We ate brekkie and then farewelled the crew of the boat. We headed for the mainland of Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Centre. Was pretty cool! Lots and lots of tortoises, or tortii as we called them (incorrectly). Lots of baby ones too, quite cute. They have an extensive breeding program here.
We then got to see the 5th most famous turtle in the world, Lonesome George. He's 5th only to Leonardo, Donatello, Michaelangelo and Raphaelo apparently!
He was pretty cool, very big and ugly, but cute ugly. The poor guy is the last of his species, hence his name. We were then told that George had been getting a bit of turtle action with some tortettes, so hopefully he wont be lonesome anymore. Apparently the character ET was modeled on him too, the resemblance is uncanny.
We then got to walk in the enclosure of many of the tortoises, quite interesting being so close to then. Very intriguing animals. They can live to 200years old too, incredible.
After that, we headed for the bus and then the airport. Was quite a long drive across the island back to Baltra Island to get the plane.
We picked up a few souvenirs, and got on the plane back to Quito.
We had a few delays with flights and the weather was poor when we arrived back in Quito at 6ish. The wet season had shown its teeth. We headed out into the old part of town, the cobblestone streets of La Ronda. Quite a picturesque place. Heavy Spanish influence here in both the buildings and the food.
As it was Lauras last night in town (she heads back home tomorrow) we ate a nice dinner and then went to a bar for coffee and dessert, before heading back to our hotel for some shut eye! (blogging for some)
Adios Laura amigo! Its been fun!
the famous lonesome george
back in Quito
Wow that poor turtle! At least ET could phone home and get picked up. Do you know that turtles breath through their bum. Check out my blog - I posted about it the other day. Lol dad
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