July 19, 2023.Reading time 7 minutes.
Despite a challenging topography to say the least, not to mention the constant threat of seismic activity, Quito emerges as one of the largest and best preserved historical city centres in America. And that’s no mean achievement! Founded by the Spanish in 1534, on the ruins of an Inca city, the Quito of today is […]
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July 10, 2023.Reading time 3 minutes.
Imagine life on an 18th century whaling vessel – I only see misery. Years at sea, chasing whales for their valuable oil, the crew had no means of communication with their loved ones back home. In these vast, uninhabited seas, Floreana Island was a popular pit stop for fresh water and food (unfortunately, tortoise meat […]
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July 8, 2023.Reading time 12 minutes.
The Islands and surrounding waters are home to some 9000 wildlife species. I’d a very short wish list, to be honest – Marine Iguana, Blue Footed Booby, Red Crab and Giant Tortoise. Anything after that would be a bonus. These are just a few of my favourites from air, land and sea…. (Having ‘lost’ my […]
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July 4, 2023.Reading time 16 minutes.
If the mention of CRUISE is putting you off further reading then stay!! Please! Because you’re probably a bit like me…. confinement, forced socializing, inflexible itinerary….. YUCK! Then there’s the small matter of seasickness – as I’ve said many times here over the years – I’m the WORST sea traveller! I start turning green in […]
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June 28, 2023.Reading time 9 minutes.
Top of the list – most people’s list – we’re packing for the Galapagos – How lucky are we! But I’m distracted… With an early flight out of Dublin, we’ve the luxury of a whole Tuesday in Amsterdam en route to Quito. It’s been years since we visited the city – the Galapagos can wait! […]
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