I just came back from an incredible trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. It was a once in a lifetime experience. It was my first trip to South America and I wasn't really sure what to expect. I was so pleasantly surprised with the amount of warmth and hospitality that the country had to offer.
I spent the first four nights in Quito, Ecuador. Not only the equator, but the center of the earth, lies in Ecuador. So I must say that it was a very special moment to be able to stand on the 0' o' 0' point of the earth. I also got the privilege to interact with the local community. We spent one night high up in the mountains, at a local's home, getting a chance to interact with the indigenous community. They prepared a very special dinner for us and it really once again showed me what all my travels teach me...that no matter what part of the world, no matter who lives there, in the end, we are all bonded by the same emotions and feelings. People share the same feelings of love, pain, sorrow, warmth, and fear. High up in the mountains of Ecuador, I met a family, who in spite of the language barrier, I felt so welcomed into their home. In the morning, I had the opportunity to go horseback riding amidst the clouds. The views were absolutely breathtaking.
Take a look at the man in the photograph below. I don't know who he is. I don't know his name, nor do I know his life story. But something about him inspired me to take a photograph. They say a picture speaks a thousand words, and this photo exemplifies that. There are years of hard work, pain, sorrow, joy, accomplishment, and above all else, wisdom gleaming in his eyes. And again, it just shows how we are all the same. You can find this man sitting on a bench in absolutely any part of the world.
I spent the first four nights in Quito, Ecuador. Not only the equator, but the center of the earth, lies in Ecuador. So I must say that it was a very special moment to be able to stand on the 0' o' 0' point of the earth. I also got the privilege to interact with the local community. We spent one night high up in the mountains, at a local's home, getting a chance to interact with the indigenous community. They prepared a very special dinner for us and it really once again showed me what all my travels teach me...that no matter what part of the world, no matter who lives there, in the end, we are all bonded by the same emotions and feelings. People share the same feelings of love, pain, sorrow, warmth, and fear. High up in the mountains of Ecuador, I met a family, who in spite of the language barrier, I felt so welcomed into their home. In the morning, I had the opportunity to go horseback riding amidst the clouds. The views were absolutely breathtaking.
Take a look at the man in the photograph below. I don't know who he is. I don't know his name, nor do I know his life story. But something about him inspired me to take a photograph. They say a picture speaks a thousand words, and this photo exemplifies that. There are years of hard work, pain, sorrow, joy, accomplishment, and above all else, wisdom gleaming in his eyes. And again, it just shows how we are all the same. You can find this man sitting on a bench in absolutely any part of the world.
The Galapagos Islands were amazing. I learned a lot about Charles Darwin and the islands in elementary school and junior high and to be able to actually visit the islands was truly incredible. From Quito, we flew to the island of Baltra, and from there we boarded the Galapagos Legend for a 3-night cruise. We visited two islands every day and what surprised me the most was how the islands are truly untouched. They are uninhabited and it was refreshing to see somewhere without buildings and chain restaurants. So the islands still remain to the wildlife. I saw so many unique birds, that can only be found on the islands. Two of them really stood out to me. One, the blue-footed boobie birds. Their feet were such an incredible shade of blue...it really looked like they had stepped into a bucket of blue paint! And the other was the red-throated frigate bird. I couldn't believe me eyes! It was mating season and the red-throated frigate is the male species ready for mating. And it flies around and sits down showing off, waiting for a female bird to choose him and come to him. And after it mates, his red throat deflates. After the female bird has it's baby, either the father or mother, are by it's side at all times to protect it. It was amazing to actually see them take turns. One protects, while the other goes out to bring food. Nature truly is incredible.
I had promised to end all my travels with something unique about each destination. With Quito, Ecuador, it has to the be courtyards! I absolutely fell in love with how most of the homes in Quito have such beautiful courtyards. From the outside, the homes just have a door in busy downtown Quito. But, once you open the door, you walk into a magnificent courtyard style home. I loved it!
And for Galapagos Islands, what else can I say other than the unique wildlife! The birds and giant tortoises especially. I would recommend this trip to all those who love and appreciate the wildlife.
I have uploaded my photos in the photography section, just scroll down and you'll see it.
With love,
Homaira
I had promised to end all my travels with something unique about each destination. With Quito, Ecuador, it has to the be courtyards! I absolutely fell in love with how most of the homes in Quito have such beautiful courtyards. From the outside, the homes just have a door in busy downtown Quito. But, once you open the door, you walk into a magnificent courtyard style home. I loved it!
And for Galapagos Islands, what else can I say other than the unique wildlife! The birds and giant tortoises especially. I would recommend this trip to all those who love and appreciate the wildlife.
I have uploaded my photos in the photography section, just scroll down and you'll see it.
With love,
Homaira
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