Around Quito

Quito is proud of being the center of the Earth, literally. We drove a bit north during our city tour today and visited the monument on the equator that commemorates the scientific verification of the equator's location in 1744, by Europeans who thought this would be the best place to do it (no jungles). Being here at zero latitude and at 9,200 ft makes for some interesting effects. The sun is intense - overhead quickly and bright clear sky combine - tropics in the mountains. What time does the sun come up? 6:00. What time does the sun go down? 6:00. Every day, all year long. The altitude makes this a constant springtime with pleasant weather all year. We get to the equator monument and find out that the elevator is out of order. No, someone corrects that to say it is just not working and closed for maintenance. So, most of us walk the nine flights for the view. It was not as tough as I thought, but I know all day long that the altitude is affecting me. A little buzzed with a slight headache.

Quito is a large city; 45 miles long, but skinny "like a worm" due to the limits of the mountains on both sides. Active volcanoes in the distance. Wonderful old section of the city with an insanely gilded cathedral interior. Alas, no pictures permitted.

Michael just had to hula hoop

Got to run out to dinner with our group - sixteen travelers. Packing tonight and off for Galapagos early am, and I fear no internet for a week. I will survive.