In early November, our adventure began as we jetted off to Quito, Ecuador, to kickstart a thrilling journey to the Galapagos Islands. Despite our late-night arrival at Quito International Airport (UIO), a 40-minute drive through winding mountain roads led us to the impressive JW Marriott hotel.
What a delightful stay it was! The hotel offered one of our most enjoyable
experiences, albeit with a small hiccup: we were advised against drinking tap
water. Thankfully, the hotel thoughtfully provided bottled water in our rooms,
and we took full advantage of the complementary water bottle filling station in
the lobby. It was a botanical delight, with fragrant cut roses—one of Ecuador's
treasures—adorning every hotel corner.
Nestled in the Andean Mountains, Quito sits at an impressive elevation of 9,350
feet, leaving us breathless in more ways than one! Sleeping posed a challenge
for some due to the high altitude, and a few members of our group needed a
little medication to aid in adjustment.
Our first full day in Quito was spent exploring the enchanting old city, where
we uncovered a fun fact: Panama Hats originate from Ecuador! Our
charismatic guide mentioned that Teddy Roosevelt's famous Panama Hat was an
Ecuadorian creation. Later, we had our equatorial escapade at the “Ciudad Mitad
del Mundo” monument. A quirky discovery was made - it's not precisely on the
equator, but close neighbors with the line. A fascinating water demonstration
of how drains swirl differently on either side of the equator piqued our
curiosity.
After an exhilarating two-night stay in Quito, we caught our charter flight to
the Galapagos, bound for Baltra.
Sailing the Galapagos Aboard Celebrity Flora
Upon arrival, a dedicated team of naturalists whisked us from the airport to a
nearby dock, where the Zodiac awaited to ferry us to the majestic Celebrity
Flora. Hand luggage in tow, we boarded with a splash of sea spray— not unlike a
gentle maritime baptism. Flora, a 100-guest marvel with 50 staterooms, became
our floating sanctuary for a memorable seven-day voyage.
Aboard the ship, evenings took on a unique rhythm of recap sessions, where we
unraveled the day's adventures while savoring words of wisdom about the days to
come. The cruise offered twice-a-day expeditions ashore, ranging from
challenging treks to serene strolls, catering to every explorer’s taste.
Galapagos: An Archipelago of Wonders
Each island in the Galapagos unfolded a vibrant tapestry of creatures, unafraid
and unperturbed by human presence. Among these remarkable beings, the Albatross
captured my heart. Though awkward on land, this bird soars through the skies
with grace. We were lucky to arrive at the tail end of the nesting season—most
adults had migrated, leaving behind a few curious younglings.
The Celebrity Experience: Pure Magic
Wow! Celebrity delivered an extraordinary experience with exceptional guides
and a stellar support team, both pre- and post-cruise in Quito. I'm already
dreaming of a return voyage aboard the Flora to this incredible archipelago.
Until then, I'll hold onto the hope of seeing you on board someday!
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