Fidget Bones' Diary... The Galapagos
This is the story of a big tick off my bucket list. 23kg bag allowance , so I can't take you with me, but I hope this will give you a glimpse of my big adventure. Those of you who hate other peoples holiday photos, stop reading now. I will post a days worth each day.
You don't stop doing new things because you get old, you get old because you stop doing new things. 

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Yesterday Manchester airport was closed with snow. We are flying from Birmingham. Will it be closed? Will there be a delay? Will we miss the connection?
All these are going around in my head as I look at the clock again. 12.30 am . The alarm goes off at silly o clock and we get ready for the taxi coming at 3am. Outside we have freezing fog, but it is Motorway all the way to Birmingham airport and we arrive before 4am checkin. Frost but no snow between Nottingham and Birmingham. I feel like a zombie. I realize the bananas I meant to pick up from the table in the kitchen are still there. They might be a brown sludge by the time we get back. The milk I meant to throw away after making coffee will be cheese. I had less than two hours sleep last night.
Yesterday when I checked in online, I upgraded the seats for the long leg into business. A 12 hour flight with a lie flat bed for £350 extra had to be a good idea. No extra luggage and we can’t use the lounges , but still, a bed, and better food. Our first flight is 20 minutes late taking off, so a quick gallop round the Schipol terminal and 15 minute wait for the next flight.
So nice seats that have a foot rest, or lie flat. Plenty of room in the overhead lockers. Yes I think I will have the proffered glass of champagne. Even though it is before midday, I have been up for 10 hours already. Lunch is served then I put the seat flat, pull up the duvet, fluff up the pillow and go to sleep. Dinner is served, Haagen Daz ice cream , and a dinky little bottle of bols gin in a little delft china house to take away. I think the business class is not as good as Singapore business class which I regard as the creme de la creme. However it is a lot better than in the back, and certainly worth the cost of a last minute upgrade.
How were the bananas when you got home?
Forget the Bananas and swimming pool - the Giant Torts, Marine Iguanas, Turtles and birds will do me.
Have a wonderful time and share your pics
"In 1976, the Spanish artist Agustín de la Herrán Matorras was commissioned by the religious order of the Oblates to build a 45-meter-tall stone monument of a madonna which was assembled on a high pedestal on the top of Panecillo. Called "Virgin of El Panecillo", it is made of seven thousand pieces of aluminium.
The virgin stands on top of a globe and is stepping on a snake, which is a classic madonna iconography. Less traditional are the wings. Locals claim that she is the only one in the world with wings like an angel.
The Church and Monastery of San Francisco
The oldest of all of Quito’s churches, the Church and Monastery of San Francisco began construction in 1534, and continued for 150 years. The curved steps leading up to the main entrance were originally designed for the Belvedere of the Vatican, before the plans were utilized for this structure. They are like a giant version of some at Hidcote, with a circular landing half way up.
Early to bed. Another 4 am start. Two silly o clock starts in three days. I am going to need another holiday to get over this.
I love all the structures - the bamboo, 'winged Mary' statue and the gargoyles. Gorgeous pix. I can never quite decide if gargoyles are fascinating or creepy. Mix of both
Don't envy you the travelling though
Looking forward to the next part of the story