Chapel Hill | Triangle Photography Meetup Photo Shoot

Our photography meetup group met in downtown Chapel Hill and walked down Franklin Street and then back up through the campus of UNC. Below are some of my favorite shots I was able to capture.

The Rock | Puerto Ayora, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

On our first night on the Island of Santa Cruz we walked to "The Rock" which was located close to our hotel. This restaurant had a great atmosphere, the food was gorgeous and tasty. Overall a B+.

I enjoyed looking at the placemat, it was nice to know where we were.

The restaurant's brightly decorated bar.

More decor

A nice appetizer of tomato relish on bread. 

Rick got the ranch chicken quesadilla.

My quesadilla was chicken with roasted red peppers and tomatoes.

The Rock (this was designed in the cement of the sidewalk in front of the restaurant's door).

Red Booby Hotel, Santa Cruz Island | Galapagos, Ecuador

This is where we stayed while on the Galapagos, the Red Booby Hotel. The hotel staff was extremely pleasant and helpful. They also serve a delicious breakfast with fresh fruit, small pancakes and ham and cheese omelets.

The Red Booby Hotel

We made it, we are at the hotel.

Nice touch, embroidered pillow cases.

View of the charming courtyard from our room.

Looking up to the second floor from the courtyard.

Coffee!

Our morning gathering place for breakfast and to meet for the daily tour.

Baltra Airport | Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Now we are on our way to Galapagos Island. Our stay will be at the Red Booby Hotel in Puerto Ayora on the island of Santa Cruz, but first we fly into Balta Island airport with a transfer to Santa Cruz Island.

Our day with meeting our group in the Hotel Quito's lobby at 5:30 am for transport to the airport, flying to Quayaquil and then over to the Islands. We arrive at the airport and find a long line to check into customs, but it when quick and our tour guides were waiting for us and we were on our way.

Welcome to Galapagos!

Our plane that brought us to the Islands and what a perfect sky.

This is what I call my bug eye look.

Here is the water taxi that carries us and our luggage over to the other island, Santa Cruz.

This is the first picture I took as soon as I got on the water taxi, just look at that water.

We are now on the bus that will take us to the hotel, but just look at that sky and water.

The bus that brought us back to the airport.

Luggage was transported on separate trucks.

Some last shopping before entering the airport.

One of the shops at the airport.

Baltra airport, no doors or windows and filled with an wonderful island breeze.

A quick photo of us at the airport, exposure all wrong, but that's ok, I wanted a photo of us right before we left the island.

We start our walk to the plane.

There is another plane also loading passengers to go back to the mainland, I believe I hear crying, could be just mine, but I do hear it.

One more photo please, just one more before you close the door.

Old Town Quito City Tour [Ecuador]

Our first day in Quito started with a city tour of Old Town Quito. The day was Sunday and Sunday is a day that no vehicle traffic is allowed in the downtown area, so it was walking tour for us. I feel that we saw more of the city by walking than if we would have drove through. 

Our tour company did show up with a bus and got us as close as buses were allowed and then we began  the walking tour.

Its 9:00 in the morning and the first time meeting our tour group.  

The city was busy and with no vehicles you can see how many people were taking to the streets. 

(Some of the photos I posted earlier, and I am re-posting them along with a few others and a description.)

The buildings appeared to have businesses and stores on the first floor and apartments on the second. The residents took pride in they homes and was even evident on their balconies with their proudly displayed Ecuadorian flags and decorations.

I just couldn't get enough pictures of the balconies, with each turn down a new street, there would be another nice balcony.

There was even a horse and carriage for hire.

We were honored with a short visit into one of the city beautiful cathedrals. It was just breathtaking.

Here the guards are standing at attention at the entrance to the Presidencia De La Republica, what we would consider our White House.

A view of the Plaza San Francisco.

This lovely courtyard was located in the Bishop's House in the city, this is were I got my first experience with a paid bathroom. 10 (cents) for use or 15 (cents) if you want hygiene supplies.

We then got to enter and tour the San Francisco Convent, the oldest monastery of Ecuador. In the courtyard is one of the oldest alabester stone fountains and the most beautiful fountain that I have even seen.