We continued our adventure around the famed Enchanted Islands, as the archipelago was known by Herman Melville when he explored it over 150 years ago. Although it is exciting to think about those great explorers in whose wakes we are sailing, I would not exchange our expedition with theirs for anything. The islands are virtually unchanged, the experience of wonder at the strange denizens of this remote place the same now as it was then. The great difference is that we are utterly pampered by the wonderful care of our hotel department – definitely not what the explorers of old were accustomed to, no scurvy for us!
Today was a great example of this, as our Hotel Manager, Sofia, had her team prepare a wonderful feast for us all – a typical Ecuadorian buffet. We consider the local foods of the areas we travel in to be a vital part of travelling to new areas, and Ecuadorian specialties influence our menus all week long, but this is truly the crowning glory of the week! Ecuador is a small but incredibly diverse country, whose different regions have a flavour all of their own. Today we sampled suckling pig, llapingachos and mote pillo from the highlands of the country; encocado de pescado, pan de yuca and ceviche from the coastal areas. What does all this mean? Come and join us to find out, though I can assure you it is all delicious!
This just added to an already perfect day however, as both Bartolome and Santiago, the two islands we visited today, were really at their best. We had spectacular volcanic vistas of rusty reds, black and browns; snorkeling through crystalline waters in the company of sealions, small sharks, tropical fish and penguins and as a final touch exploring tidal pools along a lovely coastline, against the backdrop of an unforgettable sunset.
