Darwin's Discovery, The Galapagos Islands

Our next stop takes us half way around the world to the country Ecuador, but before I continue we must go back into history and discover this hidden gem. In 1836, Charles Darwin was the first explorer to land in the country on the islands of Galapagos. The Galapagos Island are made up of 13 major islands, in which five are inhabited today. Charles had spent many years surveying the coasts' of the islands to finally consolidate his work later on. After 20 years of surveying the islands, he had created the book that is still known today as The Origin of Species. As he traveled the islands for several years, Charles Darwin had noted of the unique animals with similarities of Galapagos but have adapted to their environments differently. From this book came the first theories of human development and social-hierarchy.

These islands are home to a number of different animals, such as the Hammerhead shark, Whale shark, Dolphins, Sea Lions, Green Sea Turtle, Iguanas, as well as the Galapagos Penguin and Greater Flamingo.

Today, the Galapagos Islands are a national reserve giving the opportunity to tourist to explore one of the few places left on earth uninhabited by humans'. Tours consist of boat cruises of the island, diving expeditions, as well as easy to hard travels of the Galapagos landscape.

Traveling to the islands range from $300.00 - $600.00 per day, but do not let the price scare you a trip to the Galapagos can be one you just may never forget.

For more information and videos please click the links provided below.

Also be sure to comment and send us any recommendations for a location, as well as check below and watch Google map the Galapagos islands!

Happy travels everyone and see you next time!

http://www.galapagosislands.com/index.html

 

 

The Maldives

For those who want to experience heaven on earth, The Maldives are the place to be. Located south west of Southern India and Sri Lanka, this small group of islands has a population of over 300,000 people. Its sandy white beaches, transparent waters, and very distinct corals have given tourists the entire package for an amazing vacation. The Maldives are approximately 1,200 coral islands that also produce 27 different atolls. What is an atoll you ask? Well, it is a round coral reef that forms into a circle. This spectacular shape creates a lagoon with coral and many sea animals in the middle, while on the outside is an island that encompasses this beautiful spectre.

The name Maldives originates from the Sanskrit words, "Mala" and "Dvipa". "Mala" means garland and "Dvipa" means islands, hence, the garland islands. This name was given to the country because the different islands created an image resembling a garland from a birds-eye-view. 

Below is a video that shows everything the Maldives has to offer us. Check it out and sip on some iced tea while watching it.

The Maldives are the first stop on our twelve week trip. Be sure to do some more research on it and enjoy your vacation when you get a chance to visit this paradise. Stay tuned for our next trip..