A Family Journey Through Darwin’s Archipelago.
We’ve always believed in making vacations a family decision, letting Thom help choose our destinations.
After all, we value experiences over things—memories over material stuff.
As Thom grew, so did her thirst for adventure. She craved the thrill of adrenaline, which meant that our family trips began to include extreme experiences like ziplining and whitewater canoeing.
But in 2014, while planning our summer vacation, Thom made a compelling case.
She knew it would be our last big family adventure before heading off to university in the U.S., beginning her journey into adulthood.
She asked for a vacation that would be truly extraordinary—one she wouldn’t be able to afford on her own for years to come.
Something unforgettable.
When we thought about where to go that would live up to such a milestone, only one place came to mind: the Galapagos Islands.
But why stop there? I found a travel company that offered a trip combining both the Galapagos and the Amazon, adding even more magic to the adventure.
We started our journey in Quito, Ecuador. The city itself was a marvel, with its Spanish colonial architecture and fascinating Equator Museum, where we learned about the bizarre phenomena that happen right at the middle of the world—like water spinning in the opposite direction or balancing an egg on the head of a nail!
We hiked down to a crater lake nestled in a volcano, but Thom, in true Thom fashion, decided to ride a donkey instead of walking.
We also explored the mystical Cloud Forest, a different world altogether from the rainforest of Tenerife.
It was a place straight out of a fairytale, filled with the vibrant buzz of hummingbirds flitting around like tiny jewels.
Next came the Amazon.
For a week, we were immersed in the beauty of the jungle, traveling by boat to a remote lodge on the water.
Each day brought new discoveries—colorful birds, playful otters, funny-looking frogs and butterflies that danced in the air like delicate pieces of art.
The sunsets were pure magic, and the entire experience felt like stepping into a dream.
Then, the main event: the Galapagos Islands.
You think you know what to expect from documentaries and photos, but nothing prepares you for the sheer awe of standing next to a massive tortoise or the wild excitement of spotting your first marine iguana.
These creatures, so bizarre and otherworldly, became the stars of our journey.
At first, I found the iguanas terrifying—especially the huge black ones that blend into the volcanic rocks—but after a while, their odd charm grew on me.
But the true stars of the trip? The seals. They were irresistible, playful, and utterly adorable.
It felt like they were waiting for us to arrive, just to have someone new to frolic with.
Their playful antics had us all laughing and marveling at their carefree life of basking in the sun and swimming through the crystal-clear waters.
And then there were the birds. The Galapagos is home to some of the most fascinating birds on the planet, from the comical Blue-footed Boobies to the magnificent Frigatebirds, with their dramatic red necks puffed up in the name of love (and intimidation).
It was like stepping into a wildlife documentary, except we were living it.
After 12 days of island-hopping on a small boat, we were brimming with adventure.
As our time in the Galapagos came to an end, we spent a few final days in Quito, gathering treasures for our soon-to-be home in Tenerife.
That trip marked the end of an era—our last grand family adventure with Thom before she embarked on her own journey.
It was a bittersweet farewell to our days of vacationing together as a trio, but it was also the perfect, unforgettable adventure that we’ll treasure for the rest of our lives.
