I’m in the hotel in Guayaquil, which is Ecuador’s port city. My schedule was always to return home from here, whereas many passengers coming here is a change to avoid Quito due to some political demonstrations. Viva democracy.

I fly to Miami at 1:30 in the morning, and leave the hotel at 10:30 to drive 20 minutes to the airport. Three hours early? Yesh. Hopefully the airport has as decent internet as the hotel.

I’m fighting the urge to take a nap, so you lucky CruiseBoysians get a tidbits post with more scattered thoughts from my wonderful two weeks in the Galapagos. I treat you too well.

Here’s the backpack and water bottle we got from Silversea. It’s a quality pack, and the water bottle is insulated stainless steel.

I completely missing showing you the ship’s Observation Deck, which is on the top of the ship directly above the bridge. The Silver Whisper had one as well, where you can watch as the ship goes into and out of ports. The Silver Origin does not do the port thing, but you can watch the islands or folks snorkeling from the Zodiacs. They store three zodiacs on the bow deck and three each in the side garages. The garages also hold the kayaks.

I mentioned a few days ago about how Silversea gave us a weekly photo and video compilation. We watched it the last evening of each cruise leg and found a USB drive with the files waiting for us in our cabin. Here is how Silversea gives you a USB drive:

David Padilla was the ship filmmaker during my two weeks. He may just be convincing me to take up under water photography. I uploaded both videos, so these can tide you over until I get home.