Real time entry from the Galapagos

Trip Start Sep 13, 2004
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Trip End May 06, 2005


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Flag of Ecuador  ,
Sunday, October 17, 2004

The voting process for Mayor is over after the weeks of electioneering I have seen, much of it involving tooting car horns as they drive through the streets of whatever town with pictures of the candidates pasted up. In some areas those offering copious amounts of free alcohol could well have won a few extra votes.

I am pleased to announce that here in the Galapagos 'Lista 5' are victorious (I don't know the names of their candidates). Their supporters are celebrating by tooting car horns as they drive through the streets.

There are big convoys of local taxis - 4 wheel drive open backed trucks - packed to bursting with people waving flags, others setting off fireworks; buses have joined, crammed inside and with more hanging off the roof. Earlier on a couple of us passed by the polling station, the street outside of which was full of people waiting the result, and therefore other people selling them food and drink. But consumption of alcohol was banned, and I can now imagine why. Ecuadorians are obliged by law to vote, and get a stamp when they do. Without this they have a black mark against their names for things like getting a passport or (more likely) other services from the state in future.

Whilst on the brief organised tour section of my time away I have fallen somewhat behind with my diary entries, partly as the internet hasn't always been available in the places I've visited and mostly because they days are so packed I've had no time. You may be relieved or disappointed to know that I have kept some old fashioned written notes and will be backfilling with a slightly potted version. The degree of pottedness will depend largely on how I feel when I get back to altitude in Cusco in about a week's time. Absolutely awful or absolutely fine will mean 10 lines or so; able to walk 20 steps without getting out of breath but generally happier when sitting could mean an epic entry.

Very briefly, the Galapagos Islands are fantastic. I've been snorkelling and seen lots of pretty fish of many colours and a shark (admittedly small and harmless), swum with sealions and done lots of walks where I'm virtually tripping over iguanas and yet more sealions.
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