Galapagos, November 4 - 15, 2016

Sunday, November 6, 2016

After a lovely breakfast with Kathy and Ed, we boarded the bus for the Quito Airport to catch Avianca Flight 1686 to Balta, Galapagos.  It was a sunny, glorious day, and the economy Avianca seats were actually nicer than our Delta Business seats!  As we were about to land, three flight attendants came down the isle.  The first one opened each overhead bin, the second one sprayed some sort of disinfectant into the bin, while the third one slammed the bin shut.  They systematically did this throughout the plane!  Guess the folks on Galapagos don't want us bringing any cooties around!
After landing, we took a short bus ride to the pier where we boarded Zodiacs to our Celebrity Xpedition.

Upon arrival, we enjoyed a champagne toast, then settled into Cabin 504, our home for the next week.  After unpacking, we went back up to the Discovery Lounge for our safety briefing and life boat drill. By now, Rob was ready for his retirement nap, so I ventured off to the gym before our sail away.  From 1700 - 1800 hours we "circumvented" Daphne Island where a finch study has been on-going since the 1980s.  While out watching the wildlife, I spotted numerous frigates, pelicans, dolphins, and various other seabirds.

We enjoyed delicious local fish for dinner at a table with a delightful newly wed couple, Rachel and Eric, as well as three other lovely couples.  It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

Galapagos, November 4 - 15, 2016

November 5, 2016

After a lovely breakfast on the ninth floor of the JW Marriott, we met the other passengers of Celebrity's Xpedition for a city tour of Quito.  The sun was shining gloriously and the temperatures were absolutely perfect - great way to begin our journey.  We boarded the bus for our first destination, Basicica del Voto National, or the "National Basilica" of Ecuador.  Inside, there is an open heart carved where you can see the most famous statue of Quito - a protective angel in the distance.

The Neo Gothic Style, containing gargoyles, was extremely fascinating because the gargoyles were actually the various animals found throughout Ecuador - turtles, ant eaters, sea lions, etc.

   Next, we went to the San Francisco Convent where we heard the beginning of the 11:00 AM mass.  To see the beauty of this church was one thing, but to experience the sounds was a bonus! 

While there, the photographer/author of a leading Galapagos photo journal was selling his books. Naturally, I HAD to have a copy, as well as a picture.

Next, we walked over to the Jesuit Cathedral, Society of Jesus and the palace, located on Liberty Square.

We enjoyed an amazing lunch at Theatrum where we sampled local dishes, such as a unique potato soup, empanadas, fish, and a heavenly blackberry sorbet.

   Afterwards, you could either go back to the hotel for a siesta or continue on our tour to the Equator.  Guess who went back for his retirement nap?

   The Equator Museum was quite interesting with lots of science experiments, local products to sample, dances, HUGE humming birds, and a shrunken head!  A little tid bit that

 I learned quickly is that before going into a bathroom stall, one takes the toilet paper from the dispenser on the wall.

   Our group dined at Gloria this evening where Rob and I met Billy and Bonnie, a delightful couple, retired Air Force, from Florida who have been on 167 cruises!  Love it!  As our group departed the restaurant, the staff members lined up on the sidewalk for applauses and thanks.  I do LOVE this country!

Galapagos - November 4 - 15, 2016

November 4, 2016
   * The  "real time" entries for this blog weren't possible because during our Galapagos journey we had extremely limited Internet service and usually no cell service.  Hopefully, my notes and the daily Celebrity "TODAY" will be sufficient to recreate this trip of a lifetime.
     We departed Atlanta on Delta Flight 673 (4 hours and 38 minutes) departing at 5:59 PM.  We arrived at the Quito International Airport at 10:17 PM and immediately noticed our clean surroundings.  Rob experienced some altitude breathing difficulties since we were at 9,000 ft! After gathering the rest of the Celebrity passengers, we headed off to the JW Marriott in New Town, Quito, Ecuador.  Upon check-in, we were pleasantly surprised to find that we had be upgraded since we booked a suite on the cruise.

We immediately noticed the beautiful roses, EVERYWHERE!  Later, we learned that Ecuador is a leading exporter of roses.  While strolling the streets, you can purchase two dozen roses for $3.00.  Wow, welcome to South America!

OCS Reunion - 23 - 27 October, 2016

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

We could not have preordered better weather! After breakfast, Rob headed back to our hotel room to read, rest, and enjoy quiet.  I, on the other hand, hopped in the car to explore the charming city of Charleston.  First stop, the oldest continuous synagogue in the United States, Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim.  As luck would have it, there was only one other person on the tour, so it was almost like a private tour.

  Afterwards, I walked to the old "Cigar Factory" on Bay Street because it was the setting from our Book Club's latest read.

  After the hike there and back (over two miles), I was ready for lunch at Hyman's where I enjoyed a delicious crab cake sandwich.  My exploration continued with a walk to Charleston's Holocaust Memorial in Marion Square, followed by a long walk over to Broad Street to what I hoped was a needle works store, but no such luck.  By this time, I was ready to start my drive back to our hotel by way of a quick stop at a small fabric store!
  After a little nap, we ventured back into the city for our 8:00 PM dinner reservations at the Charleston Grille. It was a bit tricky finding the actual location of this restaurant, which is located inside of the Belmond Hotel, but WOW, are we ever grateful that we persevered! From the lovely anniversary card on the table, to the delicious, gorgeous "extra" dessert - everything about this dining experience was FIRST CLASS!  The carrot cake fritters with cream cheese ice cream will always be my FAVORITE dessert!  It was a marvelous way to celebrate our 41st anniversary.
   Tomorrow, we'll venture back to Atlanta, smiling all the way recalling the fabulous memories of Rob's 50th OCS Reunion!

OCS Reunion October 23 - 27, 2016

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Another beautiful day to explore Charleston. At 0930 hours we loaded the bus, destination Patriot's Point Tour.  We began our day by checking out the Laffey.

Afterwards, we roamed through a submarine.  Whoa, it is not a place for those who are claustrophobic!  We walked from end to end, squeezing through very tight placed!

Next, we toured the Medal of Honor Museum and then enjoyed lunch aboard this aircraft carrier!

Then we stumbled upon a local journalist interviewing a veteran.  The young journalist's body language, admiration, and respect brought tears to my eyes.  This, is the epitome of good journalism!

It was a lovely day to be touring Patriot's Point!

  After lunch, we board our boat for Fort Sumter.  After many, many years of teaching about this landmark, I was beyond thrilled to finally set foot on this Civil War battle ground.

   We then changed clothes and head over to the Banquet, after a few pictures and visiting. It was a lovely evening.

OCS 50th Reunion

Monday, October 24, 2016

Another glorious day to explore charming Charleston, South Carolina!  Our bus tour took us around the lovely city while Butler, our guide, gave us a brief history of the city.  We stopped a couple of blocks away from the Heyward-Washington house because the road was being paved so the bus could not pass.

Afterwards, we stopped at the City Market where I shopped while Rob had lunch with a classmate, Chris Tucci.  Later, the bus picked us up at the Customs House for the trip back to the hotel.

By this time, Rob is way beyond his "Retirement Nap" Schedule, so he heads back to the room for some rest, while I head over to the Tangier Outlet Mall for some retail therapy.  This is a win-win situation for both of us!

   Around 6:15, we board the bus again for our evening Harbor Dinner Cruise which was absolutely delightful.  Our entertainer was terrific.  We enjoyed his variety of music throughout the evening as we cruised along the beautiful Charleston Harbor.  What a way to end a day!

OCS 50th Reunion

Monday, October 24, 2016

Another glorious day to explore charming Charleston, South Carolina!  Our bus tour took us around the lovely city while Butler, our guide, gave us a brief history of the city.  We stopped a couple of blocks away from the Heyward-Washington house because the road was being paved so the bus could not pass.

Afterwards, we stopped at the City Market where I shopped while Rob had lunch with a classmate, Chris Tucci.  Later, the bus picked us up at the Customs House for the trip back to the hotel.

By this time, Rob is way beyond his "Retirement Nap" Schedule, so he heads back to the room for some rest, while I head over to the Tangier Outlet Mall for some retail therapy.  This is a win-win situation for both of us!

   Around 6:15, we board the bus again for our evening Harbor Dinner Cruise which was absolutely delightful.  Our entertainer was terrific.  We enjoyed his variety of music throughout the evening as we cruised along the beautiful Charleston Harbor.  What a way to end a day!