greetings from santa cruz (galapagos, ecuador)

[jaeclectic]

Hello, world. I am posting from an internet cafe in Santa Cruz, the bustling metropolis (of 30 thousand or so) where almost all of the permanent residents of the Galapagos reside.

I don´t have anywhere near enough time to actually say anything coherent about everything I´ve been seeing.

Highlights at random, heaving on the snorkle:
- Seeing a sea turtle while snorkling, and swimming along with it for about 5 minutes. (NB: yes, there are turtles here as well as tortoises)
- Galapagos penguins. We saw a whole flock swimming around (from the zodiac) and then saw a few underwater while snorkling. They go fast!
- Pelican feet paddling underwater about a foot away.
- Many amazing birds - red-footed boobies, frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, all nesting and/or doing their various mating dances mere feet away, with zero fear of humans. Ditto for the sea lions.

Yes, there will be pictures.

Lowlight (sole): seasickness! which somehow I never expected...


OBTW, although I can get into LJ, I can´t seem to get into obscure webmail. Not sure if it´s just the slow connection or some other problem. So, I have skimmed LJ and hope you are all well, but if anyone has attempted to reach me otherwise, no luck. Hope those kitties are well...

Comments

[eac.livejournal.com]

Hey, Richard's neighborhood in VA is out of power, which is why Obscure is down.

Also, Katie is still talking about your visit last week: http://flickr.com/photos/jreffell/2551663827/ . :)

Glad your trip is going well.

[(Anonymous)]

*wave*

lena and ash send their love,
lena is much friendlier now that i'm not "the bad guy"

[bulieb.livejournal.com]

Boobies. Huh, you said boobies. I'm so glad you're having a great time! Put on more sunscreen and take lots of photos for us! :)