Another day in paradise

The Galápagos Islands, they say there is no other islands like it on earth. The words magical and extraordinary are commonly used to describe ones experiences. I have to admit I was skeptical of just how specular my experience would be but on day two and I was in complete awe. A little history on the Galápagos Islands, an archipelago of volcanic islands distributed on either side of the Equator in the Pacific Ocean. The islands are famed for their vast number of endemic species and were studied by Charles Darwin during the voyage of the Beagle. His observations and collections contributed to the inception of Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection. They say a visit to the Galápagos Islands may

inspire you to think differently about the world. The creatures that call the island home, many found nowhere else in the world, act as if humans are nothing more than slightly annoying paparazzi. The islands do offer some lush green space but surprisingly most of the islands are devoid of vegetation and some look more like the moon than tropical paradise.

Day one of my tour was starting with snorkelling. In all my travels I have yet to try snorkelling, as a strong swimmer it only had to do with the fact I was always worried I would get water in the snorkel and swallow it, but I put these thoughts away as I'm in the Galápagos and I'm darn well going snorkelling HAHA. I took to snorkelling like a fish to water, I was right in front with the guide and even spotted the first shark!! Yes that's right a lovely shark was within arms reach to me, but don't worry according to my local guide the Galápagos Sharks only eat "white people", so the local guides are safe HAHA. There is no coral in the Galápagos therefor the sea bed is considered dull which actually makes the brightly coloured and iridescent fish really stand out and attractive. I had an incredible swim and in a lot of ways I'm glad I waited to try snorkelling because now I will always remember the Galápagos. Much of the rest of the touring was of the islands to view wildlife. It was really important to me that none of the animals are kept in captivity and it's only by chance you get to view and experience them, thankfully as I mentioned the Galápagos creatures are unphased by human presence so I got to see a lot. Where else in the world would you walk up to a bird on the ground and be within a foot or less and the bird simply stays rested, simply amazing. The majority of what I saw were the following; Darwin's Finches, Mockingbirds, Blue Footed Booby, Giant Tortoise, Galápagos Land Iguana, Lava Lizards, Marine Iguana, Green Sea Turtle, Sally Lightfoot Crab, Manta Ray, and of corse Sea Lions. I'll have to do a post alone on those Sea Lions, they are a without a doubt

the show stopper in the Galápagos. Pictures and my words cannot describe or provide the Galápagos justice, it really is unlike anywhere I have been and if you ever have the chance to go please do as it's really a special and unique place. These pictures represent the landscape that even surprised me, as I said it's volcanic land and because everything seems so magical I get the comparison to the moon HAHA, enjoy.