The Galapagos Islands, oh my dream! After nearly missing the flight due to silliness we made it aboard our vessel for a 5 day cruise - the HMS Letty. Myself, Rose and our American friends (Joe and Sarah) sat there at the welcome meeting trying not to grin inanely - the boat was awesome! Waiters in bow ties, spanking new DVD/ TV area, spacious cabins, sun deck, snacks ready for after snorkelling, delicious 3 course meals - oh my heaven! Then there were the islands themselves, rugged volcanic beasts with iguanas, sea lions, boobies (steady), pelicans, eagles and albatross on the surface - sharks, turtles, sea lions (again), penguins and stingrays below it. The place is amazing and although I had to sell a kidney to get there it was worth the ice bath after the operation in a Quito backalley. And that is it basically - have a look at the pictures (when they are up) and see for yourselves. On return to the mainland I sorted out a flight to Venezuela and so had to say a teary farewell to the wonderful Miss Rosina Merrett, my surprise guest for the last 3 months of my trip. A girl (or gal as she would say in her dulcit Cockney tones) who took my tongue in cheek invitation to join me a little too seriously! I`m glad she did. Right - off to the most unsafe of all South American cities (and trust me, that takes some doing) - Caracas. Over and out homeward bound Messner