tranquilo. explore. coexist.

Isabela. Oh you of such diversity, such beauty. I reach your shores only to be endlessly welcomed. It is with every step, that I sink deeper in this fantacy that is your truth. I love your sounds, your spirits, your soul. Your people. So genuine, so giving, so joyous. The energy of the earth and of the sun and of the wind and of the wave. Isabela...me encanta.

We flew into Baltra from Guayaquil, took a speed boat to Puerto Ayora, and took another 3 hour boat ride to Isabela. Que viaje! Once we arrived at Nickolas house (another Peace Corp homie), we were welcomed by Reuben. Let me tell you, there is no one like this man! No one. His family is of the first settlers on Isabela. He brought us a Papaya, and that was the first thing that we ate of Galapagos. All of the neighbors are so relaxed, so curious, and very kind. The people of Ecuador go out of their way so naturally, desiring to help. Truly chill. One day we left in the morning while the neighbors were all shucking corn. A few hours later we returned to them collecting its kernels, right before sunrise they were grinding the kernels to a paste with a hand mill, and a few hourse later they brought us over something similar to tomales. These people take time, as it flows.

The next morning we rented bikes...the perfect way to explore an island! We discovered a turtle breeding center, a cemetary sitting just off the oceans shore, miles of virgin beach, a flamingo... The sun here is blazing, relentless, magnificent. Muy muy fuerte, mas que todos partes en el mundo. Salute! This night we played in la cucina and chilled with the locals.

The closest I have come to the realness of life was swimming with sea lions in open water. SO PLAYFUL. What a pleasure. I had a macho super curious with me as you will see in the video... We got an octopus from the ocean and later made ceviche con patacones. Ricorico! Right before sunset we visited the wall of tears, the oldest native tree of Isabela, and a mangrove of sweet water...made pure by the uv of the sun. Magic abounds.
Finally I must say that the Galapagos sky at night is brilliant...and I was so happy to catch a shooting star! Gracias a la universo!

Yesterday morning we left for Santa Cruz...at 6am...and watched the sky go wild as the sun rose. Te amo Isabela...y gracias por todos Nicholas! The island of Santa Cruz is much more inhabited and touristy than Isabela. We wanted to stay out of the sun because its force had become overwhelming, but after it chilled out somewhat we rented bikes and explored. We visited the Darwin Center and Tortuga Bay.

Today I am back in Guayaquil and we plan to leave for Riobamba tomorrow afternoon. Riobamba is recognized as the Sultan of the Andes and tomorrow there will be a celebration of their Independance. We hope to partake! LOVELOVELOVELOVELOVE. Peace ya`ll.