A Symphony of Animals in the Galapagos Islands

Blue-Footed Booby shows off colorful feet during mating dance
This entry is part 5 of 18 in the series Ecuador

While my words may have painted an intriguing picture of the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, there is nothing like video to get a true feel for a place, so I’ve put together a video of many of the animals I saw during my recent cruise and set it to music. Hope you enjoy. Ecoventura kindly … Read more

Hot Babes and Cool Dudes in the Galapagos

Giant land tortoise in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island is brave enbough to check out my sister, Nancy
This entry is part 4 of 18 in the series Ecuador

After day five of my Galapagos cruise and visits to eight different islands, our naturalists suddenly announced that we hadn’t yet “seen” the Galapagos. Though the islands are famous for uber-friendly sea lions and Blue-Footed Boobies that perform a unique dance as part of their mating ritual, they are best known for their giant land … Read more

Adventures with Sea Lions in the Galapagos Islands

Our naturalist, Ceci, hollers to wake me up; telling me to sit up but not to touch...
This entry is part 3 of 18 in the series Ecuador

I have always felt an affinity with wild animals and they, likewise, seem inordinately attracted to me. On a visit to the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York this summer, a black racer snake crawled across my foot. On safari in the Serengeti of Africa we encountered a lion sleeping with his head hidden behind … Read more

The Great Myth and Greater Mystery of the Galapagos Islands

Marine Iguanas, exhibiting dfferent colors on each island, sit around in huge piles, indifferent to human presence
This entry is part 2 of 18 in the series Ecuador

Our panga motored to within a few feet of a nondescript crescent beach backed by jagged, guano-encrusted cliffs. Its unremarkable appearance didn’t temper my excitement, for this was Darwin Bay on the island of Genovese in the Galapagos Islands, one of the most iconic natural destinations in the world. I hopped out into calf-high water … Read more

Things to Do in Guayaquil, Ecuador and How To Stay Safe While Doing Them

Guayaquil's beautiful Malecon 2000, a broad boulevard that runs along the Gyauas River, is safe by day or night
This entry is part 1 of 18 in the series Ecuador

After checking into the Oro Verde Hotel, I asked for a map of the city center and recommendations for things to do in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The concierge hesitated for a moment before unfolding one on the countertop. He marked off the sites of interest: museums; the Malecon 2000, a broad boulevard dotted with gardens, restaurants, … Read more