12 May 09 - Gordon Rocks, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Loss of weight belt. Check. Not enough weight in weight belt. Check. Inability to equalise. Check. Strong undercurrent. Check. Strong up current. Check. Strong down current. Check. Inability to achieve buoyancy. Check. Being thrown around like a rag doll. Check. Inability to perform safety stop. Check. Failure of breathing equipment. Check. Running out of air. Check. Going through all of this wi...

10 May 09 Tonight we are anchored at Puerto Ayora, our last stop on this magnificent tour. I cannot help but feel sad that this part of our trip is ending. I also feel like I need to vomit and cry. Well, I have already cried. Im thinking the vomit may come tomorrow…Let me explain. The tour officially ends tomorrow, but Tim and I have booked to stay on the islands an extra two nights so that we can go diving in the Galapagos' most famous (and treacherous...

9 May 2009 This is what the world would be like if humans had never messed with Mother Nature (perfectly stated by Tim). Yes, this is what the world should be like. We only flew in to the islands yesterday, but I am already in awe of this place! But, before getting to the pleasantries, I shall get the negatives out of the way! We arrived in the Galapagos two days ago. Having been greeted by sunbathing sea lions and crystal clear waters, we boarded o...

4 May 09 We arrived into Quito, the capital of Ecuador, last night and checked into what would be our final hotel staying in as a group. Although Tim and I are quite over the whole 'group' and 'getting up at the crack of dawn' thing, there are a handful of people we will miss hanging out with (and some, not so much!). Quito is fantastic! Its still cultural and has that South American vibe but with great bars, nightclubs, restaurants and stores. Its definite...

2 May 09 Tim is fast asleep and nursing a nasty hangover. Me? Im swinging in a deliciously comfy hammock in one of the most beautiful places in the world - the Amazon rainforest. Overlooking the breathtaking river and greenery below me, mind you. It doesn't get much better than this (my famous last words, Im sure!). We've moved to another lodge for one night, the Shangri-La. It is like one giant treehouse with different levels (the top level being full of h...