Sea lions love hanging out on the public benches in the Galapagos.  This one was curious about my Tipu’s Chai “vessel.”

Gasp!  Not sure this is allowed for a self-proclaimed Pacific Northwesterner, but periodically, I get burned out on coffee.   Once, it was for 12 years!  Now, we still have a good supply of Peets aboard, and I definitely drank Cuban coffee when I was in Cuba, but these days, I start my morning with a cup of Tipu’s Chai tea.

I used to make my own chai from scratch, a good 20-45 minute process.  Tipu’s is the best instant chai I’ve had, very spicy — not for folks who like their tea wimpy!   I use their unsweetened version,  and make mine much less sweet than overly sweet presweetened ones on the market.   I mix my Tipu’s Chai with a full-fat powdered milk and just a little bit of sweetener.  On a boat, instant and powdered is a very good thing as it’s easy, takes up less space and weight.  

Galapagos marine iguanas who choose to hang out by Isabela’s docks are about as energetic as the sea lions.

Sad truth — our boat, like most, isn’t always “April fresh” smelling.  My morning cup of chai not only makes my tongue and tummy happy, it makes the boat smell really pleasant too.

The nice folks at Tipu’s generously supplemented my Tipu’s Chai supply with more tea and a really cool container that excellent for mixing. 

In return, I promised to send Tipu’s Chai some photos on cool places where I’m enjoying Tipu’s Chai.

Is it shameless promotion?  

Absolutely.  However I sought Tipu’s Chai out specifically because I really like their product; I would never recommend a product I don’t love myself.  

Journey at anchor; dusk in Galapagos Ilsa Isabela.

Location Location
We are currently in the Galapagos, Ecuador, anchored off Isla Isabela (S0.57.924 W90.57.750).  We figure we’ll spend another five or so more days here before we head off to the Marquesas.  At over 3,000 miles, that sails is over three times as long as Panama to the Galapagos!  Panama’s Isla Las Perlas to Galapagos was roughly 1,000 miles.  Ilsa Isabella to the Marquesas is over 3,000 miles.  The first two latitudes are still part of the doldrums, but after that it’s known for it’s steady (easy) trade winds.