Ecuador=Equator

So today we finally found out why Ecuador has its name! Okay maybe we already knew but we actually got to go to the Equator today. I was wondering how cool a line on a map could be but I was presently surprised. 

We arrived at Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the Earth) and I immediately sensed a tourist trap. From the outside I saw a sign that bragged about being the actual location of the Equator found by GPS. We started on a little tour showing traditional dress of the people there (don't worry the men's only item of clothing is a single string around the waist) and how they shrink heads the heads of killed enemies or leaders. Basically, we all got grossed out for the first few exhibits. 

Then, we followed our tour guide over to a line showing the actual Equator. He did a few Bill Nye type experiments and it was so cool! 

The first was probably something you've heard of- the changing water direction with hemispheres. First, he filled the bucket and showed that on the Equator the water flowed straight down. Then he moved five feet over to the north and the water flowed out counterclockwise! It was nuts! Next, you guessed it, he pulled it over five feet to the south and it flowed out clockwise. Crazy. 

Next he talked about how on the Equator because there is no Coriolis Effect it is really easy to balance. He told us if we could balance an egg on a nail we would get a little certificate at the end. Being nursing students and highly motivated, we all tried again and again to balance that darn egg. Finally, I did it! Here's a picture for the fridge! 

The last one was showing how the Equator affects us. He had us try to pull each other's arms down away from the Equator and then on it. It was way easier to do on the Equator. I guess without the pull we all weigh less on it so we're weaker. Haha okay so the explanation wasn't every detailed but it really worked. Here's all the proud nursing students with their certificates. 

Next we went to the place where they have thought the Equator was forever before GPS. They have a pretty monument there and shops/restaurants. 

We then went on a little tour of Quito. We saw a beautiful cathedral and toured the President's Palace. Ecuador has been pretty crazy with dictators and coup d'etats. It was fun to hear a little bit about the political history. 

We also saw a pretty statue of Maria on a hill...

After this we were pretty tuckered out! We ran home to change and shower before heading off to a fancy dinner at the Hotel Quito. It was pretty yummy! I even ate shrimp Dad!

 After a long day of sightseeing we were ready to sleep!