Within minutes of arriving at the coastal town of Puerto Lopez I found it hard to imagine that just days earlier I was climbing a snow covered mountain. Although, I did welcome
the change of high temperatures and lots of sun. During our stay we went to Agua Blanca, an archeology site built by the Mantena. A small museum displayed some of the artifacts found; numerous tools, ceremonial seats, and human remains. Surprisingly excavation has not been conducted for 20 years!
Another beach town, the hippie village of Montanita was another venture. I could easily see why this is "the" place to be at night. An abundant amount of bars and restaurants lined the streets. A lively but also laid back atmosphere complete with many dreadheaded people and a "funny smell" to the air.
During our brief stay in Quito a few of us decided to visit La Mitad del Mundo. We were quickly redirected to the Solar Museum where we were given a talk about the real center of the Earth. An archeology site, Catequilla rests atop a mountain and is perfectly in line with the correct equator, GPS coordinates confirm this. After a brief history of the culture we were told of a small disc found alongside a road that marks the correct location of the equator. Finding the disc proved to be a real adventure. Avoiding oncoming traffic was a test of reflexes and provided a great deal of entertainment.
I'm sure the drivers thought we were all completely nuts- what an odd bunch of gringos- might have been one of their more polite thoughts.
After the real equator we went to visit the confirmed fake equator and all its tourist glory.
One of our stops near Otavalo was Crater Lake in Cotacachi Park. The view was spectacular, happy to have decided to hike around for a few hours than take a short boat ride around the lake. (I'm always up for a challenge!)
We also made a stop at a nearby leather town. The clothing, bags and other articles were all well made and beautiful but I didn't find anything I absolutely needed to have. (Sorry. I'm not turning into a leather clothed biker chick.)
The big draw to Otavalo is the market. I got a glimpse of what would be sold on a Friday but nothing could compare to the quantity of vendors on Saturday. Every street was filled with people selling art, jewelry, clothing, fabrics, fruits, veggies, grains, meats, etc. I only bought a t-shirt (at a very good bargain) and enjoyed walking around listening to others bargaining and to soak in the variety of colors. The market would be an artist's dream.
Very interesting to find out there is a "real" equator and a fake one too. The photo of your feet is at the fake one? Too bad. Tourists! What we would do without 'em?
ReplyDeleteLittle do you know i am actually the keeper of the confirmed fake equator, this location pinpoints my where-abouts.
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