We are all settled in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. The hour and a half flight to Balta Island was easy and I love how jovial everyone seems... even when they are gloved up and inspecting your baggage. There is a short bus trip to a ferry that took us across a waterway to Santa Cruz. Since there is only one road we just hopped in a cab and headed for the other side of the island and the main town. Only form of transportation we haven't taken is a train!
I must admit I was a little worried by the landscape. Lots of skinny stray dogs, sheds, and low scruffy fauna. No breathtaking vistas... an unfortunate truth for Bellavista village, which we drove through. This changed when Puerto Ayora appeared in the distance. The light blue water of the bay was a welcome sight and we were greeted on the docks by... I guess I'll call her our hostess. She escorted us to the house, provided some guidelines, and recommended a restaurant for lunch. I'm digging the main form of transportation around town - water taxis! It only costs $0.60 and we can meander amongst some monstrous yachts.
We are all so happy with the house. It's a very private 3 story home with a rooftop terrace. I have my own room - score! Pays to be the only daughter yet again. Our only goals for the day are to get settled and consider a loose itinerary. Since we were all starving we hopped on another taxi aquatico and headed for a restaurant called Giardino... I think that was the name. I'm in love with South American coffee... just black with a little crema on top.... yum! Will, John, and myself opted for local seafood. Tuna and ceviche were both phenomenal and the deserts looked top notch. Thankfully prices were also very reasonable... average about $8 per dish.
With renewed energy we window shopped and looked around for the fresh food market. There are seals and iguanas sleeping all over the place and most stores are closed (I love cultures that siesta). We found a decent grocery store with freshly baked bread... something we all hoped for. Since we forgot our map and couldn't find the fish/ fruit market we just bought essentials and headed back home. I think we are all ready for a bit of downtime. I know the past 6 months have been a bit stressful for all of us. Vacation has officially begun.
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