EVERYONE WANTS TO GO TO THE GALAPAGOS...don't they?

So this year when I accidently received a brochure from the University of Iowa, addressed to a neighbor, I began my research.  Trust me, everyone has a story to tell and the reviews of the trips are all over the board.  Deter me?  Not on your life.  The Gentu Penguins of the Falklands convinced me to continue exploring the remote areas of South America.  Then while playing golf one day, a friend expressed an interest to go with me.

We chose the Galapagos Explorer II.  In retrospect, the Celebrity Xplorer would have been a much better choice, and unless there are many hidden cost, like having to pay for the individual treks to the different areas, I believe Celebrity would have provided many more amenities, better food, and less structure.

The Galapagos Explorer II was a nice ship, with a crew that went from very service-orientated, to Hitler-like.  Victor, in charge of communication, was a tall, young, South American who had such a large smile, dimples, and the smooth voice that woke us over the PA each AM.  Caroline was the Hotel Manager.  She was helpful and her crew seemed to work well for her, but it was painfully apparent that she was understaffed.  Dishes and glasses were left on tables for hours after use and bartenders were absent at all bars for very long periods.  Imagine that!  On a cruise?!!  And, if you wanted Room Service, you were required to pay additional for it. 

But, you clicked-in to see the pictures, so here they are.

Galapagos Explorer II

Can I come up on this rock?  NO!  Get lost! ...

The day we left the ship, in order to keep us out of the way while they readied for the next group, we were taken out one last time on the Zodiac to do some shore browsing.  Sadly I had packed my camera and missed one of the best opportunities to see the Sea Lions.  The young ones are just too adorable as they frolic close to the boat and watch the people.  Mom keeps a watch and barks when they get too close.

  Penguins are only 12" and look more like birds than Penguins in other parts of the world.

Blue Boobies became my favorite birds.  While you cannot see their webbed feet, they have light blue feet.  Their bills are also a light blue but much less blue, almost gray.

Not being a bird-person, I soon became one. 

Iguanas everywhere.  They cuddle.

When I signed up for this cruise, it never occurred to me that I would be going to a farm to see the giant turtles.  No...I thought this would be National Geographic in the wild... silly me.  Spotters went out and found them, and we surrounded them.

It was worth the trip!