Most Visited Tourist Attraction in Ecuador: Ciudad Mitad Del Mundo (City of Middle of the World)

By: Ye Oo

Ecuador: The Name and What it Means

If you haven’t already guessed it, Ecuador is Spanish for Equator because of its equatorial region on the globe. As a tourist in Ecuador, one place you must visit is Mitadad Del Mundo or, Middle of the World, in English translation. The location of Mitad Del Mundo is located in San Antonio parish, Quito, Ecuador. On the site, there is a large monument that is said to be located in the middle of the world, where the North and South hemispheres meet. There is more to this place than one can imagine. Besides being a tourist destination, Mitad Del Mundo shares a lot of history and cultural heritage of Ecuador including history of indigenous tribes and the four continental regions of the country. 

A Little History 

The location of the equator was established by the French Geodesic Mission in 1736, whose main mission was to determine the true shape of the Earth. The founders consisted of astronomers and physicists Carlos Maria de La Condamine, Luis Godin, Pedro Bouguer; botanist Jose Jussieu; the physician and surgeon Juan Seniergues and several engineers, draughtsmen, assistants etc. The first monument was built in 1936, led by Ecuadorian geographer Luis Tufino and the French American Committee. The first opening of Ciudad Mitad del Mundo was in 1992 under the administration of the Perfect of Pinchincha Marco Landazuri Romo, where it was a tourist symbol of Ecuador and reflects the dreams, hopes, and the progress of a province.

Other Attractions 

Aside from the main attraction, the Equatorial Monument, there are also museums that highlight the cultural heritage of Ecuador. The ancestral housing site consists of ancestral houses that contained objects which were used as a part of life, customs, and traditions of the indigenous communities. The houses were different from one another depending on the region of Ecuador: the house of the Shuar/ Amazon, house of Sierra, and house of the Coast. Houses in the Coastal region were built from bamboo cane and palm. Because these houses were located near the river, they needed to be on four wooden piles. The houses of the Sierra region were made from interwoven sticks or reeds and black mud. These houses were circular in shape due to the superstition that evil spirits cannot lurk in the corners of the houses. Houses in the Amazon region were made from wood of chonta and pillars of cane guadua. The roof was made with palm leaves. 

Because Ecuador is known for its cacao plants, there is a museum called Cacao Square that displays the process of harvesting cacao to exporting the cocoa. The plaza shows the types of cacao that can be found in different parts of the country and where they are exported. There is also a balancing egg on a nail which shows how gravity affects the balance of an object such as the egg, which is only possible in certain parts of the world, it seems. If you are like me and have never seen an alpaca up close, well now you can because there are a few alpacas that get close enough for you to pet. In the central square, there are events that take place with live music and dancing. You can’t miss it.

Beautiful Molinuco Casada in Ecuador

By: Ye Oo

The first thing we noticed about Ecuador were the amazing views of mountains and potential hiking spots. If you love to hike and enjoy the scenery of nature, Ecuador is full of places to enjoy just that. The breathtaking sight from above is something that can not be missed. Personally, I love the serenity and tranquility of being one with nature. It can be very rewarding after a stressful week. 

The first weekend in Ecuador, the program directors and staff visited their first waterfall in Rumibosque. The second hike was in Molinuco, which was my first waterfall hike in Ecuador, and possibly my favorite. With the help of a local volunteer, we were able to obtain wristbands that allowed us to go on the hiking trail. The overall hike lasted about three hours, an hour and a half going up and down. This included rest time we took in between to take everything in.

On the way up, we stopped by a small waterfall which had a lake that was suitable for swimming. The water was too cold for swimming on that day, but it was still worth taking a rest for a few minutes before continuing hiking to the main waterfall. When we got to the main waterfall, I was amazed by how close we were able to get to it. At the bottom of the waterfall was a little bridge to walk past the waterfall. On the bridge, you can feel the mist from the waterfall which was very refreshing. We went on a weekend and to my surprise, there were not that many hikers so we were able to take in the quietness of nature. 

Hiking up was challenging, but after reaching the waterfall, the view makes it all worth it. Some advice I would give to new hikers: keep in mind the change in altitude in Ecuador, make sure you have enough water to keep you hydrated, bring snacks and fruits along, make time to rest and enjoy the view, dress appropriately, and lastly, take plenty of pictures for memories. For first time hikers, I would suggest Molinuco because the path is pretty straightforward and easy to follow. 

Gabriel's experience in English classes

By Maddie Tudder

Since January, Program Director Maddie has had the best time teaching Kids English Level 4 and has the most special, and kind students. One particular student, Gabriel, has expressed how much Manna Project International has changed his life, and encouraged his dreams for the future. Here is his experience, in his own words.

“Hello my name is Gabriel Alejandro Oña Catagña, and I am from Ecuador.

I live in Quito in the Sangolqui and Rumiloma neighborhood. I have been a student of MANNA PROJECT INTERNACIONAL from level one, together with my father Carlos Oña. Currently I am studying the fourth level, which has been a very beautiful experience for me. I have made the most of it, because I have had teachers with a lot of enthusiasm, and care. Since English classes in my country are expensive, I am glad I have been able to take English classes with Manna Project International.

English is a language that I personally love, and wholeheartedly thank all my teachers who had have a lot of patience in teaching us.

Each level has been a unique experience, and all of my teachers have been very loving teachers. Such as Mikaela, Katie, Maddie. I love them very much.

Manna Project English helped me a lot in my performance at school since I am the only student who is advanced in the subject of English. Teacher Maddie congratulated me on my English ability and that has made me feel very good.

Speaking English has also helped me to make many friends from different countries such as Canada, the United States, and New Zealand. I have enjoyed each class to the fullest and that is why I am very sad that this level is ending, even though the classes were online they have been very interesting, productive and fun. My biggest dream is that one day I can go study in the United States and specialize in medicine. I want to become a Doctor. I am grateful to Manna Project for always encouraging me in my dream of learning English.”

Our volunteers love building special bonds and relationships with our community members through our English program. We hope to continue doing great work and helping students in their journey to learn English.

My weekend getaway

By Emily Churchill

I love living in Quito because it’s close to so many amazing destinations for short getaways. Like many people, I’ve spent much of the past year staring at a computer screen, but I’ve still taken advantage of safe opportunities to get out and explore when possible. 

A few weekends ago, my boyfriend and I drove three hours south of Quito to the Hosteria La Andaluza, just outside of Riobamba. It’s a beautiful inn at the base of Chimborazo volcano. (Unfortunately, because it’s the rainy season, Chimborazo did not reveal her magnificence to us on this particular trip.) 

The property has existed for almost 500 years under many different owners. It’s claim to fame is that Simon Bolivar, one of South America’s most famous libertadores, stayed at the property on his many trips passing through Ecuador. You can even stay in the room where he slept! 

The property is beautiful and is home to many furry friends, including llamas, horses, cats, and an entire patio filled with rabbits. The hotel staff keep a basket of carrots in the patio for anyone who wants to feed them. I was lucky enough to become friends with the adorable rabbit pictured in this post. 

The hotel has a beautiful spa and a wonderful restaurant which serves a mix of traditional Ecuadorian dishes, as well as some international ones. There is also lots of colonial and 19th century artwork to explore throughout the hotel. 

The hotel staff did a great job of implementing COVID-friendly guidelines and precautions and there was plenty of room between guests at all times. We thoroughly enjoyed our weekend at Hosteria La Andaluza and we hope to return sometime during the dry season to catch a glimpse of Chimborazo!  

Meet my Spanish Teacher

By Anna Wilgenburg

As interns and program directors here at Manna, we all have the opportunity to take Spanish lessons with the Simon Bolivar Spanish School. These classes help us learn the language for our own personal goals, but they have also been indispensable in helping us, as volunteers from abroad, connect with the people in the community that we serve. When you are able to communicate with people in their native language, you are often able to have a larger impact than we would have been able to if we were unable to speak Spanish with them. I feel that even though my Spanish is far from perfect, I am still able to show interest in Ecuadorian culture by trying to speak the language, and I think that my students and members of the community as a whole appreciate this.

I was able to interview my teacher, Sandra Quishpe, about her experience as a teacher at the Simon Bolivar school and working with the students from Manna.

MPI: When did you start your school? How long have you been working with students?

Sandra: The School started in 1994 in Quito, I have been working with students for more than 26 years.

MPI: How many students do you teach? How many teachers do you have?

Sandra: Due to the Pandemic we have had to change, adapt and reinvent ourselves to continue providing our services by doing what we most like to do, teach and share the language and culture. Right now we have 7 teachers who are working, but we have a database of professional teachers who support us when we need them. At this time we have several students taking online classes and a few who are taking face-to-face classes.

MPI: Where did you learn to speak English?

Sandra: I learned at university, but if you don't practice you can't speak the language, so I learned more in my work as a teacher and helping students in the office.

MPI: How long have you been working with Manna?

Sandra: About 3 years.

MPI: What are the most important things to keep in mind when learning Spanish?

Sandra: First, find your rationale for learning the language. Then find affinity and interest in the language and culture of the place where the language is studied. Patience, dedication, perseverance in learning, and finally the motivation of personal growth and opening more doors in this wonderful world are important.

MPI: Why did you decide to work in this field?

Sandra: Because I like to help people, I love meeting new people and sharing experiences, but above all because I like traveling and seeing more places; I travel to other places while I am in my class teaching Spanish. Working in this job, I am doing what I really like and I am happy.

MPI: What do you like the most about teaching?

Sandra: I love sharing experiences and ensuring that my students can communicate in an appropriate way. I am very happy when they succeed.

MPI: What do you like the most about Ecuador?

Sandra: There are 2 things, the people with their warmth, joy and happiness in the simple things in life, and the unique nature that it has in its 4 natural regions: the Coast, the Sierra, the Oriente and the Insular Region or Galapagos.