Enough Stairs For A Lifetime

In Quito we spent a total of six nights over three different visits at a wonderful hostal (yes, that is the way it is spelled) called Mansion del Angel. Some services and merchandise require a 22% tax on top of the price (ouch!). I am still puzzled by how Ecuador managed to get the U.S. dollar as its currency.

We were highly impressed by the organization involved in visiting the national park that includes the Galapagos Islands. We sailed on "Flamingo", a vessel capable of carrying 20 passengers. Our trip had 17 from England, Germany, Australia, and America - a great, amiable group.

The most impressive experience was seeing all the various forms of wildlife which had no fear of humans. We could literally get within a few inches of many species of birds, sea lions, iguanas and tortoises. They accepted humans like just another animal species and were not threatened. We were very favorably impressed by the boat's crew and by …

Back in Santa Cruz it was a shock to see so many large vessels on the water that could not enter the small coves where we hiked, snorkeled, and swam.

Back on the mainland we spent two wonderful days at the Papallacta Hot Springs where we enjoyed numerous soaks in therapeutic pools, massages, and good food and drink. Our guide, Luis, was very helpful and personable.

In summary, this was a month well spent. We cannot praise highly enough Adventure life for their assistance in putting all this together.