Santa Cruz, Galapagos

Landed on Isla Baltra, a small island where the airport is located, passed thru security, grabbed a map, hopped on a shuttle bus, ferried across a channel to Isla Santa Cruz, and yet another shuttle bus to Puerto Ayora. Call it movement of the masses. After arriving in the town square we were approached by Leonela and her baby who convinced us to check out her hostal, the Costa Del Sol Suites! This tiny 4 room hostal had one room left on the main floor, a large room with 3 beds for 40 bucks. We took it for one night knowing the Galapagos is expensive. Later I walked around checking out other prices and decided this is a good deal with it's central location etc... Later we upgraded to the top floor with an ocean breeze and partial ocean view. These rooms are usually 50 bucks a night but Leonela gave it to us for 40. Yipppeee! It also comes with hot/cold drinking water, coffee and tea. Saving money is making money!

We went out for dinner on restaurant street which is two short blocks away where after 6 pm the street closes to traffic and the cafes put their tables outside. You can get a whole fresh fish like a tuna or snapper for 10-20 dollars or lobster for 10-15. Prices are dependant upon size. We decided on lobster and watched the cute little gay chef grill it to perfection! Of course it was served with the standard fried plantains and rice, go figure! LOL

The following day we checked out the Charles Darwin research center,  a short 10 min walk from our place. We were greeted by a friendly local guide at the gate who explained the self tour process. There are over 200 scientists and volunteers involved with research  and conservation efforts. Here we saw numerous tortoises and a few land iguanas.

Later walking back to our hostal we passed  a dock area were the fishermen dropped off the catches of the day including many tuna, some small snappers and one huge marlin which required two burly men to haul into the back of their pickup. Now I realized the battle my dad must of had while he caught his trophy in Cabo San Lucas! It was fun to watch the locals clean and filet fish while sharing leftovers with hungry pelicans and sea lions. Great comedic action!

As we were walking along we stopped in at a ceramic garden. I've never seen anything like this. Many creative works consisting of tiny tiles and broken chunks of tile to create intricate mosaic masterpieces. Very talented artists!

Puerto Ayora has plenty of stores stocked with all kinds of overpriced Galapagos trinkets. For the vendors to make a living they must sell a shitload to the souvineer seeking touristas. Glad to be here be here during off season.