a week of sharks and hot chocolate (Galapagos diving)

just finished a live-abroad in the Galapagos. 5 islands and 18 dives later, here's a bit of what I saw:

 

sea lions -- so much fun to play with!

sick nasty Moray Eels

beautiful rays

marine iguanas that swim like they are dancing

tiny, hard to spot sea horses

awkward, adorable turtles!!

the 3 meter Mola Mola (pacific sunfish)!!

schools and schools and schools of fish

it makes you feel like you are watching a live version of Finding Nemo

and finally... sharks!!! hammerheads, galapagos (tiger) sharks and silkies...

and each night, you could enjoy sunset and a cup of hot chocolate following a day of diving

ps: 7 mm wetsuits are my nightmare :) but overall, it was a dream come true
location: Galapagos Sky

black friday shopping in Otavalo

I bought so much I had to buy a bag to fit it in...oops :):)
location: Otavalo, Ecuador

last two stops in Colombia :(

UNESCO World Heritage Site

tree sap likely used to color the artifacts

La Chaquira
location: San Agustin, Colombia

and finally Las Lajas Sanctuary...maybe the most enchanting place so far

after an overnight bus through Colombia...perfect way to spend Thanksgiving

location: Las Lajas, Colombia

Valle de Cocora

Corcora...hike through a valley of wax palm trees, the national tree and symbol of Colombia

and after your hike, hitch a ride back to town
location: Corcora Valley, Colombia

horseback riding in Salento

location: Salento, Colombia