Sad Farewells to Galapagos

Sunday. That worst day of a trip. Time to pack up to start the journey home. To leave new friends and shared experiences. And start the transition back to the “real world.” (Though I can’t imagine anywhere more “real” than the Galapagos.)

As with everything else about this trip, the tendering ashore and procedures went smoothly. Luggage put out the night before to be ferried ashore by the zodiacs. Hand luggage with us. Breakfast, then waiting in the lounge for the transfers. Hugs goodbye to the crew. Watching regretfully as the crew prepares for the next set of adventurers.

Upon arrival at the airport, the normal “hurry up and wait” of this type of situation was apparent. We had a bit of time to shop at the stalls set up. If you want to get a “Galapagos” stamp in your passport, the vendors have it and are happy to oblige. Once the group is checked in, you’re given your boarding pass and put in a special line to get through security (where you are inspected to make sure you aren’t removing anything from the islands – sorry, no baby sea lions, blue footed boobies, iguanas or baby tortoises to take home with you). Celebrity has arranged for access to the VIP lounge, where you can purchase beverages and wait with other groups, such as Lindblad. Do know that this lounge has ceiling fans, but no air conditioning, and got quite hot in the mid-day sun.

Once aboard the plane, the wonderful amenities noted on the way out were, of course, in evidence again. A quick stop in Quayaquil to refuel (there is no refueling in the Galapagos) and to drop off those lucky passengers who purchased the post-cruise tour to Machu Picchu, then on to Quito and the Marriott again.

There is an afternoon excursion to a local market, followed by a group dinner at the hotel. I understand both were quite nice, but a bit lightly attended, as many of us had picked up a nasty respiratory bug onboard. I finally succumbed to it that evening, spiking a very high fever and being generally miserable. Room service was a welcome option, and I took full advantage of it. I did miss out on being able to say goodbye to some people who had become extremely good friends in a very short time, as we were on different flights the next day, but due to some delays by American Airlines the next morning, it ended up I got to hug them both there and in Miami.

I want to be VERY clear that the virus wasn’t from the ship – it’s not a “sick” ship in any way. This was obviously a flu virus which had come onboard with a passenger, then transferred around as such viruses tend to do. It was the height of a nasty flu season, and it just happened to hit many of us, even though we’d had our flu shots. I think everyone in our smaller group who spent time together all week ended up with it, either onboard or once we returned home. No fun, and I was sorry it wiped me out of a few excursions, but such is the way of things. I also sometimes have to take a day or part-day off from active schedules, but as you see, that in no way changed my overall experience. While I didn’t get to do *everything* on this trip, it didn’t matter in the least. This is an amazing voyage.

I also say this so that those of you who might not be in the best physical shape, or may have some limitations, know you can do this trip as well. While you do need to be able to get into and out of a zodiac, and climb some stairs, the crew does assist, and the low intensity options are often available for you. I’ve had clients who had very restricted mobility who have taken this trip, did the low intensity options only, and had a wonderful time. If you have specific questions about your situation, let me know. Most of the excursions aren’t physically difficult, but some can be long and hot or more challenging. Now that I’ve been, I know better how to advise you if you’re unsure.

One last submission to go – stay with me! Due to the World’s Largest Cruise Sale, I’m going to postpone the final installment to next week. You definitely don’t want to miss it – it’s chalk full of information on logistics, hints and tricks…but there’s also an exciting announcement! Thanks for staying with me so long, and keep watching!