Rebecca’s Diary: Moving to the Netherlands & Last Galapagos Adventures
- By:
Rebecca Braak
August was a month of unforgettable Galapagos adventures before our family’s big move to the Netherlands. Join us on a journey through these captivating islands, savoring the magic of untouched landscapes and wildlife encounters. We also explore the culinary delights of Puerto Ayora and dive into quality inspections to ensure the best adventures for our travelers. Plus, discover my insights as a female entrepreneur in Ecuador in an exclusive Forbes interview. And as we bid August farewell, we’ll set off on a thrilling Roadshow Adventure. Read more about these exciting experiences across Ecuador and Galapagos.
Table of Contents
A New Chapter: Our Move to the Netherlands
After nearly a decade in Ecuador, it’s time for a change, as we embark on our journey to the Netherlands. This significant move is driven by the fact that our firstborn son, José Miguel, has turned four, and it’s the perfect time to enroll him in school in the Netherlands. I have fond memories of my own childhood and primary school experience in my Dutch village. I want my children to share in that experience. So, we are curious to see how the Netherlands will welcome us back and how well we can adapt to Dutch life once again.
Last Galapagos Family Adventures
As part of our farewell tour of Ecuador, we embarked on one last set of thrilling Galapagos adventures, with Santa Cruz as our exclusive destination. Thanks to Avianca’s convenient direct flight from Quito to Baltra, the journey proved effortless, especially for our little explorers. For our initial night, we found ourselves at the captivating Galapagos Safari Camp. This jungle-style glamping lodge, offering luxury amenities and comforts, allowed us to truly immerse ourselves in the heart of the Galapagos.
Nestled amidst the highlands of Santa Cruz, this lodge provided a golden opportunity for our children to experience the magic of Galapagos adventures up close. Encounters with giant tortoises became an exhilarating highlight, filling our days with wonder. The highland location also blessed us with a cooler climate, compared to the coastal village. Consequently, this enticed us to spend the next two nights by the mesmerizing seaside. It added an extra layer of enchantment to our Galapagos adventures.
Relaxation at Finch Bay
Our stay at Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel was a dream come true, offering the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement for the kids. As we ventured deeper into our Galapagos adventures, we couldn’t help but indulge in an array of delectable dishes that added a touch of luxury to our journey. Moreover, the presence of a spa on the premises allowed us to rejuvenate after our thrilling explorations.
Nestled in a secluded haven on the outskirts of Puerto Ayora, Finch Bay provides a sense of tranquility that’s simply unparalleled. Accessible only by boat, this remote oasis offers the kind of peace and serenity that truly enhanced the Galapagos adventures we sought. It’s a place where the natural wonders of the Galapagos blend harmoniously with the comforts of a top-notch retreat, making it an essential stop on your journey through these mesmerizing islands.
Quality-Assurance Boat Inspections
A journey to the Galapagos Islands isn’t all about leisure; it also entails essential tasks like boat inspections. During this visit, I diligently scrutinized a range of vessels, including day tour boats like Sea Finch, Sea Lion Yacht, and Galapagos Elements. Furthermore, I examined larger yachts, such as Beluga, Cachalote Explorer, and Passion.
These regular boat inspections are paramount. They uphold stringent maintenance and service standards, ensuring our clients’ safety and satisfaction throughout their Galapagos adventures. Our commitment to maintaining top-notch vessels reflects our dedication to providing the best possible experience for every traveler who chooses to explore this extraordinary destination with us.
Savoring New Culinary Delights in Puerto Ayora
The culinary scene in Puerto Ayora has been buzzing with the addition of several new restaurants. Indulging in fresh Galapagos ingredients prepared by world-class chefs is a delightful experience. One standout dining experience was at The Point, accessible only by boat. There, I savored a Japanese barbecue featuring local fish—a truly delicious and unexpected treat. Another fusion restaurant that won my heart is Midori.
For those curious about Ecuadorian cuisine, you can explore more in our Ecuadorian Food Guide, where we delve into the rich and diverse culinary traditions of the country.
Roadshow Adventure on the West Coast with the Ministry of Tourism
Building on the triumph of our East Coast Roadshow earlier this year, conducted in close collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, we set sail on a West Coast adventure. Throughout an exhilarating four-day journey, we made stops in Houston, Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Our comprehensive agenda featured vital meetings with representatives from the press, travel agents, and esteemed tour operators.
This was our opportunity to shine a spotlight on the hidden treasures that Ecuador holds close to its heart, showcasing the country’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural tapestry. We extend our profound gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism for their gracious invitation and their dedicated efforts in orchestrating this invaluable opportunity to connect with potential buyers. It’s these collaborative endeavors that allow us to share Ecuador’s beauty with the world, one adventure at a time.
Forbes Ecuador Interview: Celebrating Female Entrepreneurship
In a moment of great honor, Forbes Ecuador invited me for an interview to discuss my experiences as a female entrepreneur in Ecuador. I thoroughly enjoyed sharing insights about our diverse projects and the incredible opportunities within Ecuador’s thriving tourism industry. Being a foreigner has allowed me to appreciate the beauty of Ecuador with fresh eyes, emphasizing the rarity of the country’s natural treasures. Read the full interview!
As I conclude this edition of Rebecca’s Diary, I’m filled with gratitude for the adventures, challenges, and opportunities that continue to shape our journey. Stay tuned for more updates in the coming months, and thank you for being a part of our story.
Contact us to book your tour today and start your own amazing Ecuador or Galapagos adventures. If you need more information regarding your trip to the Galapagos Islands or Ecuador, one of our Destination Experts will be more than happy to help you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which island was the focus of this farewell trip, and how was the journey?
The family focused exclusively on Santa Cruz Island. The journey was made effortless by taking Avianca’s convenient direct flight from Quito to Baltra (the airport serving Santa Cruz).
What were the two recommended luxury accommodations and their highlights?
– Galapagos Safari Camp (Highlands): A jungle-style glamping lodge offering luxury amenities. It is ideal for families, providing a cooler climate and close, exhilarating encounters with giant tortoises.
– Finch Bay Galápagos Hotel (Seaside): A secluded, tranquil hotel located on the outskirts of Puerto Ayora and accessible only by boat. It offers a spa and provides a perfect balance of relaxation and excitement for children.
What were the culinary highlights in Puerto Ayora?
Puerto Ayora’s culinary scene features fresh Galápagos ingredients and world-class chefs.
– The Point: Accessible only by boat, recommended for its Japanese barbecue featuring local fish.
– Midori: A recommended fusion restaurant.
What quality assurance work was conducted during the visit?
The trip included essential tasks like boat inspections to uphold stringent maintenance and service standards for travelers. Vessels inspected included day tour boats (like Sea Finch and Sea Lion Yacht) and larger yachts (like Beluga, Cachalote Explorer, and Passion).
Further Reading:
- Rebecca’s Diary: Unforgettable Family Travel Adventures & Cherished Memories
- Rebecca’s Diary: High Season Preparations & Transformative Tourism
- Rebecca’s Diary: Family-Friendly Activities & Exciting News!
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