After getting up and getting ready today I wandered around the grounds of the hacienda and took photos. Then we had a buffet breakfast before getting on the bus

We went to Parque Condor which is a preserve for birds of prey here in Otovalo. We were taken around the park by the man who founded it with help from the Dutch Government. The park was beautiful and we saw many birds including bald eagles and condors.

After Parque Condor we went to a nearby field where we got to fly kites.

Lunch was at a nice hotel right on a lake called Puerto Lago. I had beef and vegetable empanadas, a fried pork with hominy, avocado, sweet potatoes and plantains all followed by bread pudding.

After lunch we went to Otovalo Market where we got to do some shopping from local people. We also made a stop by the local food market where we saw all kinds of interesting goods being sold. We were also given an assignement to purchase a white elephant gift to exchange once we are on the ship.

Then back to the hotel for a painting craft, a little break and then a cooking class. We learned to make empanadas and ice cream.

We then had a bar-b-que dinner of steak, sausages, pork, vegetables and cochito (guinea pig). During dinner the power went out so we all made our way back to our rooms in the dark, lit candles and packed in the dark.

Wake up call was at 4:45 this morning. Luggage had to be outside the room by 5:15. Breakfast was 5:00-6:00 and the bus left at 6:15. We had about a 2 hour and 45 minute bus ride to the airport in Quito where we went through security and then waited in the Tame airlines VIP lounge.

We boarded the plane and took a short 45 minute flight to Guayaquil where we dropped off and picked up some passengers before continuing on to Baltra Island in the Galapagos. After going through security in the Galapagos we boarded a bus that took us to a ferry that took us to Santa Cruz Island where we boarded a bus to Puerto Ayora.

Once we arrived in Puerto Ayora we went to the Charles Darwin Station where we saw Land Tortoises that are being bred as well as protected.

We then had the opportunity to do a little shopping as we walked ten blocks to the pier.

At the pier we boarded Zodiacs (rubber rafts) to the ship.

Once onboard we had a little time to unpack before meeting with our group for a lifeboat drill and briefing of tomorrow's activities. Because we are on an Adventures by Disney trip we get to debark the ship for shore excursions before any other group and we also have the opportunity to have our own activities and briefings.

Then we went to the dining room for dinner. We also get into the dining room before any other guests on the ship. For dinner I had a salad, consommé, sea bass and crème brulee.

Then it was back to the room to try on our wet suits and then go to bed.