Why Go There?

For a long time the Galapagos (home to Darwin's Research Institute and much wildlife) has been on our wish list.  A while back some friends of ours had a great experience traveling there and going to the Amazon in Ecuador.  After talking with them that was all we needed to get going.  Since we were in the neighborhood, we decided to tack on the side trip to Machu Pichu (the last of the Inca Empire)  That has also been a place on our bucket list.  Then we found out that Geoff's friends in Miami (who we are visiting) had just recently hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu. So now it is kind of a karma thing and we will have lots to talk about when we get to Miami.

As usual, we have been reading and watching videos  Our Alaskan niece, who is also a roving nomad, has sent me a slew of interesting titles for me to delve into.  I hope there is time.  We were watching one video about a guy hiking the Inca Trail.  He is about to walk up to the edge of the cliff to finally see the "vista" and we both turned to each other and said let's wait for the real deal.  So we shut it off and will experience the view for ourselves.

Not to mislead you, we are not hiking the trail.  We are taking the train with probably some hiking around the ruins.  Still got the bad foot so I can only do what I can do.  Prior to Machu Pichu we will be in Cusco, this is the historic capital of the Inca Empire - should be interesting.

After Peru, we head up to Ecuador where we eventually take a ride down the Amazon River in some sort of canoe vessel.  We will be in the jungle for about 3 or 4 days.  We are bringing plenty of bug spray - that is all I have to say about that!

Haven't started packing yet.  That fun comes later. Till next time..

Next:  When do we put the luggage out?