As the DR200 is grounded until 0930, and Bruce and I have already seen the Equator monument last time, the decision is that Keith and Kelly will depart 1.5 hours before us visit the Equator monument. We will then rejoin each other at the second stop of the day, the The Inti-ñan museum.
Inti-ñan means "center of the world" in Quechua, a native language of Ecuador. We will take a tour of this magical site, a place that the indigenous peoples have revered for thousands of years. We will learn how the ancient people came to understand that this was the center of the world, centuries before "modern" geography or GPS devices. We will play with gravity here and perform some experiments to learn about the Coriolis effect caused by the Earth's rotation. We will also get to know how the indigenous populations of Ecuador live and visit some typical homes. This tour will give you some excellent background information on Ecuador so that you will better understand the cultures as we pass through various regions of Ecuador.
It was a somewhat flawless plan, which ends up somewhat poorly executed. First off, Keith and Kelly find themselves on the wrong side of the "law man" during the busy morning commute. After missing a turn, they apparently get a stern talking to by the Policia. For the most part, we've found that that Ecuadorian Policia have a very low corruption rate. Apparently, despite the Policia flailing his arms and demanding their papers (which were somewhat inconveniently stowed at the bottom of their panniers, because really how often do you need those?) he eventually gets so frustrated that he returns to his cruiser and leaves. I suppose you should take your wins how you can get them.
Bruce and I arrive at the museum in really good time. The last time, we mistook the building at the road for the museum and thought it resembled a bit of "Ripley's believe it or not" style. This time, we mind as well get off the bikes since we need to wait anyhow. For a mere $4, we find ourselves entertained for the next 2 hours. Really it was worth it!
Perhaps the best know things which comes out of the Amazon River basin are the infamous "headshrinkers". In case you ever wanted to know the proper way to do it, wonder no longer.
Bruce and I arrive at the museum in really good time. The last time, we mistook the building at the road for the museum and thought it resembled a bit of "Ripley's believe it or not" style. This time, we mind as well get off the bikes since we need to wait anyhow. For a mere $4, we find ourselves entertained for the next 2 hours. Really it was worth it!
Perhaps the best know things which comes out of the Amazon River basin are the infamous "headshrinkers". In case you ever wanted to know the proper way to do it, wonder no longer.
The above head is over 100 years old. Notice that the mouth has been sewn shut to prevent the enemy's soul from escaping! I quickly review the map of our next 9 days, and I am somewhat relieved that we don't go into the Amazon basin...as the "practice" is still somewhat persistent today.
 First step, Remove the pesky head from the 'undesirable' bits  Sew the mouth shut, can't have the evil enemy soul ruining your next hunt! Don't forget the rock to maintain the roundness while shrinking! |  Boil the head for the appropriate amount of time to loosen the flesh from the melon  A diamond may last forever, but this trinket is timeless! |
Yet another reason to be thankful for not visiting the Amazon basin, is the somewhat infamous Candiru fish.
Although some candiru species have been known to grow to a size of 40 centimetres (16 in) in length, others are considerably smaller. These smaller species are known for an alleged tendency to invade and parasitise the human urethra; however, despite ethnological reports dating back to the late 19th century,[5] the first documented case of the removal of a candiru from a human urethra did not occur until 1997, and even that incident has remained a matter of controversy.
Apparently, the locals have noodled through a rather inventive way to deal with a fish that is attracted to your urine. One must properly "stow" all equipment.
Besides being on the GPS defined equator, another reason for the museum on this particular site is this original house. The creosote from the cooking helped waterproof the thatched roof. Additionally, the guinea pig pen provided for many a ceremonial meals. They are kinda cute!
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The mud/manure/stick walls are nearly impervious to any earthquakes.
Next up...the experiments!