An early breakfast and then off to the equator. There are two official equator monuments in Quito: one built by the french some many years ago and one that was positioned by GPS. We were at the official site; GPS. They are about 200 yards apart, oops, poor job by the French methinks.
There were not masses of people there but it was busy enough. The usual feats of magic were demonstrated such as which way the water turns draining from a sink below and above, and on, the equator. Also one can balance a raw egg at the equator. Try balancing a raw egg some time. They say it is all due to the forces acting in the northern and opposite forces in the southern hemisphere. That is why cyclones, tornadoes, hurricanes etc turn in different directions dependant upon the hemisphere they are operating in. Interesting morning.
We then zipped up the gondola to the top of the extinct volcano towering over the city to around 15,000 plus feet. A bit of an effort to climb stairs at that height. A great view of Quito that extends for some many, many, many miles up the valley.
I still haven't changed my mind on Ecuador being a reasonably developed country. The roads are good, it is well policed, but there is an appalling unemployment rate but things are cheap. Gasoline is 1.50/gallon, diesel 1.05. [US dollar is the currency.]
After a spectacular lunch in a traditional restaurant in Old Quito we got rained out. Most people left the restaurant and went back to the hotel. About seven stayed, us included and finished the tour on foot. A quaint colonial city nestled in a modern sprawling big Latin American city.
I accomplished one of my goals and purchased a Panama Hat, Panama Hats are made by hand in Ecuador!
Four of us took a cab ride back to the hotel, about a 15 minute run. The fare, $1.53, we gave two dollars!
We have a dinner tonight and a 3.30 wake-up call, 4.30 on the bus for the airport for a flight to the Galapagos. One adventure finishes and another starts!
Yann at CTI got my iPad fixed up in one email so the iPad almost takes the place of the computer regarding mail efforts.Thanks Yann,
Fellette bought an Alpaca sweater this afternoon for $39,00. Legitimate one. Her colours too of course.
Great day.
Pics: some at least that require explanation...
Fellette and I at the equator obviously and at the top of the volcano; Old Quito Town; and just a couple of interesting shots of a Llama, and some flowering cactus.
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