Wandering: Sometimes you CAN go to far

So here I am in the Galapagos Islands, with little to no cell or internet service, a comeback case of Montezuma’s Revenge and an afternoon to myself. I opted out of the guided tour to the “highlands” to see tortoises “in the wild” – because quite frankly, I’ve seen a shit ton of tortoises here already and I don’t suppose that seeing them “in the wild” is going to exactly entail anything new and exciting about the species. Unless of course in the wild they have tiny monkeys riding on their backs while they perform jousting matches, now THAT is something I’d travel to the “highlands” to see.

I’ve got my fill of blue footed boobys, reef sharks, manta rays, giant sea turtles, all manner of colorful fish, tortoises, cormorants, wild dogs and marine iguanas on this trip. What I want now are plain old, every day run of the mill domestic cats. My own preferably. Yes, I miss Neville and Christian Grey…and I’m pretty sure everyone is tired of hearing me squeal with joy and yell ‘KITTY!!” every time I see a cat here. 3 more days….

What I’ve learned about this latest trip is this: It IS possible to stray too far from home. I like to fancy myself a gypsy of sorts, traveling about to various far off destinations – but this time I’ve realized there are places I don’t need to go. Places where English isn’t a primary or even secondary language top that list. It’s unsettling to be somewhere where you don’t speak the language – and no one else speaks yours. Communication is so important – and when you find yourself unable to communicate, you realize very quickly how much of a disadvantage you are at. Don’t even get me started on the driving conditions of other countries…. let’s just say the transportation infrastructure leaves much to be desired in Ecuador. What I wouldn’t give for some good old-fashioned California traffic – or even better – the long, winding, endless roads of the Scottish Highlands. Now THERE is a country that was pleasant to wander through. Take me back to those Highlands any day of the week…. wild tortoises need not be present.

This is the second country where I’ve gotten violently ill from some form of food or water issue. Thailand being the first. It should be noted that both Thailand and Ecuador have pretty unsanitary restroom and water conditions, hence the likelihood of contracting something nasty if you aren’t careful (which clearly, I was not). And while both Thailand and Ecuador are fascinating countries that I’m grateful to have visited, I doubt I’ll ever visit either one of them again. Nor will I be undertaking anymore “adventurous” trips in the near future to other countries that lack the basic requirements I need to have a good time: English speakers, WIFI, hot tubs, bath tubs, hot water, warm weather, good food and at least a decent selection of adult beverages. I don’t require much, truly. Even when I go camping and am off the grid – I’m sure to bring whatever I need to ensure I’m going to have a good time. Cold showers, crappy cocktails and no ability to communicate with the outside world make for a not so great adventure. I DO have my limits when it comes to “roughing it.”

Now, back to the lessons I’ve learned on this trip;

It would seem that I am in fact happier alone than amongst other people. This became very clear to me on this trip when all manner of insignificant details became almost unbearable to me. Loud music, crowds, people talking, people laughing, being NEAR or around other people…. honestly, it was just too much. I’m so much happier and less stressed keeping to myself, listening to my headphones and just basically being left to the thoughts in my own head. I find myself longing for the solo drive to Tennessee in a few weeks…nothing but quiet solitude for 2,500 miles. I’ll be in heaven.

I guess travelling the country in a tiny house on wheels with my 2 cats would seem to be the ideal future for me, eh? Hahahaha…. what a kook I’ve become. I told Donna I should change my dating profile to say, “no talking required” – since it’s inevitably whenever a guy starts talking that it ruins any chance I might be interested. For god sake, just SHUT UP and retain some mystery. If I wanted a chatterbox I’d hang out with my girlfriends. Wait…where was I? Oh yes, back to the dilemma of wandering too far....

I’ve got one more full day tomorrow here in Galapagos, then another night in Quito before I fly home. We are going to hike to some turtle bay here tomorrow and kayak/swim with the turtles. I love that. You know why? BECAUSE IT’S FUCKING QUIET DOWN THERE UNDER THE SEA. Turtles don’t talk. And they never do anything annoying. They just swim around all graceful like - with me swimming next to them, wishing I was Ariel from the little mermaid – and wondering why in the fuck she ever wanted to be “part of this world.” In fact, I just became keenly aware of the barking dogs and sound of construction that have been going on outside this hotel for at least the past 30 minutes. UGH. It really is very LOUD here. Once we leave Galapagos in a few days and fly back to Quito, I’ll have a full night at the Wyndham Hotel near the airport. Hopefully I’ll finally have some decent WIFI and can upload these jillion photos to my Facebook page as well as answer a shit ton of emails and send off a few resumes. Much to do…much to do….

I guess I’ll sign out now – though I realize I sound horribly ungrateful and bitchy. I’m very lucky to have visited this place, it’s definitely worth seeing. If anyone plans on coming here someday I’ve got some do’s and don’ts to fill you in on. Just ask me. Now I think I’ll watch some more downloaded Netflix – or maybe I’ll get lucky and can stream some “Outlander” episodes.