Hi everyone!   You are going to have a blast!  Great timing to get away from what the stock market is doing, and focus on nature and the need to feed our "souls" :-).  Expect to see a lot of land and sea Iguanas, Galapagos Sea Lions, Darwin finches, some Blue footed and red footed boobies, turtles, Galapagos Hawks, colorful Sally Crabs, Frigate Birds with the males showing their big red "mating call" chests among many other fascinating species! Maybe even some Dolphins, Sun Fish - who knows what we might be lucky enough to see!

I had some last minute questions about clothing. Less is more!  Really - no need to dress up unless you are on our Machu Picchu portion, and that is just for the first night's dinner in Lima, and only to wear the best of your casual clothes :-).

One person recommended a pair of water sandals that can get wet, and a dry pair of tennis shoes. Perfect!  Tevas, Solomon and Keen are a few of the many brands of water shoes that are excellent. I am also bringing a light pair of flip flops to walk around the ship in. But don't worry about getting dressed up - this is an active, adventure trip, and so what if we see you in the same pants everyday! I just suggest you bring 2 pairs, and wash one every night so they are dried by the next morning. And zip off pants that can be shorts as well are best.

Travel safely everyone, and let us know if you have any questions!  Best to reach me by email rather than on this forum as I don't check it as often! jillc@olivia.com.  See you soon and safe travels!

Jill

We are getting very excited about the trip!  Unfortunately, we can't do the Macchu Piccu extender, but we will be staying an extra day in Quito.  Is anyone else staying on? 

Where is everyone coming from?  We're from New York.   

We are very excited about your upcoming trip to the Galapagos, and just realized it is just around the corner.  Been planning this trip since June 2007 - so we both can't wait.

Anyone as excited?

What things can we expect to be seeing, Jill?

Can't wait !!!!

Kathy

Your Galapagos Pre-Departure Booklets are being mailed as we speak!  This includes loads of information about what to bring, what to expect, information on your naturalists, the ship, a typical day, hotel information, helpful hints, photography hints, binocular guidelines and a suggested reading list. Also included is a list of Birds, Mammals and fish that you may see in the Galapagos. And, if you are on our Machu Picchu extension, your pre-departure booklet with the detailed itinerary is also enclosed.

Are we excited yet????

Anyone out there getting excited about the trip, or is it just me?  :-) Seriously, let's start meeting each other. This is going to be a trip of a lifetime!  We are a few weeks away from sending out your pre-departure booklet giving you a wealth of information about the trip!

Jill

And, basic clothes tips - bring a few pairs of pants/shorts that are the easy to care for and dry quickly. No need to bring dressy clothes, as this is really out-doors. A pair of jeans, long sleeve shirts (REI makes a good one that rolls up), a hat with a chin tie (for when we are on the panga boats and the wind picks up) - the sun gets intense, shoes that can get wet (tevas or any of the other many brands made of rubber and quick drying fabric) . . .  We will be sending you a Pre-departure booklet about 6 months out that will have all this information and much more, so be on the look-out :-)

Jill