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Sunday, March 13, 2016

Equator

What would you do if you have to spend 12 hours at the airport waiting for your next flight? That would be sad, uninteresting and boring. I arrived at Quito from Esmeraldas around 12 noon and my flight to Houston will be at midnight. Thinking that I may never have the chance to visit Ecuador again, I saw to it that I can visit the Equator. So days before my flight, I contacted Happy Gringo for a half-day tour. It was quite pricey but considering that it will be hassle-free and safe, I took the offer.

equator

Based on my research, there are two museums at the equator. My time may be limited but I must visit both. First stop was at the Mitad del Mundo (Middle Earth). This was known to be as the Equator.
The placement of the equatorial line was defined throughout a 1736 expedition called the French Geodesic Mission . While such studies would later determine the exact measure and shape of the world, astronomers involved missed the possibility of encountering the reminiscence of highly sophisticated geographical achievements made on “Equatorial” territory for hundreds of years before their arrival. more here
equator

I thought the museum is quite polished and well-maintained. The entrance fee was 3 USD and an additional 1.5 USD if you want to enter the Planetarium. The yellow line divides the two hemispheres.

equatorequator

Inti Ñan Solar Museum on the other hand is more raw. It has the feel of the past which I enjoyed more. It is located a few feet away from Mitad del Mundo as is claimed to be the real equator.

guide

Here, the red line signifies the division of the two hemispheres. Entrance fee costs 4 USD including a guided tour. Lots of activities are being held at the Equator such as coriolis effect, strength test and balancing the egg on the head of a nail.

equatorequatorequator

complex equations
mystery of middle earth
explorer's compass

Also, at the Inti Nan, a traditional and mythical Ecuadorian dance was showcased. I forgot the name of the dance but the guide told me that in the past years, if the goddess chooses you to join her in a dance and you are doing it very poorly, you will be given couple of whips. Ouch


Currently there are some rumors that the real equator is somewhere near Mitad del Mundo and Intinan Solar Museum. Sooner or later it will be corrected and another real Equator will be known to mankind. But for the meantime, I got a stamp that I was at the Equator once in my life. That is that matters.

stamped

It was a quick but an educational and interesting visit. Thanks again to Happy Gringo.

Gracias Ecuador!

 /totomai 
 2016/03/13 

Photos taken with Nikon D7000, Nikon P310 
Lens used : Tamron 11-16 2.8f

38 comments:

  1. I love that you continue to entrance and educate us in your travels. It is always a pleasure to visit.

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    1. Thanks Robin, always a pleasure on my part to share :)

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  2. All those lines... In a few weeks I will cross the Arctic circle... But it's more forbidding in terms of climate..

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    1. And a few weeks ago there was a typhoon in Middle East.

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  3. Now that's added to my to-do list! Great experience.

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  4. I'm glad your flight was delayed - because you go to visit the Equator - and even better took us with you! (also first time i've made the connection of middle earth - slow learner over here ;)

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    1. A virtual tour is all I can offer to all of you :)

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  5. Wow! I am glad you made good use of those 12 hours :D these pictures are absolutely incredible!

    Lots of love,
    Sanaa

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    1. I have to Sanaa. Or else boredom will kill me at the airport lol

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  6. Ah! That must have been great fun.
    I love the pictures. :-)
    -HA

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  7. i am always held in awe at your beautiful travel photos, and thank you also, for today's lovely haiku

    much love...

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  8. Ah, Middle Earth is indeed a fascinating place! Really impressed with your photos, Totomai. I have been at the "continental divide" in the U.S., but that is truly 'small change' compared to standing AT the equator! Thanks for sharing.

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    1. You should visit the Equator, Mary :) It'll be a great experience

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  9. ah, it must be fun to straddle both hemispheres. neither here nor there. :D

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    1. Yes it was. Every tourist was having a great time

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  10. What a wonderful experience. Thank you for sharing!

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  11. This is very cool. Thank you so much for sharing. I would love to go there myself one day :-)

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    1. If you have the chance, please do it. It'll be a great adventure of a lifetime

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  12. Wow, it is always such a Trip, coming to your site. I loved this, totomai......when I think of the equator it is always a dry desert-like sandy thing, with nothing else there so it was a wonderment to see people and grass and structures.............I am so happy you travel, anjd take photos. I can do my traveling in the comfort of my armchair just by visiting your blog. Thanks for this. SOOOOOO interesting! Glad you got there and took the tour. I LOVE the yellow line that marks where the equator is thought to be, though it sounds like there are a couple of other possibilities.

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    1. I'm expecting another colored line once the exact location of the equator is corrected. Thanks Sherry

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  13. Awesome job! You make me want to go to Ecuador. It looks like an awesome place, and very beautiful. Thanks for the trip!

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    1. I was also surprised, i have painted a different picture in my mond before going .

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  14. What an experience that would be for this geography geek....I would be in heaven if I ever got the chance and would have done the same as you did....

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    1. You will have that chance, Donna. And grab it in case :)

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  15. So glad you got the opportunity and even more pleased that you shared it with all of us...Thank you,

    Elizabeth

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    1. Yes Elizabeth :) always feels good to share my journey

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  16. Great pictures, I will have to visit. Thanks for sharing.

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  17. I love how you so generously share your travels. I may never be there but at least I've spent a few moments visiting through you. Thank you so much!

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    1. Because I am also thankful for the opportunity given by my company :) Thanks Myrna

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  18. Very cool! I'd never seen it if not your photos and story....Thank you, Totomai!

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  19. A another wonderful and exciting visit.
    ZQ

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any thoughts to distill?

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