Linda's Life and Times: We've waited over 30 years for this adventure - Welcome to Ecuador and the Galapagos! September 16

Many years ago, Jeff and I set out to see the world. The Galapagos was a location that we wanted to see, but it was out of our monetary reach.

Years went by, now the reason to not travel there was because of Jeff's bad knees and the necessity to climb down ladders from ships to zodiacs to view the islands. Jeff doesn't do ladders.

Times change. We started with a new travel agency (Cruise Connections from Vancouver, BC, Canada). In speaking with our agent, he mentions that the President of the company had been to the Galapagos and may be able to offer a solution. Conversation is held with this amazing person and we're introduced to the Celebrity Flora. A cruise ship that has been built specifically with the Galapagos in mind. The rear of the ship 'folds down' to water level and the zodiacs (they call them tenders) just come up to the edge and you walk down a few steps into the craft. No ladders; easier for everyone, but especially for those like Jeff (and even clumsy me) to navigate. We booked this trip immediately - 2 days in Quito, Ecuador (the capital) before and after a 7 night cruise in the Galapagos.

We returned a week ago and I'm finally getting around to adding this trip to the blog so you can browse through.

We flew from Boston to Quito (via Miami) on Tuesday, September 16th. (Yes, while transferring in Miami, I did take a header over my own feet and fell flat on my face and knees. Lots of black and blues on the knees but they're healing up. Did not stop me from doing anything on this vacation)

We arrived in Quito very late that evening and were met by the ground staff from Celebrity for the 45 minute ride to our hotel - JW Marriott. Lovely hotel. Quick check in and given our itinerary for our tour on Saturday around Quito. Please note that Quito is 9,350 above sea level. Didn't plan on that and I felt like I had to really think about my breathing especially in the beginning of our stay.

Breakfast at the hotel was lovely - huge amount of choices (they actually gave me two types of tea to enjoy at the same time).

Onto buses in groups of @ 14 each which we stayed with for the day.

Churches, Nunneries, City Square

Our Amazing Guide

Polite and friendly Police

We're actually standing on the Equator. They have a location here that gives visitors information on what's different above and below the actual Equator line.