GALAPAGOS ISLANDS I had expected a tropical paradise in the middle of the ocean so I was a bit taken back by the ¨other-worldly¨ landscape of the islands. The galapagos islands were formed out of volcanic activity in a hot spot in the middle of the ocean so they have never belonged to a continent - all vegetation and animals have come by way of the sea - Survival of the Fittest at it´s best. The landscapes of the islands are mysterious, eerie and beautiful: j...

BAÑOS I decided to take a bit more time in Ecuador and go to Banos - a tourist town known for it´s volcanic baths and beautiful scenery and that it is - a quiet little town with essentially two main streets full of tourist booking offices, restaurants and toffee makers, a little church and waterfall nestled inbetween a valley of green mountains. I packed in some adventure days - mountain biking through the lush green mountains, passing several waterfalls alo...

VOLCANO PICHINCHA A combination of driving and hiking, I find myself at the summit of the Volcano at 4794M. In the clouds and at zero degrees, with extreme wind and ice pellets, we attempt to make our way over the top of the volcanic sandy slopes. Climbing through the rocks and smelling the smokey sulphuric air, it was an invigorating experience despite poor visibility.

QUITO, ECUADOR Sept 10th, 2008: I fly into Quito and experience the prettiest landing - the sunset creating a warm glow over the mountains and volcanoes as they peak up through the clouds with the twinkling lights of Quito nestled between the valley of mountains. I spend a day arranging my trip to the Galapagos islands and a few more exploring the old Colonial town of Quito and the roof top patio of The Secret Garden Hostel which has an amazing backpacker vibe w...