Going to Galápagos

On New Years Eve I flew with my new group to the Galápagos Islands for a four-night cruise. I had arrived in Quito from Lima the afternoon before. 

We arrived in Ballasta Island where we were taken across to Santa Cruz Island on by bus cross the island to Porto Aynor where our yacht was waiting, together with a few other people. We were now 16 in total for this trip.

We were taken in dinghys to the big boat, Xavier III, which was to be our home for the coming days. Got our cabins, guess if I was happy to get one to my self. Lunch was served, security information given and then we went back to the island. To visit a place where the giant tortoise lives. 

They are just awesome these animals. 

After all it was New Years Eve, why we later after dinner got back to the mainland to get the feeling and to see the local new year traditions. 

What they do is make papier-mâché dolls, only male, of a person the want to forget/get rid of. They are painted and sometimes even dressed in human clothes. At midnight all these dolls will be burned on a big fire to get rid of negativity and start the new year fresh. 

As a part of this traditional guys dress up as women to symbolise the widows of these burned men. Lots of them carry dolls as their babies. All day they walk around the streets crying for the lost husbands and collecting money to be able to take care of the babies. 

A very strange but quite fun tradition. They do it very organised and in a good way. Everyone enjoys and there is a lot of fun around. 

I didn't stay in town for midnight, I was on the boat for that. Watching the fireworks and Bonfire from there. 

Not a bad way to end one and start a new year.

It had been a long day so when fireworks were done, so was I. 

Happy new year everyone! 

I wish you all a great year.