Galapagos Islands Tour Nov 1st 2016
November 01, 2016 at 11:54 PM
November 1st, 2016 - Toronto to Quito, Ecuador
We have arrived in Quito and have spent the day photographing some of the city including a visit to the Quito Botanical Gardens. There is currently an traveling exhibit at the gardens called Amphibious, featuring the various frogs found in Ecuador and other parts of South America. Part of the exhibit is live frogs and the other part is artistic impressions of the frogs created by an Ecuadorian artist. We were very fortunate to have him host our group as we toured the exhibit. His goal is to promote the importance of the amphibious life to eco system. It was a great learning experience and made for interesting photos on our first day out. This evening we held a welcome dinner at Achiote a restaurant featuring Ecuadorian cuisine.
Tomorrow we fly from Quito to the island of San Cristobal in the Galapagos, where we will meet our ship and crew to begin our tour. Enjoy todays selection of images from our visit to Quito. Good night from Ecuador.
Sheena, Mike and Bernarda setting out to explore Quito.
Mona, Dave and Violet following close behind.
Lorne and Kathy and more of the group as they explore some of the streets of Quito.
Every weekend this main street through the city is closed to motor traffic and only bikers, and people walking can use the street. One of the local resident dogs keeping an eye on the folk passing by.
One of many beautiful hibiscus and other flowers the line the streets of Quito.
Some areas also showcase interesting pieces of art.
The buildings in Quito are very colourful.
At the entrance of the park and botanical gardens there is a dog activity area. This gentleman is trying very hard to get his dog to jump the hurdles.
The gardens also have a water park where many families enjoying the afternoon sun.
Our group in front of Quito art work.
This is Amphibious an Art and Nature exhibit.
Just a sample of the many interesting flowers and orchids found in the gardens.
So many beautiful orchids.
Carol enjoying the gardens.
Another one of the amphibious art pieces.
Now on to the real stars of the exhibit ... the frogs.
Up-close.
Lunch time, this frog just caught a cricket.
Many different species of frogs were on exhibit.
This colourful frog is very tiny and poisonous.
I think he's checking us out!
One more shot. How could something so tiny be so poisonous?
Carol taking a few close-ups in the cactus gardens.
More orchids.
So much colours.
Orchids up-close.
This little guy was tuckered out from his visit to the garden.
A street vendor selling lemonade as we walked back to our hotel this evening.
That’s it for todays photos ... tomorrow we fly to the islands to start our journey. Good night from Quito.