Wrapping up on the Eden this morning was bittersweet. We were once again up at sunrise so I could capture the sky filled with the birds that inhabit the island.
Seeing the mating dances/rituals for both the Blue Footed Boobies as well as the Magnificent Frigatebirds on North Seymour Island was like being inside an episode of National Geographic but I am happy to be on my own again for a few days.
Here's the scoop.Boobies put their main focus on their feet with males hoping the females are impressed with their bright colour. They do this by hopping from one foot to the next and spreading out their wings while whistling and finally dropping a small stone or stick on her feet as an offering. (Caught one in mid act to the right). Their equivalent of a diamond I suppose thou I am told any similarities to the human species are coincidental. Females are constantly being courted so even after she picks one another will try to catch her eye and the original male will start up again.
In the case of the Magnificent Frigatebirds, the males have a giant red gular sac on their necks which they puff up with air to catch a females eye. Look at the size of these things! Its like a scrotum hanging from their faces when they release the air and take flight. Bad luck boys. I am told other males try to burst the sac of a competing male with their beaks. Okay now that can't be considered playing fair but it does seems like something out of a high school locker room. They also spread their wings and whistle for attention but it has to be the massive heart shaped neck balloon that catches a girls eye. Let's be honest now.
Also managed to see some land iguanas. Finally, I was getting tired of all the black marine iguanas... much prefer the jazzy yellow on this guy who seems ready for a smooch!
Fairwell Eden!
Here's Dor looking for turtles
Here's Dor looking for turtles
I spent the remainder of the day travelling over to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on Isla San Cristobal which is the capital of the Galapagos, but like many capitals is smaller than other "towns" in these islands.
Once again the boat was over capacity and this time people also had luggage matching their body weight so I spent the 2+ hours on the three motor speedboat truly wondering if this would be the end. Fun fact here... basically no one, including me, had a physical ticket for the boat either and the boat operator didn't seem to care at all. I was given a piece of paper with the name of the boat scribbled on it and told by the travel agent to just look for the boat in the harbour. Turns out I had to take a water taxi to even board??? Events like this remind me that I am still deep inside the belly of Latin America.
Once again the boat was over capacity and this time people also had luggage matching their body weight so I spent the 2+ hours on the three motor speedboat truly wondering if this would be the end. Fun fact here... basically no one, including me, had a physical ticket for the boat either and the boat operator didn't seem to care at all. I was given a piece of paper with the name of the boat scribbled on it and told by the travel agent to just look for the boat in the harbour. Turns out I had to take a water taxi to even board??? Events like this remind me that I am still deep inside the belly of Latin America.
Decided to splurge and book a place with Air Conditionning for my three remaining nights. Splurge means a whopping $120for three nights breakfast included.
What do you think of the electrically heated shower head? Safe or Unsafe? No, you know what, don't answer that. I have to shower in it either way because today was the hottest day they have had this year. I am disgusting! I just don't plan on looking for hot water anyway. Sounds like a plan!
xox
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