Galapagos limiting visits

I recently heard that Ecuador is limiting the number of visitors that they will allow to the Galapagos Islands.  I will be visiting the Islands December 2007.  This is ironically and paradoxically problem with too successful of a travel destination.  The more popular a nature or ecological area becomes, the more we want to visit, and the more we negatively impact the area.  As much as I want to visit, I understand Ecuador’s decision to limit visitors as the Islands are probably clearly showing evidence of tourism.  While planning my visit I found a really nice hotel on one of the islands.  Of course the four star hotel billed itself as eco-friendly and I am sure that it is, but the islands can surely accommodate only so much development.  Most developments typically have a larger footprint than the actual space that they occupy.  Development requires space for construction, infrastructure, and the like.  In addition to development, you have to make some provisions for human visitors to keep us from hurting ourselves.  I have seen photographs where there are steps and hand railings leading from the boat landings.  Again, this is the risk of a popular tourist attraction, but I will get off my high-horse.  It is easy for me to offer my industrialized perspective, because life is pretty good in the United States and in many developing countries like Ecuador tourism is a major source of revenue and a way that their citizens can earn a living.  So kudos to Ecuador for considering the ecological impact of tourism on the island.  I wonder what impact this will have on the local citizenry.  Does this mean higher prices … supply and demand?

Thanksgiving dinner in New York City

Last year, November 2006, I was on my way from Lexington, Kentucky to New York City to spend my Thanksgiving holiday.  New York is one of my favorite cities in North America.  There is so much to do regardless of your taste for entertainment.  While we took advantage of our time in NYC to visit the city and go to the ballet (Nutcracker), one of the highlights of the trip was Thanksgiving dinner at Town, featured in an issue of Town & Country.  If you enjoy a gourmet dining experience where the food is actually delicious, I highly recommend a visit to Town.  The modern ambiance only adds to the dining experience, even if you are not a “modern” person.  The cuisine is American and artful without being weird.  To be honest, I can not remember exactly what I had, except I thought I had died and was in heaven.  One word of caution, the restaurant is hard to find.  We were staying at the Affina 50, 3rd and 50th, and Town is located at 56th, between 5th and 6th.  In other words, we were close, but if you do not know exactly where to go (The Chambers Hotel), Town can be hard to find.  The experience is worth it.  If you are in NYC for Thanksgiving or some other town and you enjoy fine dining.  I recommend Town.