Travel or, Back to Civilisation

Yesterday was tiring. We sailed overnight from Genovesa to Baltra. Luckily, the seas had calmed somewhat and instead of being tossed about like Orville Redenbacher in a microwave, we were rocked to sleep. We were up early and took the zodiacs to Baltra. The only thing on Baltra is the single runway, an open air terminal and fuel tanks. We flew Baltra to Guayaquil, then on to Quito. We changed to the international terminal and arrived in Lima late. We had a short walk to a hotel and settled for room service and a bath.

Our plane from Lima to Cusco is interesting. It's a high wing aircraft with a fat body, reminiscent of a pregnant guppy. The odd appearance is enhanced by the stubby, wide wings that each sport a pair of large jet engines. The four engines dominate the look and, I can only assume, the plane has some special purpose such as short take off and landing capabilities for the mountains. The plane carries more passengers, 76, than it appears possible from the outside.

An observation; working for an airline, either as a counter person or flight attendant must be a better job in South America than in the US. We have yet to encounter incompetence, surliness, or laziness. They appear to take pride in providing service. Even the airport security people seem to be more "with it".

Reviewing the blogs from the Galapagos, I realize that I left much out due to the sporadic, slow Internet connection. I might send out a few catch-up or look-back blogs about our eight days on the Islander. The Galapagos Islands are amazing and mysterious. I can understand how many of the early explorers, including Darwin, described the islands as hell on earth or wretched volcanic rocks inhabited' by freaks and monsters. It is truly a unique and special place.




On to Peru and the Andes

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Location:Enroute, Lima to Cusco, Peru