Another chapter in what I like to call the Adventures of Fodder and Son. My 9 year-old boy and I are traveling to the Galapagos Islands to swim with the fishes in a non-mafia hit kind of way.
Can you find the iguana? (Jason Elliott)Sander (my nine-year old boy) and I (my thirty-nine year old self) decided to take a trip to the Galapagos Islands. For us, the Galapagos is an almost mythical place, sort of like a Neverland for nature lovers. It seems like a far off place, where only a few people have ever been (I’ve since found out that by “few” that means about 150,000 a year, which means the Galapagos is only slightly less visited than Paris Hilton). After doing careful research and factoring in the fact that the Elliott boys get sea-sick in a mud-puddle, I decided that a land based tour, as opposed to a cruise/yacht based tour, was the way for us. I like the freedom of being able to wander about town whenever I want and there’s something more connected about sleeping in a place, as opposed to near a place. However, due to a crazy business schedule I wasn’t able to book the trip far enough in advance to join a set tour. So we had to go with setting up our own tour of the islands using the same company, Adventure-Life. I was initially concerned about this route because I figured that the pre-set tour would get the “A” team, and we would get the “We’d sure love to take your money, so we took on the local ‘Will work for food’ guy, gave him an empanada, and he’ll be showing you around the place.” Actually, this is the first “tour” we’ve ever done. Historically, we just show up someplace and start exploring. But, I figure Galapagos is too big, too far, too huge to bungle through, so we went with the pros on this one. I definitely felt like I copped out a bit, and then I remembered that Lewis and Clark had a guide, Indiana Jones had a guide, and now the Elliotts have a guide. So there.
So we pack up our things and head off to the most famous remote Islands on the planet. But first an aside. When packing, I was torn between a backpack and a roller. My goal was to pack enough stuff for the two of us, for about two weeks, in one carry-on bag. And yes, that does require that we wear the same clothes a few, or five times, but it is my job as my son’s father to teach him how to be a college student and then a bachelor. Anyway, I just bought this cool roller and as it sat next to my trusty back-pack, I felt like I was handing out the final rose. Katie, that would be my girl-friend, said I should take the backpack, but she’s a former back-country trip leader so I figured she was naturally biased. As we’re talking, she points at me, the room darkens, the candles flicker, and she says, “There will come a time when you are thankful for the backpack!” Having been raised by a strong Greek woman (Hi Ma!) I know better than to argue with woman pointing at me, so I chose the backpack.
Now, about that omen. We had a six hour lay-over in Miami, which by the way, is a terrible International Airport; Lubbock, Texas’ airport has more services. Seriously, how do you have an international airport with so few food options? When you’re leaving the country, or coming back, you stock up on American comfort food, especially in the age of airlines not feeding you. Except in Miami, there is no American comfort food. Not even a McDonalds. I think Miami Airport is the largest parcel of land on the planet without a McDonalds, and this is a big deal when you’re traveling with a nine-year old. Anyway, where was I? Oh right, the lay-over. We arrive at 11.00 am, and don’t take off until 5.30 pm, so we head to the lounge, chill out, play games, make some calls and talk about what the Galapagos will be like. Then as I’m talking to my mom, my phone dies, so I plug it in an the time comes up on the screen. And I stare at it. 5.20. “Hmmm, that means something,” thinks I. 5.20. “Something’s happening at 5.30.” 5.20. And then it hits me, we’re supposed to be on a plane at 5.30! I grab everything and shove it into our bags, literally rip the coke out of Sander’s hand as his lips are reaching for the straw, and tell him to “RUN!” And run we do. So exactly ten hours into our trip, Katie is right; I’m able to fly through the airport with my backpack. Seriously, I’m like Good OJ running through the airport in that Hertz commercial, passing by the 30 gates to our plane’s door. No way we could have made that time with a roller. Just no way.
So we sweatily settle into our seats and head for Quito, Ecuador, where we’re picked up by a nice lady who takes us to our hotel. Quito, and Ecuador were not what I expected, but mostly because I don’t do any research on things. Quito is a mountain capital and is about 6000’ (2000m to the rest of the world) and surrounded by extinct/dormant volcanoes. It’s cool at night, and the air is crisp and clear. In fact the whole city (or at least the part of the city you can see going from the airport to the hotel) is clean, uncrowded, friendly and modern. I’m not sure what I expected form Quito, but “nicer than most US cities,” wasn’t it.
Tomorrow…Galapagos!
I just returned from a 10 day trip to Ecuador and The Galapagos Island. From the very first conversation with Adventure Life until my return, everything went smoothly. It was a great trip! Adventure Life excels at communication and organization. Every detail was considered, which made the preparation for my trip really easy. In country, my guides were outstanding...friendly, knowledgeable, on time, professional. I really can't say enough good things about how well I was taken care of during my trip. When flying to a new country it's comforting to be met by a friendly face at the airport who knows where you're going! All of my hotels were well-located and thoughtfully selected for comfort and historic interest. The yacht I sailed on through the islands exceeded my expectations in every way. My cabin was very comfortable, the food we were served was excellent and the crew was first-class. Our Park Guide found the perfect balance between fun and education. His passion for the Galápagos Islands was evident in every activity on every island. I look forward to planning my next trip with Adventure Life, and thank their entire team for making this adventure wonderful!
Tracy Heuermann
1 month ago
Kevin had first hand experience of Ecuador and The Galapagos which helped us plan time before and after our visit to the Galapagos by water. We always plan our travel independently, but since we needed a guide in the galapagos, this was a perfect blend of self plan and assistance.
Lori
1 month ago
Adventure Life helped guide us toward just the right trip for us and then made all the planning super easy. We absolutely loved our time at Hacienda Jimenita in Quito and on the Anahi in the Galapagos and would recommend both to anyone. Everything went so smoothly from start to finish because Adventure Life took care of all the arrangements.
Marla Zucker
1 month ago
Jane went out of her way to help accommodate my what's and needs.
Walt LIGHTFOOT
2 months ago
Adventure Life (with partner Adventure Journey) got us the real experience that we were hoping for. The food was definitely above what we expected, as were the accomodations. Gabriel S. (our Galapagos guide) was so very personable and tuned in that we felt we had the premium of experiences (food, activities, people to meet and interact with). Our experience in the Cloud Forest was an impressive "birding" experience with great accomodations and wonderful food.