La Palma and La Gomera, Canary Islands

Three days into the journey have revealed cobblestone alleys and streets of Madeira, with magnificent botanical gardens and immaculate fish market, the steep slopes of La Palma (of the Canary Island group) and a laurel forest with a variety of ferns, and more bananas than one could ever imagine existing in one place.

Following a decent hike in the forest yesterday, the group of intrepid hikers and birders stopped at a local taverna for typical tapas of boiled potatoes, local smoked goat cheese, fresh bread, a red and a green salsa, bananas, meringue, and red wine. La Palma, once the third most important port in Europe—particularly during the Colonial era—is now a much quieter port. Unlike its highly developed counterpart, Tenerife, tourism is the third largest source of revenue, following agricultural exports. Bananas, of course, top the list.

The Explorer is pulling into port now at La Gomera, the last stop in the Canary Islands and the last land before the seminar sessions start. An organizational meeting is planned for tomorrow, as fellow passengers keep asking what the lectures will be about. The seminar experience should be an interesting departure from general expectations and the daily reports and lectures offered by staff experts.