Quito and the Equator

Caught a myriad of taxis and buses in the morning to get out to the Equator monument - which is a huge concrete structure containing a museum and viewing tower which is supposed to sit at latitude 0.00".  Unfortunately, recently with the introduction of GPS they have actually realised that the real "equator" is actually 250m away from the concrete structure and runs through a private property which has been turned into a quirky museum which shows tricks that can only be performed on the Equator.  On the real equator line water really did flow straight down the hole of the sink and when the sink was moved a few metres either side it moved clockwise and anticlockwise!!

There was also an egg balancing trick where an egg can be balanced on the head of a nail on the equator.  There were about 8 people in our group and each of us tried to do this unsuccessfully.  Wingy went last and managed to get it right.  He even got a "certificate" which he is very proud off! - we have to make sure it doesn't get crinkled!

Most gorey thing for the day - a shrunken head - to the size of tennis ball.  Apparently an ancient tradition where after someone has died they cut off their head, remove out all of the brains and bones through the nose and then proceed to cook the head and stuff it with herbs until it shrinks.. - uuugh!

Spent the rest of the afternoon exploring Quito and looking for an English bookstore.

Staying at this great Hostel - "The Secret Garden" which is run by a couple of Aussies.  It has been voted as the best hostel in South America and it really was good.  An night everyone gravitates to the rooftop of the hostel and they serve a three course homecooked meal, provide cheap drinks, ponchos, a fire and a band and everyone talks about where they've been and where they going - a really good night - all overlooking the city with the big Mary (not Jesus this time!) looking down.