Round the World

A 132-day adventure by Travel Time Au Read more

Follow Insights Calendar Photos Share

Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 10
Monday, June 12, 2023 at 9:00 AM
☀️ 13 °C
Altitude: 2,826 m
Ecuador Pululahua 0.025536, -78.4834210°1’32” N 78°29’0” W
Ecuador - Pululahua
June 12, 2023 in Ecuador ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C
Up bright and early at 6:30am we decided to make the most of the only day we are spending in Quito.
We booked a morning tour with Gabby and the Ecuador Family Tours.
With Jonny driving, Gabby explaining everything, and Cyrus just chilling - we headed to our fits stop - and probably with most beautiful place in Ecuador - Geobotanic Reserve of Pululahua.
The photos speak for them selves, but what you are looking at is the volcano crater. Lots of farms are built there as the ground is very fertile.
You just want to hope the volcano doesn’t erupt!Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 10
Monday, June 12, 2023 at 10:00 AM
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 2,465 m
Ecuador Quebrada Cangahua -0.000603, -78.45440°0’2” S 78°27’16” W
Quito - Middle of the World
June 12, 2023 in Ecuador ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Next stop was to the Middle of the World
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 10
Monday, June 12, 2023 at 12:00 PM
⛅ 12 °C
Altitude: 3,947 m
Ecuador Loma Ingapirca -0.186955, -78.5370420°11’13” S 78°32’13” W
Quito Cable Cars
June 12, 2023 in Ecuador ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C
Later on I faced my fear of heights and we took the cable car up to an elevation of 4000m for a monumental view of of the entire city of Quito. There was an awesome swing for us to get a couple of great photos but Jasin felt really sick from altitude sickness, dizzy nausea that has continued once we came down the mountain.
I’m tougher so it didn’t effect me as much!Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 11
Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at 10:00 AM
☁️ 27 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Ecuador Puerto Ayora -0.747742, -90.3132550°44’52” S 90°18’48” W
Galapagos Arrival
June 13, 2023 in Ecuador ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C
The flight from Quito to Galapagos was a bit turbulent in a small A320 - but we made it in one piece. I was lucky to have a spare seat next to me which was a bonus. The wifi didn’t work - but we were able to charge our phones and I listened to some music.
After a smooth transfer through customs we took a bus ($5) then a boat ($1) then another bus ($5) to the town centre.
I’ll be honest I was expecting something old and remote - but it reminded me of a busy Balinese town. The bus driver didn’t go all the way to the ferry terminal - so we were just dropped off and headed towards the ocean.
We found a cafe and grabbed some lunch. I had a great expresso coffee and a very disappointing Cesar salad (wet warm lettuce with 6 small strips of chicken) . Jasin had a huge mango and coconut smoothie.
Now waiting for the boat transfer to Isabela - which we’ve been warned is hairy - 2 .5 hours of banging and crashing waves in a little boat. Wish us luck!Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 11
Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at 3:00 PM
☁️ 27 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Ecuador Puerto Ayora -0.7484, -90.3135130°44’54” S 90°18’49” W
Boat to Isabela Island
June 13, 2023 in Ecuador ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C
One thing we have learnt here in Galapagos is that you have to pay for everything. Entering the jetty, leaving the jetty, the tender to the boat, the tender off the boat, an arrival tax of $20 USD at Isabela - and all in cash!
On arrival at the jetty at Porta Ayora we saw seals 🦭 , crabs 🦀 and some tiny 🦎 iguanas.
The boat ‘New Ocean’ was one of the better ones with proper seats 💺 - and life jackets. It was one hell of a rocky trip so I just put my head phones on, listened to music and tried to zone out. We dosed up on anti nausea tablets and travel calms, and I didn’t feel sick at all.
It was overcast on arrival - but Isabela is definitely more quiet than Santa Cruz - it’s lovely so far!Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 11
Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at 3:00 PM
☁️ 27 °C
Altitude: 10 m
Ecuador Puerto Villamil -0.958572, -90.9632630°57’31” S 90°57’48” W
Santa Cruz to Isabela
June 13, 2023 in Ecuador ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C
Well it was the boat ride everyone had warned us about - and I was prepared for the worst. But we picked the best boat company - with proper seats - not just bench seats - and sat ourselves near the back. Took an anti nausea and 2 X travel calms and got prepared..
And yes it was hectic and very bumpy - but we survived and no one vomited 🤮!
2.5 hours after leaving we arrived to the beautiful Isabela Island. - The real Galapagos in our eyes!
We took a taxi - which was $1 per person and took the 2 minute drive & checked into our hotel, Casa De La Marita.Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 11
Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at 5:00 PM
☁️ 26 °C
Altitude: 10 m
Ecuador Poza Salinas -0.95858, -90.963280°57’31” S 90°57’48” W
Isabela Hotel La Casa De Marita
June 13, 2023 in Ecuador ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C
We arrived safely at our hotel and settled in for the night.
The room was large with a lovely balcony with amazing sea views over the beach.
After freshening up we headed into town to find a restaurant. It was quiet with a few restaurants and mainly tourists walking through. We ate at The Endemic Turtle - the food was so fresh, but still paying US prices which was a shame.Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 12
Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 8:00 AM
☁️ 26 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Ecuador Puerto Villamil -0.962753, -90.9587020°57’46” S 90°57’31” W
Trip to The Tuneles Pt 1
June 14, 2023 in Ecuador ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C
After an early 6:45am breaky we were met at the hotel by the tour office staff and headed off for our first group tour of the holiday. We aren’t ones for big groups - and 10 people was more than enough! There is no other way to see the Tuneles except with a tour.
If we thought yesterdays boat ride was tough … we’ll let me tell you - that had nothing compared to today. OMG - 45 minutes of sheer craziness with huge waves - sitting on the back of an open boat being flung about ! We were provided life jackets (safety first) and rain coats (about as much use as tits on a bull) - luckily our first stop was an hour’s snorkelling so we were getting wet anyway!Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 12
Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 9:00 AM
☁️ 26 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Ecuador Cabo Rose -1.042967, -91.1621561°2’35” S 91°9’44” W
Trip to The Tuneles Pt 2
June 14, 2023 in Ecuador ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C
Snorkel session 1 - too many people in the water so we had to escape a little. The water was a cool 26 degrees but as long as we kept going we kept warm .
The first thing I saw was a giant Turtle. It was amazing - they really are huge. We held back a little so we could get some shots with them. I also got to hold an octopus 🐙 he was so sticky on my arm - and flew off releasing his ink.
We say some reef sharks 🦈 , sea horses and Golden Rays - just amazing!Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 12
Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 11:00 AM
☁️ 27 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Ecuador Cabo Rose -1.0457, -91.1666031°2’45” S 91°9’60” W
Trip to the Tuneles Part 3 - The Boobies
June 14, 2023 in Ecuador ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C
The final part of the trip took us on the the lava mounts which create the Tuneles. On here we got to see the famous Boobie Birds. They are only found in Galapagos with their blue feet. This colour is created from the algae and sardines they eat.
We were lucky enough to see a male do his special Boobie Dance to attract the female who was clearly impressed because she pooed in the area which is the sign she wants him!Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 12
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
☁️ 27 °C
Altitude: 7 m
Ecuador Punta Villamil -0.962588, -90.9587870°57’45” S 90°57’32” W
Isabela - tortoise and flamingos
June 14, 2023 in Ecuador ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C
In the afternoon we headed off exploring to find the giant tortoise sanctuary and the flamingos.
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 16
Sunday, June 18, 2023 at 1:00 PM
⛅ 28 °C
Altitude: 18 m
Ecuador Puerto Ayora -0.742567, -90.3125750°44’33” S 90°18’45” W
Santa Cruz Mainland
June 18, 2023 in Ecuador ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
Santa Cruz is a pretty busy little town. We stayed in Hotel Acacia which was a modern hotel. You couldn’t fault the staff they were really kind and their English has been great. The room was disappointing give the cost $$$.
On the plus side it was clean, and they provided free reusable water bottles, but it was very small, no where to open our cases out, and one wall was glass with just blinds between our bed and the corridor - I felt a little exposed! And the light poured through at night. Also there was only a small window and no balcony so we had nowhere to look out of or to hang out wet clothes. But the bed was huge and comfy.Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 17
Monday, June 19, 2023 at 10:00 AM
⛅ 27 °C
Altitude: 5 m
Ecuador Playa Mansa -0.763975, -90.3389670°45’50” S 90°20’20” W
Walk to Tortuga Bay
June 19, 2023 in Ecuador ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C
On our last day it looked rainy but the clouds soon cleared to a bother day so he head off for the 10km round trip walk to the beautiful Tortuga Bay. The highlight was in a small rock
Pool at the end of the main beach. The water was still and full
Of Damsels. The Iguanas swam through the water from the beach to the rocks on the far side, and Jasin got to fulfil a dream and swim along side them. As an added bonus a pair of Boobies decided to stop by for a feed and we watched as they dived in to the water.
Unfortunately our peace and quiet was disturbed when a large group of Ecuadorians decided to gate crash the pool, and scared the birds away. But not before we got to enjoy them.Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 19
Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at 6:10 PM
☀️ 31 °C
Altitude: 8 m
United States Frog City 25.72697, -80.57986325°43’37” N 80°34’48” W
Miami - stop over
June 21, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C
So we arrived in Miami and luckily our bags are going straight through, but we still had to clear customs. As usual for the US the lines were long , disorderly and slow. We had to take a cab to the hotel as the transfer bus was sporadic. And wow Miami airport was crazy busy.
We stayed at La Quinta Wyndham Miami East - well don’t let the name fool you - it’s probably the worst hotel I have ever stayed in. I think they rent the rooms by the hour 😳
It was so noisy - planes every 3 minutes until midnight (which I didn’t really mind) but - we had to switch the fridge off, the aircon sounded like a jet plane, and there was a constant drip on metal outside - needless to say we are exhausted!! but the pizza was good (albeit $$$)Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 20
Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 12:00 PM
☁️ 32 °C
Altitude: 40 m
Trinidad and Tobago Caroni 10.59533, -61.3802210°35’43” N 61°22’49” W
Miami to Trinidad
June 22, 2023 in Trinidad and Tobago ⋅ ☁️ 32 °C
Up early and out of the hotel in Miami - straight to the airport- after the usual long haul through customs and security we found a restaurant for breakfast before heading to the departure lounge. The plane left on time - but we waited 45 minutes on the runway as the takeoff was delayed because of the tropical Storm Bret on the way. This AA flight was much better with movies working and snacks offered. The pilot made up time and we ended up landing in Trinidad on time. It was very emotional for me returning to my birthplace after 45 years. I know it’s going to be an amazing trip.Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 20
Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 3:00 PM
☁️ 29 °C
Altitude: 25 m
Trinidad and Tobago Mahoe River 10.742287, -60.97553810°44’32” N 60°58’32” W
Trinidad Arrival
June 22, 2023 in Trinidad and Tobago ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C
It was amazing landing at Trinidad. I used my UK passport to a wood paying the Visa waiver fee. And had a good chat with the customs guy who was interested to see that I was born in Trinidad.
After getting ‘selected’ to have our bags Re-scanned we finally made it out of the airport where we were met by my cousin Gladys and her husband Ernest.
We then drove 1.5hrs north east to Balandra to stay with Bruce and Margaritte and their 5 dogs!Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 21
Friday, June 23, 2023 at 4:57 PM
☁️ 28 °C
Altitude: 1 m
Trinidad and Tobago Malheur Lulieu Point 10.828525, -61.05068610°49’43” N 61°3’2” W
Turtle Watching - Grande Rivière
June 23, 2023 in Trinidad and Tobago ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C
The rain stopped and we headed out for our evening adventure at Grande Rivière to watch the Loggerhead Turtles hatching. We checked into the very rustic accommodation before heading to the beach. Walking past the men returning with their days catch of King Mackerel.
The beach was full of drift wood from the big rains, and the highlight was seeing the researchers with two newly hatched Loggerhead babies.
We watched the sunset and are getting ready for dinner then fingers crossed that we see some Loggerheads.Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 21
Friday, June 23, 2023 at 9:30 PM
☁️ 26 °C
Altitude: 18 m
Trinidad and Tobago Grande Rivière Bay 10.82902, -61.05228110°49’44” N 61°3’8” W
Leatherback Turtles
June 23, 2023 in Trinidad and Tobago ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C
This evening at 9pm we headed to the Turtle 🐢 Research centre where we meet our guide - Ronald. Heading out with just red light torches 🔦 so as not to disturb the Turtles we arrived on the beach.
Here we saw so many Leatherback Turtles - and they we MASSIVE! Larger than me.
The females had come up onto the beach to lay their eggs . We were privileged to be able to see the whole process guided by Ronald.
Some key facts we learnt -
- The females have to reach 25 years old before they are ready to lay their eggs
- Only approx 1 per 1000 eggs will survive.
- These turtles are FAST they can swim 100m in 10 Sec 😳
& 4000 ft down!!
This beach in Trinidad has the MOST laying female leatherback turtles in the whole world.
We made it back to the hotel at around 11:30pmRead more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 22
Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 12:00 PM
⛅ 29 °C
Altitude: 25 m
Trinidad and Tobago Mahoe River 10.742267, -60.97557810°44’32” N 60°58’32” W
This is what TT is all about
June 24, 2023 in Trinidad and Tobago ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C
After a the past three weeks flying about and seeing amazing things we got to relax by Bruce and Margaritte. The weather was perfect and we all just enjoyed the pool and beautiful view.
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 23
Sunday, June 25, 2023 at 3:44 PM
⛅ 31 °C
Altitude: 13 m
Trinidad and Tobago MacLeod Plain 10.605275, -61.42511210°36’19” N 61°25’30” W
Cruise down the Caroni Swamp
June 25, 2023 in Trinidad and Tobago ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C
On probably the Hottest day of our visit - 39 degrees - we met up with the Pinard extended family and went on a boat cruise along the Caroni Swamp.
Here we saw a rainbow boa snake in the tree, a spotted camen (like a croc), an anteater, scarlet ibis and my favourite flamingos!
There are now 300 flamingos and in the past three years they have stayed here and started breeding.
It was a very relaxing trip.Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 24
Monday, June 26, 2023 at 11:19 AM
⛅ 32 °C
Altitude: 20 m
Trinidad and Tobago Piarco International Airport 10.601717, -61.33937510°36’6” N 61°20’22” W
The shortest flight ever!
June 26, 2023 in Trinidad and Tobago ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C
Today we headed across the water to Tobago. Flying in a 737-8 the flight ✈️ was airborne for all
of 15 minutes!
The pilot weaved the plane between the ‘Cumulous Bumpulous’ Clouds as he called them.
Just amazing - and at less than $100AUD return PP with checked baggage it was a bargain!Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 24
Monday, June 26, 2023 at 3:02 PM
⛅ 29 °C
Altitude: 11 m
Trinidad and Tobago Canaan 11.162628, -60.81501711°9’45” N 60°48’54” W
Tobago Arrival
June 26, 2023 in Trinidad and Tobago ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C
After our short flight we arrived in a very hot and humid Tobago. Whilst Ernest collected the hire car we waiting for the bags which literally came straight off the runway onto the conveyor belt.
Then a 15 minute drive to Blue Marlin - Christian’s holiday home.
After a bite to eat we headed out to Penny Savers the local / biggest supermarket .
Back to chill by the pool before dinner and an early night.Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 25
Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at 8:03 AM
☁️ 27 °C
Altitude: 131 m
Trinidad and Tobago Speyside 11.290675, -60.54118311°17’26” N 60°32’28” W
Jasin’s diving
June 27, 2023 in Trinidad and Tobago ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C
Up bright and early at 5:30pm then we drove for 1:15 minute to Speyside for Jasin’s driving.
After dropping him off we went exploring over the ridge to the neighbouring village of Charlottesville. A quiet village with a small beach.Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 25
Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at 7:45 PM
☁️ 27 °C
Altitude: 10 m
Trinidad and Tobago Canaan 11.162814, -60.81490811°9’46” N 60°48’54” W
And then it rained
June 27, 2023 in Trinidad and Tobago ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C
After Jasin’s diving the clouds 🌧️ came over and the Heavens opened. So no beach time for us - so we heading back to Christians place via Waves for lunch!
The sound of the waves 🌊 was fantastic while we ate.
Back home we all had a well deserved nap before scrubbing up and meeting with my 2nd cousin - Nick Galt and his wife Nicole.
Nick was full of stories, including one from when he was almost completely paralysed by a virus for around 7 to 10 weeks and his 4 year recovery.Read more
0 likes
Round the World Traveler
Show trip
Add to bucket listRemove from bucket list
Share
Day 26
Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at 10:00 AM
☁️ 28 °C
Altitude: 29 m
Trinidad and Tobago Arnos Vale Bay 11.22092, -60.76558711°13’15” N 60°45’56” W
Humming Birds and Crown Point Hotel
June 28, 2023 in Trinidad and Tobago ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C
This morning we had to leave Christian’s place as it was being rented out. Finally the sun was back out and with bags packed we headed off to a Humming Bird place that Sally had recommended. And wow so many humming birds - they were beautiful. We took a walk around, fed the fish & ate home made mango ice cream. By the time we left it was so sunny and super humid - so we headed for our hotel for the night - Crown Point Beach. After a wait we checked and and got ready for the beach. The room was basic but clean.Read more
0 likes