It was bound to be somewhat kitschy and a bit of a tourist trap. But I was in Ecuador, after all, and how could I not but make a trip to the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo to straddle the hemispheres? In the end, I found myself enamored with the place, won over by the enthusiasm of the crowds and the low-key theme park atmosphere of the place.

The Uber let me off at a large plaza that serves as the approach to the main attraction. Guides approached visitors as they make their way to the ticket kiosks, offering their services. I chose to decline them all.

After purchasing a ticket, I was directed to the entrance. My ticket was scanned and I was welcomed in.

An obelisk marks the center of the park; on each side the cardinal directions are marked. Golden numbers at its base mark the lattitude: 0° 0’ 0’’. I waited in the small line that had formed to climb to the top for the view of the park and the surrounding countryside. There, I watched as other visitors posed to take photos as if they held the globe that crowned the top of the obelisk in their hands and watched as people posed below, one foot on either side of the equator.

Back on the ground, I walked around the park and stopped by various stalls selling this and that. At the main plaza, dance groups had started performing, and I sat and watched a as a group of dancers dressed in traditional outfits performed in the plaza. Following them, a couple performed something more contemporary.

Around the plaza, various pedestals had been erected, and small groups could be found gathered around them trying to balance an egg on its end. On my way out, I stopped inside various buildings to check out the science experiements (do you weigh less at the equator?) and exhibits. In some regards it felt like a mini-EPCOT center.

I took an Uber to La Floresta for lunch and to stop by the grocery store I had passed the weekend before. Taylor would be arriving soon to spend a few days in Quito before we were to board the Grace for our Galapagos adventure, and I wanted to pick up a few snacks and a few bottles of wine.

That night, back at the apartment, the sunset put on a display I had almost become accustomed to., if anyone could become accustomed to such a beautiful view. 🇪🇨