Today was our last day in paradise, and we had a big party provided by our hotel department in celebration of the New Year 2016. Our adventures this week felt almost unreal, we all bonded as one, even though we come from different places, as the Galapagos brings magic to our souls and mind. Traveling and reaching our destinations from the youngest island, Fernandina, to one of the oldest islands, San Cristobal islands, on an expedition, a journey of discovery through time.
Today we opted for a fun Zodiac ride, searching for red-footed boobies and soon after, we landed on a green olivine beach for a 1.5 mile walk. The volcanic scenery that we observed during our hike was spectacular, and one of our young guests celebrated our excellent outing by doing handstands! The peaks of tuff high in the sky make this site very different from what we have already witnessed. Back on the beach, we had fun swimming and a couple of sea lions joined us, our ever-present friends. Some of us took pictures on the beach as well, as a farewell to this wonderful week.
Later we repositioned to Kicker Rock, an impressive tuff formation standing massive out of the shoreline. Once we reached our site, we deployed our Zodiacs for our last snorkeling activity of the expedition. Back onboard, we then circumnavigated Kicker Rock as the sun was setting, remembering this place where we just snorkeled with Galápagos sharks, rays, fish and friends.
We are now together at the bow celebrating life. We made it to the Galapagos and it was not easy. There is a deep appreciation of all who take the time to visit the islands, especially the children. Statistics show that out of the 7 billion humans in this world, only a small number make it to the Galapagos; in contrast, Hawaii gets 12 million visitors per year, Yellowstone Park: 3 million, Machu Picchu: 1 million, and finally, Galapagos islands, with only 204,000 visitors per year—a fraction compared to other places. This is why I say, today we were honored to be part of their unforgettable experience, and we hope that one day they will have the will and power to make a positive change in this wonderful world of ours.
Our expedition is now over; life goes on, but we are now sure this place has changed many lives. This place can never be fully described. We all came together, from different backgrounds, to share this magic which will exist in our hearts and minds forever.
Farewell amigos.
