On the equator in Ecuador

Today we drove from the north to Quito, stopping on the way to enjoy bizcochos and coffee made by a family enterprise. Just before Quito we stopped at the Equator for photos and a very interesting related talk. This point is the "new" equator -according to GPS more accurate than the line 200 metres down the road which had been established by the French using the old measurements. This is our group picture, on the line, with Cayambe volcano in the background. This volcano has a glacier, the only glacier in the world on the equator.

On reaching Quito, we had a 3 hour walk around the old town. The buildings are beautiful. We visited two churches, one of which was extremely ornate all in gold leaf, displaying many styles from the simple Moorish to rococco. Every surface was covered with gold, from ornate pillars and walls, from floor to ceiling. Of course, photos were not allowed.

Tomorrow we head off with our day sacks and mosquito nets for the Amazon Basin and our 'rustic lodge' reached by canoe. We'll be there without wifi, for two nights.