Galapagos: day 1 with sleepy sea lions

After a 29 hour bus journey, I arrived in Guayquil, Ecuador. I was nervous crossing the border as I had overstayed. I had checked the Oz website on visas to Ecuador and it said 180 days. However I did not notice I was only given 90 days. I need not have worried – the border people were all friendly.  I paid $1US per day past my visa.  Actually 90 days should have been plenty but I ended up staying longer and had to literally drag myself away. Peru is amazing, plus I made some wonderful friends who I am really going to miss. I saw a lot and experienced a lot and there is still much to see and do! (I will have to come back!)

I booked a flight to the Galapagos – a dream come true,  landing on Santa Cristabal with the intention of spending a few days here before taking a boat to Santa Cruz. In my usual fashion that would drive my mother mad, I had no bookings but simply rocked up on the island. (Pre-booked cruises were out of the question – too expensive).

I was surprised on several accounts. I did not realise the islands are so arid and dry. I did not expect the town to be so sleepy and quiet – seems everyone has a siesta here, including the sea lions!

Carefully avoiding stepping on a sea lion, I booked into as lovely place: Casa de Laura Hostel. It is $15US a night and I recommend it. It is not on the waterfront but close enough to know when some sea lions are having a disagreement. It is family owned and run, with the family living in a house in front, the accommodation in the back with a beautiful garden full of interesting plants I have never seen before. Rooms have ensuites and the internet is throughout (hence some news at last!).

By the way – if you even look as if you might want to sit down on a seat along the Malecon, expect to be told off! Sea lions are definitely the bosses here. They growl at you if you get too close. It makes it difficult if one happens to be lying right across a narrow pathway. Today I saw some leap into a boat and lounge on the seat. Poor boat owner – they make a mess!