First Impressions
We traveled to Galapagos in 2003 to install internet connections to the local electric utility and some schools as
part of a proposed wind power project. At that time all electricity was generated from diesel fuel, and in early 2000 there was
a tanker spill in the harbor.
While in Galapagos I stayed at a Bed and Breakfast named Casa Blanca, a charming three story building right across from the
municipal wharf. The first floor of Casa Blanca was a coffee shop, really the only place in town to get a good cup of coffee. Luisa was
selling tourist memorabilia and sometimes helping out in the coffee shop, and from the first I found her attractive. At that time I
did not know how important they would be, and these are the only photos I took of them.
Something is happening here
We did not finish the project on that first trip in August, and in October I was back. We went to the beach and got to know one another.
And of course, life went on for Luisa and Fernanda -- here is a photo of Fernanda in her school uniform.
We did not finish in October either, and November found me back in San Cristobal.
I had to leave before Christmas, but Barbie came along and sweetened the goodby a little.
Finally, the project is wrapping up
We had the project pretty well finished up in February of 2004. That was when Luisa agreed to marry me. It was also the start of
Summer Vacation from school. So Luisa, Fernanda, and I traveled to Guayaquil to meet her family and take a little trip to Ambato where
Luisa was born.
Time for a family bus ride
First stop was the house in Guayaquil where Luisa spent several years and which she and here siblings still own. I met Orly, who was living
in the house with Luisa's sister and two brothers. We had a nice meal and headed to the bus station where we bought tickets to
Baños, one of the tourist towns in the Andes. It is lovely, no wonder the tourists flock there. After Baños we went on to Ambato and finally back to Guayaquil.
We were married June 25, 2004 in the municipal office responsible for such events. Several of our friends were present and
witnessed the whole thing. In the afternoon there was a party at Rocka y Cactus, a restaurant run by some of Luisa's good friends.
After the wedding
Of course, there has been a good bit of living since the wedding. It is now November of 2010. The four of us, Luisa, Fernanda (Graciela),
Orly, and I, are living in Santa Cruz, California. Fernanda is in the 8th grade. Orly is making good progress at Cabrillo. And we still have
some projects going in Galapagos. We go back there whenever we can. Maybe we will see you there?
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