Busing and Taxi-ing

7/15/15

   
   
Life is full of irony. Just after I typed the entry about what a wonderful tool travel blogs are these days, I have to broadcast bad news: I took a 9.5 hours bus ride from Guayaqil to Quito today, then another 40 mins of local bus ride from the bus station to downtown, then another 10 mins taxi ride to my hostel in La Mariscal. So the rest of this is more observations about Ecaudor so far and complaints. Read on at your own discretion! I will try to be funnier tomorrow. (Well, maybe. I am never sure if I am funny in the first place. Except dirty jokes. Especially 4th grader level ones.)

Instead, I will say something about my impression of Ecuador so far. I hate to be disparaging about anything (and I am Chinese, so you know I am always polite in front of people), but so far, Ecuador is not impressing me as a country for tourists. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Galápagos Islands, the beautiful city of Cuenca, and the modern convenience of hot water and working toilets; but as a tourist, I don’t think Ecuador has a little distance to cover. For example, the bus station in Guayaqil is great, huge, modern and in the city center; but it is also slightly confusing. You buy tickets on the ground floor, then have to find the corresponding bus on either the 1,2, or 3 floor upstairs. There are 2 tickets: one for entering the gates, and the other for the bus. It is actually not too complicated- if they bother to explain it to you. Instead, the bus agents just hands you the tickets and acts like you should know exactly where to go and what to do. However, the policemen/women are really helpful if you ask them for help. 

The buses are seldom on schedule, and I just witness a case where a complete stranger was able to get onto the bus and randomly direct people to random seats ( even though we all had assigned seats) as a ploy to let his friend ride for free. I guess he thought that if everyone were in the wrong seats, the conductors would be too confused to check tickets. The ploy failed badly (since they obviously check tickets before and during the trip), but the fact they allowed it to be so confusing for passengers were, well confusing to comprehend. 

The last issues I have: everyone is asking for tips or inflat prices when they see you are a tourist. For example, the hostel called me a can, and told me it would be $4. The taxi driver then insisted it is actually $5, and I should also give him tips. Several waiters also told me tips are not included in my bill, so I should leave a tip. Of course, I am always appreciative of good service, but to tell tourists to tip seems…a little strange.

However, I have also met some very nice people, seen some beautiful sceneries. Maybe I have just been pampered by the great services in Galápagos? Let me sleep in my 6 people dorm and figure that out…while hoping no one snores too badly. (Or maybe witness some acrobatic acts?! One can only dream..) 

Reality and City

7/12/15

   
    

 
   
    
    
    
 (Here’s wishing all the people i have come to know and really like in my 4 days cruise: Happy Traveling! And I do hope to see everyone again someday soon. The “Swiss” team whom where delayed by the Pope; the New Zealanders, especially Ross with his jokes and successful attentions to loosening up the crew; Fabian and Irene from Australia; and the very global father and daughter team who live in Miami but have traveled everywhere I wanted to; our guide Wilo who is funny and creative with his gopro movies; and the whole crew of Nemo III. Definitely a trip I will remember for a very long time. Well, at least until my sunburnt heals). 

Sometimes, it is hard to tell what is important to me. (Well, after the recent bout with good, I’d say health.) When I was studying, all I want was to graduate and get a job. After I graduate and got a job, all I want was to get promoted, earn more money and be important. Then when that did not happen (~.~), all I want was a way out and try to re-center myself (wait, what does that even mean?). Now that I am traveling, all I want is to not ever stop. 

I woke up at 5:45am morning, ready for our 6am trip to Isla Mosquera. (Btw, the other island on the first day was Isla Santa Fe.) it is now a familiar routine: pick up shoes, wear life vest, get camera ready and troop down to the dingy call Zodiac. Since this is the last morning, we were all ready to go on time, even our guide. We set off in the early morning light, excited to see more sealions and our final walk on a Galapagos beach. Since it was one of the crew member’s  (Israel) birthday, we sang birthday song before setting off into the sea. 

We got to the white sandy beach only for the crew to realize a problem: low tide + rocky shore= no landing. There was so tension between our guide and the crew, but in the end our guide suggested going for a ride around Seymour Island instead. It was still a great trip though, for we saw Frigate birds, blue foot boobies, Wet fur seal and many other birds. We all had a great time watching how the male blue footed boobies dances and puff up their red chest to attract the females. There was a few jokes about how our sunburnt chest could do the same. I think that would still be easier than what we guys now have to do to court someone. Also, I like the idea of inflatable breast. Imagine how interesting it will be if females can choose their cup sizes according to occasions! A for night gowns, D for bikinis. The opportuties are endless.) All in all, even though we did not get to walk on the beach, it was a great ending to the tour.

After that, it was a rushed breakfast (though still awesomely delicious) for everyone as we packed our bags and got ready to depart. We all took our last trip in the dingy to Baltra, where the airport was located. Most people had the 10:30am flight out, but I (being special and cheap) chose the 12:30pm. So it was another long wait at the airport for me. (Well, I did not realize it takes almost 2 hours to get to town from the airport, and had thought I could use that time to walk around Santa Cruz. Bad plan!) I did, however, got to know the airport really well, so much so that it was a joke within our group. The flight back was non-eventful, and I took a cab back to the hostel (with inflated price).

I should have known better than to trust the hostel here (I already had two bad experiences). They somehow lost my small plastic bag containing toiletries, even though it was left right next to my backpack. I gave up explaining and went for a quick dinner, coffee and am now typing in my hostel. It was a funny feeling: I just conpleted the most anticipated activity I had when I first started the trip. It was, without a doubt, the best highlight thus far. While it is satisfying and really enjoyable, I am already looking forward to Columbia, all tourists’ favorite country. It was strange: accomplish my goal immediately triggered the response of generating a new goal. I guess that’s the way of goals and wishes: the more you accomplish them, the more distant new ones you set for yourself. It is never a race against anything but yourself. 

Walking and Learning

7/11/15

   
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
   
There is a Chinese saying: studying ten thousand books is not as good as walking ten thousand miles (actually that would not be quite true with a time limit. Not that difficult to walk 10,000 steps over a decade…). I do agree, but also believe that it is quite beneficial (to myself, I guess?) to both read and travel. It tend to reinforce each other in unexpected ways. (Of course, I am not saying that you should kill someone just becomes you like reading real life crimes. But if you do like reading about real people getting killed, I do highly recommend a talk with your friendly psychologist.) 

The catamaran traveled smoothly the night before and everyone onboard had a great night of rest (ah, except the crew, who had to man the catamaran). We all work up around 6:15 for our first activity: a ride in the dingy (what a weird name) around Bartolome Island. As usual, the views were superbly spectacular, and the sun rise amazingly beautiful. We also saw penguins, lots of birds, iguanas and sea lions. We returned to the boat for a quick breakfast, and then headed out for a hike. 
Bartolome island is known for its great panorama view of the surrounding islands. We walked up about 300+ steps to the top, and the view was indeed spectacular. The unspoiled ocean, multiple volcanic islands, blue sky and wild lives all formed a perfect photo. As usual, we all posed and took thousands (well, maybe not that much. Chalk that to artistic exaggeration) of photos. Our guide explained that the island was formed by volcanic eruptions, and the latest eruption was in 2015 by volcano wolf (I know. A strange name for a volcano). It is quite interesting to know we are standing quite near (well, relatively near) to an active volcano, and that it is forming new island, already inhabited by iguanas. In fact, the iguanas there modified their habits in order to survive: instead of being the always alone, the have learned to huddle for warmth at night while on top of the volcano. They then travel down the crater to warm ashes and lay eggs (and often fall to death. The joy of procreation). 
After lunch, we arrived at our second island: the Sombrero Chino (Chinese hat). I am not quite sure what a Chinese hat looks like, but the island does look like a hat of indeterminable origin. We hiked along the beach front, and was lectures and questioned on the local animals, marine life forms, and our favorite island in Galapagos. (Why do tourist come? to see the endemic life. What two types of iguanas? Land and sea. It was also the first island we have been on where there were multiple tour groups visiting at the same time. It was a small reminder that today was out last full day and soon we will all be leaving this beautiful environment. 

We then went on either a kayaking tour or snorkeling trip. It was a great excursion, and everyone saw sharks, starfishes, fishes, penguins and white corrals. After that, we all sat around the boat to watch the sunset, before getting fed. 
The dining area had since turned into a dance hall. Since my room was directly to the right, I could see flashing lights and hear dance music drifting in the air. Being the lazy person I am, I joined in for about 45 mins and decided to get some precious sleep before a full day tomorrow: a last visit to another island and then fly back to Guayaquil. I feel pretty sad I am leaving this place so soon (well, my bank account is probably heaving a huge sigh of relief), but am very glad I came (to the Galápagos Islands!). It is indeed a special place: vibrant creatures, breathtaking landscapes and wonderful journeys. However, nothing compare to the absolute joy and wonder at seeing this place and witnessing the animals that I have been reading about for such a long time. Ever since 2000, I have dreamt of visiting the Galápagos Islands. While this trip may not be as long as I wanted, it is a prove to myself that I am finally realizing my dream destinations (well, 15 years later…). With this experience, I have to say what they (who?) say is true: reading about Galapagos is nothing compare to visiting the Galápagos. Seeing all the colors, smelling the air, touching (well not the animals) the water, and living on a catamaran during the visit: that makes the trip real. Nothing beats experiencing something first hand, especially something you have read about, dreamt about, and obsessed about. 
(Ok, so I could have done Galápagos Islands earlier. However, in my mind, I always group this with my South America trip. I totally could and should have do this by itself. I am already thinking of coming back.)
Some information:

1. It is indeed cheaper to book cruises last minute from Santa Crux or San Cristobel. However, you are also at the mercy of availability. This is especially true in the busy season from June to September. 
2. There are 85 cruise boats allowed in the park. Depending on their sizes, they are given route and itinerary by the state. It is best to check the boat’s itinerary before booking, in order to ensure they visit the islands you prefer.
3. I went with Peak Agency on The boat Nemo III. The crew is professional, the guide is great, and the food amazing. However, as with all tours, it is the other tourists that may make or break the experience.
4. Be very comfortable with water, open water, snorkeling, swimming, and be prepare to get on and off boats a lot. There will also be some walking and hiking.
5. If you plan to go on a smaller boat, and if you get sea sick, be sure to bring medication. Our boat saw 2 meter swells crashing against our sides. The result: 4 out of 15 passengers ate dinner that day. You may also need diarrhea medications due to the water, local fruits, etc. 
6. Tips are expected (separately) for the crew and the guide. Alcohol, soft drinks and candies are extra. But they provide water. And our food were amazing. We also had snacks and juices in the afternoons and evenings.
7. I flew into the Baltra airport (for Santa Cruz). The other airport is on San Cristobel (I failed to visit that since I was sick). Beware: things are relatively expensive (compare to the rest of Ecuador) in Galapagos. Mostly because they have to ship everything in. So get supplies before flying in if you can.
8. There is a $20 transit fee (due at either Quito or Guayaquil), and $100 Park fee (due at destination airport). There are lots of restrictions, so be sure not to bring banned items.  
9. Anyone who wants to work in the national park must be Ecuadorian and a resident of Galapagos (by birth or marriage). 97% of the islands are national parks. The other 3% are privately owned. I have heard there are a few places for volunteering, but did not seek them out. 
10. Lastly, I do recommend taking the tour package if you can afford it. You get picked up, immediately head to the boat, do the tour, send back to the airport, checked in by the guide and then fly off again. It saves a lot of time and effort. If you are doing independent traveling and time is not an issue, then DIY is a fun way to go. Plus, bragging rights!

Nature and Nurture

7/10/15

   
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
   
Maybe I have said this before, I like nature. I also tend to like most animals (well, it certainly helps if they look cute), and hope for their preservation and continual survival. But I am also a civil engineer, and it is my job to help clients satisfy their development needs. It is a very conflicting set of wish, wants and realities. It is why I often think we should improve cities, set the rural areas as a frontier and strongly preserve the natural environment we still have. The Amazon is one place I wish they would do more, but I see a lot of hope from the Galápagos Islands (well, the islands are also very beautiful, so it helps. I guess I am a shallow person…)

I woke up at 4:30am wondering why my bed was rocking (and not in a pleasant way, if you get my drift). Inly when I looked up did I realize: I was on a catamaran and we were set to start sailing at 3am. The rocking got me a little dizzy, especially in a confined space, so I went up for some air. I stared at a sky full of stars while listening to the captain’s soundtrack of Spanish pop. Feeling better after a while, I went back to my cabin (so cool to actually say that!), and slept until breakfast. 
We were scheduled to visit 2 islands today: south plaza and one I completely forgot to take down the name. We started a hike right after breakfast, and the tour guide (wilo), explained a lot about iguanas, prickly pear cactus and sea lions. To summarize: there are 3 types of iguanas on Galápagos Islands. They eat insects and plants when young, prickly pear cactus when older. These iguanas are land based, but there is also a sea based (that cab swim underwater) iguana. They only crossbreed on south plaza due to the proximity of their species there (something to support evolution of species. Or just that being near each other make animals more likely to have sex?). Sea lions: male mature by ten to twelve years old. Alpha male chase other males away when the males reach 5 years old in their colony and losers sleeps away from colony, alone. Babies gestation for 9 moths, and drinks milk until 6 moths. If mother dies, baby will die since they recognize each other only by smell and sound. The other females in the colony will not adopt the orphaned baby. (I guess the sea lions are actually a lot more survivalistic than their cute faces suggest).
In the afternoon, I spent the time kayaking instead of snorkeling with everyone else (I claimed I could not see without my glasses underwater. Which is mostly true, but I also wanted to kayak and take photos). I have to say: of all the islands I have been to, the Galápagos Islands is the most scenic, which abundant wildlife that are not scared of humans. Sea lion pups will swim close to you and stare, iguanas will stay still and let you take photos, and birds fly so close to your head that there is no possibility of avoiding their droppings. It is an amazing and wonder place to visit, and a treasure for naturalist and environmentalists everywhere. Even though the park has not been in operation too long, the Ecuadorean government is really putting in effort to preserve it. The sea and shores are pristine conditions: no trash, no even from boats. There is no oil slicks, plastics or the usual trash in an ocean. (Yes we did all wear sunscreen and then went into the water. I am hoping that would be an issue. But so far, the water is also crystal clear: we could see fishes and animals stemming under it by the boat). I am guessing limiting the amount of boats every year, setting a fixed route for the boats and having a string enforcement team are working this far. 
I am now trying this under the star lit sky on the deck (light pollution!), which listening to more Latin dance music and waves. Today is one of the days that remind me why I am traveling: seeing new places, beautiful landscapes, meeting cool people, and more importantly, be inspired. It is inspiring a place so breathtaking has been recognized and is being preserved. It touches a huge part of me (ok, not literally. We were not allowed to touch animals) to see animals unafraid of humans, and that we can coexist peacefully. (I know, we all need food. But maybe just hunt what we need and let the rest be?) I am not sure what is happening in the world right now (no internet!), but I do know I am one of the fortunate many who are experiencing the magic of nature. I hope this magic never ends.
(Well, of course since I am a poor traveler, I am only on the boat for 3 days. But when I earn more money, Galápagos is definitely on my to do list again. It challenges your notion of the world, defies believe, and makes you want to be a better human being of this world. Hmm. Hyperbole?)

Darwin and Dying

7/9   
    
    
    
    
    
    
   

I have never been a super adventurous person. However, I do like the feeling of adrenaline rushing through my veins (well, and arteries). Due to my bad vision, there are a lot of activities I cannot do (well, or can do but not see what I am doing very well…). When I was younger, my elder brother went to an outdoor adventure course (with Outward Bound School) where he was on a sailboat for a week (or maybe more. Did I mention I was young?). When we went to fetch him home, I distinctly remembered thinking: this is the coolest thing (wait, am I using the right tense here? So confused with Spanish now.) and maybe I can get to do it too?! An opportunity came much later, but a really weird diagnosis from a doctor who said I had a heart murmur (maybe it was saying “can you hear me now “?) and could not go with my class to an OBS excursion. 
I woke up feeling a little better, and rushed to the airport (which incidentally, is almost 2 hours away) to meet up with my tour guide for my 3 days cruise on a catamaran. I was both excited and nervous: excited because I was really looking forward to living on a catamaran for 3 days; but nervous due to my health and my need for glasses (especially for snorkeling). (Plus, the movie “Jaws” always comes to mind when I am on a boat. The power of movies…) Since I have been in South America for a while now, I did not start to worry when my guide never showed up. In fact, the other guides were more worried about it, and asked all around for my boat Nemo III. It was a good thing too, since there was some confusion and my guide thought I was meeting him at the town port (which would have save me $19 and 3.5 hours), not at the airport. 
Back in town, I was joined by an Australian couple and 2 Israelis gals and we boarded our home for the next 3 days. The Nemo III is a catamaran that usually houses 16 passengers and 6 staffs. As the only solo traveler, I got lucky and they placed me in a room with full sized bed, my own bathroom (well, the yacht sized one- wait, I am on a yacht!), and a lot of storage space. We met the others who have been onboard for 3 days already, got served a really good lunch, and headed back to Santa Cruz for the Charles Darwin Center. 
The Galapagos started tourism in 1971, and currently allows 85 boats to operate in the national park. And that was all I could remember about the park itself. I expected to see a lot of evolution theories and scientific explanations in the Darwin Center, but was told the center is currently showing only land tortoise and iguanas. (Maybe the hardcore Catholics complained about the theory of evolution here too? Or maybe God removed the evolution exhibits? Or maybe it was just like “a night in the museum”? I really should watch better movies…)
Apparently, temperature determine sex of baby tortoise, and the center only breeds tortoise and iguana. A very famous land tortoise: Lonesome George existed here from 1970s to 2012. He was the last of his kind from Pinta Island, and the center tried to help him breed (ahem) by introducing him to a few female tortoises. For a relatively old tortoise (rumored to be he was over 150 yes old when he died), I guess it was not that easy to try to procreate, especially with tortoise that look like his own specie, but slightly different. (Maybe he thought the females look too fat or skinny? Not hip enough? Or not enough hip?) I guess all the natural efforts failed as he died without producing a heir. (But I bet he had a great last few years before passing on! Free food, free lodging, people cheering and encouraging him to reproduce. Sounds like a good life, no?) 
After the tour, we headed back to the boat for some down time before dinner. The guide then went through our next day’s activity, and of course, one of my worries materialized: snorkeling. They were unsure if I can wear my glasses, and I couldn’t really see without them. (Someone really should look out for people with poor vision. Just saying.) As I sat on the upper deck being rocked by the waves on a catamaran, looking up at stars and their reflection on the sea, I have to admit: this was pretty cool. Part of me wish I could have done this earlier in my life, but the other part tells me I could never have afforded it or maybe even appreciate it (wait, or is that my heart murmuring?!). I am not sure about a lot of things in life, but of this, I am definitely happy I chose to be here: on a catamaran, in the Galápagos Islands, in the month of my birthday. Maybe it is a little naive, but a small part of me is super excited at fulfilling my childhood dream. 
(Well, I wonder if I would also fulfill my other childhood dream of flying like superman [but not wearing the underwear outside], have retractable claws, have a secret lair somewhere…]

The setback

7/7-7/8

   
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
   
well, the best laid plans of mice and men. I have food poisoning from the breakfast at Guayaqil airport. I wanted to upload photo, but the connection is too slow.  I am supposed to get on a boat for 4 days tmr. I promise to update this blog as soon as I can. Know that I feel terrible enough : spending so much money to get to my dream destination , only to feel like crap (and watery ones too)  
    
    
    
    
    
    
   

Pope and Problems

7/6/15

   
    
    
    
    
    
    

    
   
  
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 (I should be off o Galapagos tomorrow. Not sure it there is wifi, but I will try my best!)

I always like to think I am a little intelligent (not a lot, just a little), and think a few steps ahead. It probably comes with being trained in engineeribg and business: to be prepared and logical (wait, or is that the Scouts?). During my travels, I have been careful not to plan too far in advance, knowing that plans change any minute. I purposefully did not book tours for Machu Picchu, Galapagos, or Salar de Uyuni (well, actually, it was more because I was told it is cheaper to book it last minute in that country…). Therefore it is a little strange that I felt slightly cheated when even last minute plans unraveled: especially one with divine intervention. 

I woke up today in my new hostel room, slowly crawled out of the bottom bunk (clean thoughts. Also, crawl because the beds had very little clearance. Probably built for little people?). I was a little surprised to see a lady lying in the next bed, but then remembered: the hostel had an issue with the men shared dorm room, so they placed me into the female dorm (it was empty for the night, so no pillow fight happened). I quickly washed up, got breakfast, and went for my 9am tour. The morning bicycle tour was to a nearby island call : Santay (I know, I kept thinking of satay and got hungry). I was a little surprised when the tour guide told me that only 2 people were going on the tour. He then made a joke about the danger of biking in Guayaqil, but not today since it is a holiday. It was then I realized: the city is given a day off because the Pope (or El Papa- not to be confused with potato), is visiting Guayaqil today.

I was immediately torn simultaneously by two thoughts: 1) it is great the pope is visiting Ecuador! 2) it sucks because I specifically chose to arrive on a Sunday so I can run errands on Monday. I needed a cheap backpack (since there is a 20kg luggage weight limit to Galapagos (Ok, my bag is not that heavy, but it is close), snacks, some cheap tshirt and a short sleeve shirt (apparently we are not allow to wear shorts and tank tops for dinner on the catamaran). It is almost like a divine intervention- to prevent me from buying more stuff. 

Those thoughts went through my mind when we cycles to Santay island. The city built a bridge connecting mainland to Santay, in the hope of generating more tourism revenue and provide green space for the city. Opened in 2014 (yup, brand new), the project consisted of a new pedestrian/cyclist bridge, an elevated pathway around the Santay island, a tourist center and houses for the local residents. We were told that the government actually signed a 10 years lease with each resident: they love rent free and in exchange, care for the facilities. Our guide actually was from the island, and is now studying tourism (after getting a business undergraduate degree). He showed us around the island, and we also got a guided tour around the village, a crocodile pond, and the elevated pathways. It was all very interesting except one huge drawback: the weather was super hot and humid. I was drenched in sweat, and was soaked in places that I did not even know sweat pores existed (well, i also realize our skin is full of pores and sweat glands. But a little hyperbole never hurt anyone. Hmm…or did it?) we finished the tour around 3 hours, and I gladly handed my bike back. (But not before hearing the evening city tour was canceled: I was the only one interested). 

In the afternoon, I went to the local market places and try to find a cheap backpack. It was then I realized a second problem: things are relatively expensive in Guayaqil. A Big Mac meal costs about $5.50, tshirts in the Malecon costs about $15, and so on. It is a shock to my system (and my budget), especially since it is quite close to prices in U.S. I everially found a really cheap backpack for $10 (and then broke the zipper when I packed my bags), and had to give up on finding clothes. I admitted defeat, since 50% of the shops were closed and the other half were all watching El Papa on TV. I was being constantly reminded of my failures through a Divine proxy.

The last problem came at night when I went out for food. Yes, a lot of places were closed, and I got a bad dinner at a touristic restaurant. I was told the seafood is good in Guayaqil, but got some pretty chewy deep fried calamari instead. Admitting defeat, I decided to console myself at a local cafe with a muffin, only to see El Papa blessing a church on the television once again.

I have to admit, it is not a good feeling when my plan did not work out the way I planned. I thought I was being smart, but was instead trumped by a divine proxy visit. I guess this teaches me a lesson: always be ready with a backup plan, for you never know when divine intervention (well, or his proxy) may occur. 

(Wait, so does this fall under “Act of God”? Maybe I should have just claim from my insurance…)

Trip Details and Hot Cocktail

6/30/15

   
    
    
   
I think I have been trained too well. As I approach the 3 months mark of my trip (wow, time flies. So does money, like a bored man with free access to vices). I am having a mini-panic attack on how much more I want to see and do, and how much time and money I have left. There are just so many things/places to do/visit, and so little time left. I kind of wish this is more like a RPG where I can have all the time in world, kill some monsters, and complete all my missions before advancing to the next level. (And no need to worry about luggage a weight limit, or border crossings. Now I miss my PS3…)

To make up for my short class yesterday (wait, I think I was told never to start a sentence with “to”. Sorry to all my English teachers!), I had a 4 hours class on the morning. I think I am entering the stage of intermediate Spanish: that is, I know a little, and everyone started to talk a lot to me, only with me looking confused. My teacher made me read a long essay on Andelaus, tried to make me translate a Pop song- only to realize I am not quite as advanced as he thought. Interestingly, he made me listen to a song called:” History of Taxi driver”: a taxi driver “picked up” a crying woman, had sex with her as she wanted revenge on her cheating husband, then realized his wife is the one cheating with the husband. And the songs ends with both couples continuo to cheat on their spouses every week. While I am impressed the song conveyed so much, it is a little weird on songs encouraging affairs. (I mean, isn’t South America quite catholic? Or is the church losing her grip? I was totally going to make a joke with the words “her grip”, but then again, that is probably sacrilegious. Is a handjob joke worse than a song encouraging extra-martial affair?!).

In the afternoon, I gave into my inner urges (ahem) and went into an agency. The lady there was extremely helpful, and so I booked my next portion of my trip: to Guayaquil and then Galápagos Islands. I have been told it is cheaper to book it on Santa Cruz itself, but the price was within what I have been expecting. Also, while I managed to get an extra 2 days stay on Santa Cruz before the 4 days cruise. After a lot of back and forth, I think I did the best possible option and stayed mostly within budget. It is by far the most expensive part of my trip this far, but I have been told it is well-worth it. Personally, I wish I could have stay longer on the islands. However, this is actually the peak tourist season, and everything is super expensive online. There is a possibility that if I can find cheaper lodgings, I maybe able to change return date. (I wonder if I can get some divine help? Even with all the handjob jokes?)

The evening was spent forst visiting Parque San Sebestian: a square that was used for bull fighting. “Apparently in 1739, locals mauled a member of La Condamine’s geodesic expedition here, apparently because of an affair with a local woman.”- as said by Loney Planet. It has since been converted to a park, but the shape and boundary remains intact. 

After that, it was back to school for social activity (making cocktails). It is an interesting way to encourage students interaction, but I think my fellow students were more interested in drinking and heading home. We had 2 cocktails, a hot drink and a cold one. Both are fruits based, and with the deliciousness of local fruit masking the taste of alcohol, they were both very tasty, albeit super sweet. Feeling little tipsy, I spent the rest of the evening watching the Argentina vs Praguay game at my hostel. (And of course, doing my homework. I try to be a good student!) I then remembered (multitasking) what every traveler told me: there is no way to do everything on one trip. With so many constraints, we all do our best to pick and choose the best itinerary. Afterall, trips are a little like a RPG: you need to get to the next level/country, get the most experience (points) possible, and attain the ultimate goal: be a better person.

(I wonder if I am part of a RPG? If so, I must be one of those NPCs…or maybe we are all in a game. Or maybe I have watched the Matrix too many times.)