3 days in the jungle in Ecuador. Fascinating wildlife... from toucans to snakes and tree frogs. The howler monkeys are surreal late in the afternoon. Climbing to the canopy tower is hot work indeed, but the canoe rides in the flooded forest is best. Oh and the mosquitos... next flu, I'm checking for malaria for sure.

Galapagos... ah... Galapagos. What a superb trip. 1 week on a tidy little live aboard. Beautiful weather and so many birds, animals and sea life to take your breath away. Lots of snorkelling and a bit of diving. Had to tear myself away. Only thing I won't pine over is sea lion poo.

Hola! Well, blustered my way through my first kick at the Spanish Language school. In a class with an 18 year old kid from Colorado who wears a toque, droopy pants and a fair few piercings & tattoos. Nice guy though. A silly set of flights to get here -- diversions, 1 hour stay at the $185 dollar Hilton in Mexico City. Oy. But, muchos sleep since, and I'm as spry as a 39 year old.