Latitude Zero #AtoZChallenge
“With the possible exception of the equator, everything begins somewhere.”
— C. S. Lewis
I expected to see big signs the first time we drove across latitude zero. Not Las Vegas big but tourist photo spot big. I thought we might have a countdown as we approached.
We were northbound from the southern hemisphere traveling along a coastal road. The GPS told us we had crossed into the northern hemisphere but there were no signs. Except for one in front of a home at latitude .007.
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| Sign in front says Latitud .007 Mr. Bond was not home |
We spent a few hours exploring then turned around to head home. Driving south, we finally saw a sign!
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| My first time at the equator “You are passing the equatorial line” |
It was exciting to be standing at the equator. Some day, we will probably visit the big Middle of the World monument near Quito where you can balance an egg on a nail.
For us, it was enough to know we crossed it. And a sign confirming it was nice.
Have you crossed the equator? If you have, was there a sign?
If you are visiting from the #AtoZChallenge please include your blog link in a comment so I can check it out.
Emily Bloomquist
I am a US Expat in Ecuador. I grew up on a Minnesota farm, worked in IT in California's Silicon Valley, then moved to a coastal Ecuador fishing village. My goal is to share Ecuador with you, one snippet at a time. Topics include attractions, compassion, ecotourism, Ecuador products, everyday Ecuador, and flora and fauna. Please let me know what you would like to read more about!
18 Comments
sage
No signs as I was in the air–to and from Indonesia.
Emily Bloomquist
No signs in the clouds? 🙂
Joss
My son crossed the equator on a U.S. navy ship. He has a certificate!!!
Emily Bloomquist
How cool! I read that there is sometimes a ceremony when ships cross the equator. A certificate would be fantastic.
Jean Davis
I have not crossed the equator, but someday…
That .007 sign is great! ha!
Discarded Darlings – Jean Davis, Speculative Fiction Writer, A to Z: Editing Fiction
Emily Bloomquist
I love the .007 sign! So creative.
Molly of Molly's Canopy
I've heard that drain water flows in a different direction north and south of the equator…did you happen to notice?
Emily Bloomquist
It is true. One of the experiments I did shortly after we arrived.
Donna B. McNicol
What fun! We never managed that…maybe some day.
L: Las Vegas & Leesburg
DB McNicol, author & traveler
Theme: Oh, the places we will go!
Emily Bloomquist
When you come back for a visit, the entire Ruta del Sol is a beautiful road trip!
Morgan Cartwright
I have never crossed the equator. One day though and there better be a sign. 🙂
Once Upon a Time
Emily Bloomquist
I certainly hope there is!
Camille Flores
Ha! Very funny post!
Emily Bloomquist
Thanks Camille!
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Hi Emily – I haven't seen a sign … only a cloud or a dozen … as I flew to South Africa on occasions … I've seen a few watershed signs … but it's rather nice it's understated … and I bet that trip to Quito will be fascinating – in due time .. .cheers Hilary
http://positiveletters.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/m-is-for-melton-mowbray-market-national.html
Emily Bloomquist
I think most people see clouds rather than a road sign when they cross the equator. Yes, understated was rather nice.
Catherine
Wow! That is shocking! I would love to visit Ecuador. We have big plans to spend a lot of time in South America next year! From Colombia to Peru to Ecuador! Your blog is such a great resource! I already read about the fish market, and I’m so excited for that! Is Quito a good place to stay or do you recommend someplace else?
Emily Bloomquist
I’m so glad we connected before you come to Ecuador, Catherine! Quito’s old town is a great place to see historic buildings and incredibly beautiful churches. The exteriors offer no hint of what you’ll find inside, like every surface being gold except the floor and pews. I am not certain the kids would enjoy it as much as the adults but they would probably get a kick out of so much shiny gold in one place. I hear the Quito Zoo is great but have not been.
I don’t recall if any of your vacations have been at altitude. One thing to consider is if your entire family has not spent time at altitude yet, one or more of you may suffer from altitude sickness, which could require you to head to a lower elevation. Quito is one of the world’s highest capital cities.
If you fly into Guayaquil instead of Quito, Iguana Park (a one block square park in the middle of the city where tons of Iguanas live) and Parque Historico (a full or half day park with lots of teaching opportunities) are both places you all would probably enjoy. A stroll along Malecon 2000 is always nice – includes a kid’s park.
No matter where you go, a trip to a large mercado is a must – the fruit and vegetable colors alone are magnificent. Many people will say to go on the busiest day but I’d try to go on a less busy day with a family.
Fish markets in coastal towns are an amazing experience. I know there are several other towns that have ones similar to where I live in Puerto Lopez so as your itinerary is coming together, I am happy to help find one in your path.
Thanks so much for visiting! I am really excited for your upcoming trip.