch at Mi Otavalo, near Calle Sucre (Calle Morales). There was live music and we got to sample local food. I'm sure it's geared towards tourist but it was good and really cheap!

Corn and Cheese Appetizer (L) Pork Main Course (R)


Inside Mi Otavalo:


After some shopping, we eventually made it back to Quito in time for dinner. We went to Cafe Mosaico which has a great view of the city (old town) at night. This is a fancy restaurant for locals but tourists have the permission to be badly dressed!



I was feeling sick and uncharacteristically not hungry so I ended up with an avocado cheese soup. My taste buds cannot be trusted on this day but the texture of the cheese was spongey.



Cafe Mosaico
Manuel Samaniego N8-95 and Antepara
Itchimbia, Old Town
Quito, Ecuador

I couldn't sleep that night and that was made worst by a tingly sensation in my fingers. I tried popping some Diamox for altitude sickness but wtf that thing doesn't work. Should have started taking it BEFORE the trip. I had a huge migraine the next morning and fixed it with some Excedrin. Was miserable ...

What I wish I'd Known
I wish I'd known I'd have AMS.
I wish I'd taken diamox before the trip.
I wish I drank that coco de mate.
I wish I wasn't so gung ho and had taken it easy on the first day.
I wish we were in a nicer hotel being sick and all.
Oh so many regrets for this one ...