A highlight of the trip was going to the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn more about the man. When the guide offered to see the turtles, I said, “That’s okay, I have seen plenty, we can skip the turtles.” Then she mentioned that the captive breeding of giant tortoises was the only thing here. But what about Darwin? Turns out to be a research center studying tortoises, so I stayed. Saw some cute baby turtles but alas did not learn anything new about Darwin. Probably better if I spoke Spanish.

I did find Lonesome George to be interesting. He was a male Pinta Island tortoise and the last known individual of his subspecies. He became a powerful symbol of conservation worldwide.

Born around 1910, he was discovered on Pinta Island in the Galápagos in 1971. He died on June 24, 2012, at the age of about 101–102. Despite efforts to breed him with related subspecies he never had any offspring. His death marked the extinction of the Pinta Island tortoise. During his lifetime he was considered the rarest creature in the world.

Funny thing about Darwin – he was not as old as pictured – everywhere. He was only 28 when he visited the Galapagos, my guide did not understand why photos (as well as this display) show him with white hair and wrinkles.

Oh, then the sea lions. They plopped down wherever they got tired. Even in the middle of the street. All you could do was laugh at them.