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Robin and I arrived in Quito late on Monday evening. We were both starving after the massively frustrating journey from the border (the bus seemed to stop every few minutes) and were told about a nice spot round the corner from our hostel (Vibes in La Mariscal - the gringo district)- we got some awesome burritos and a decent homemade lemonade for $5 that really hit the spot. We had a few beers in the hostel bar, which was full of Americans. It was definitely a party hostel - the bar was perfect for getting a party started with its pool table and foosball. After the knackering bus journey, we enjoyed a couple of quiet ones before heading to bed. Robin and I parted ways the next day as he was off to Baños for a jungle trek and I was staying in Quito another night. We had a $2 breakfast and said pur goodbyes. I grabbed a cab and a bus to head to the 'Centre of the Earth'. I first visited Mitad Del Mundo, which was officially the equator line from around the 18th Century. Here I saw the equator monument and did the touristy thing of having a cheesy photo standing with one foot in each hemisphere. After this I headed to a random insect exhibition where I saw some pretty terrifyingly large bugs (some alive) - afyer seeing those, I was glad I wasn't headed to the jungle like Robin. I also went to an exhibition showing photos from various mountain ranges/glaciers around the world. I saw a stunning picture of Machu Picchu which really got me excited about my imminent trek. Next, I went to the Museo Solar Inti Nan, which has been recognised as the new centre of the world, thanks to military GPS technology. I paid $4 for a guidd tour which was absolutely fascinating. We learned a little about a local indigenous tribe and their traditions. Interestingly, back in the day, when the chief died, his whole close family was killed and buried with him to join him in the afterlife. Crazy. The tour also included some fascinating tricks specific to the equator location. Firstly, a sink was placed on the equator line and filldd with water, with a few leaves placed in the sink. The plug was removed and it was clear from the movement of the leaves that the water was falling straight down. The sink was then moved a few feet into one hemisphere and the same process repeated. This time, the leaves swirled clockwise. The sink was moved to the opposite hemisphere and here the leaves moved in the opposite direction. So the Simpsons were accurate after all! Next, we attempted to balance an egg on the head of a nail o the equator line. Some people managed (I didn't). This is only possible on the equator because the yolk is forced to the bottom of the egg here. Finally, we were told to stand on the equator line and walk in a straight line, arms out and eyes closed. Impossible. I have no idea why but really, it feels like you're drunk. Apparently, on the equator line you are 2.2lbs (1kg) lighter. Needless to say the women in the group spent a lot more time stood on the equator line than the guys. After the excitement of the equator, I headed for the hostel to relax before my 10 hour journey to Cuenca.
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