Travel: Ecuador "Be Careful Out There"
In 2022, we went to the Galapagos Islands with Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic. This was supposed to be the safest trip in the world. After all, we were at sea, avoiding people and observing wildlife. We postponed the trip for three years, until COVID abated.
Then, we got sick...
We had 85 passengers and 65 staff, including a doctor. Everyone was vaccinated, boosted, and tested twice. Everyone wore masks in public areas, except when eating and drinking.On the first day, someone on board had COVID, and the doctor summoned several people to her office. They disappeared.
Every few days, more people disappeared, including the cruise director and the bartender. They were taken to the nearest inhabited island, where they stayed at a flea bag hotel or a pricey resort, depending on availability. One of our friends said that it was an Agatha Christie mystery. Who left? Where did they go?
In Guayaquil, we were tested for the flight home. Eight people disappeared, including Jill and me. Something like 15% of the passengers got sick, and more got sick at home. None of this was in the brochure.
The CDC just lifted the travel warning for cruise ships. All clear? Maybe not. Imagine a cruise ship with 3,000 guests, visiting populated areas, eating at restaurants, going to shows.
When is your next trip? That's too soon.
To be continued...
Then, we got sick...
We had 85 passengers and 65 staff, including a doctor. Everyone was vaccinated, boosted, and tested twice. Everyone wore masks in public areas, except when eating and drinking.On the first day, someone on board had COVID, and the doctor summoned several people to her office. They disappeared.
Every few days, more people disappeared, including the cruise director and the bartender. They were taken to the nearest inhabited island, where they stayed at a flea bag hotel or a pricey resort, depending on availability. One of our friends said that it was an Agatha Christie mystery. Who left? Where did they go?
In Guayaquil, we were tested for the flight home. Eight people disappeared, including Jill and me. Something like 15% of the passengers got sick, and more got sick at home. None of this was in the brochure.
The CDC just lifted the travel warning for cruise ships. All clear? Maybe not. Imagine a cruise ship with 3,000 guests, visiting populated areas, eating at restaurants, going to shows.
When is your next trip? That's too soon.
To be continued...
