ECUADOR

Ecuador (officially known as República del Ecuador) is located northwestern of the South American continent bordered by Colombia and Peru. Ecuador was named after the equator which runs through the country and is known as the only country in the world that is named after a geographic element. Ecuador was part of the Inca Empire until the Spanish arrived and colonized the country during the 16th century. In 1822, Ecuador declared independence of Spain. Simon Bolivar (Liberator of South America) helped Ecuador gained independence and is honored as a hero. Interesting Facts about Ecuador: The Ecuadorian flag consists of three horizontal stripes. The yellow stripe (which is the same width as the blue and red stripe combined) represents abundance and fertility; the blue stripe represents the color of the ocean and the sky and lastly, the red stripe represents the blood of those who sacrificed their lives for freedom and justice. In the center is the nation’s coat of arms. Inside the oval design signifies the mountain of Chimborazo and the Guayas River. On the top of the coat of arms is the condor which embodies the nation’s power and strength. The palm leaves signify the martyrs that fought for the nation’s freedom and the fasces represents the victories of the republic. The Galapagos Islands is an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean that is part of the Republic of Ecuador. It consists of 13 major islands as well as other smaller islands. The Galapagos Islands are known for their different types of animal and plant species. Charles Darwin came to the Galapagos Islands in 1835 to observe the wildlife, leading him to his theory of evolution. If you would like to help protect and preserve the Galapagos islands, you can help by donating here https://www.galapagos.org/ Yasuni National Park is known as the most biologically diverse place on the planet. It is located in the Amazon rainforest where there are many different kinds of species such as plants, mammals, birds and insects. The capital of Ecuador is Quito . In the center of Quito is a small city called San Antonio de Pinchincha ,where la mitad del mundo (middle of the world) is located. It is crossed by the equatorial line that divides the northern and southern hemispheres. One of the most known fashion items in Ecuador is the Panama hat . Panama hats are hand-woven in Ecuador. Ecuador became known for exporting the hats as they were shipped to Panama. People believe that the name came from President Theodore Roosevelt as he was wearing the hat when he visited the Panama Canal construction. Here is a video of how Panama hats are made: https://www.britannica.com/video/194985/hats-Panama-Montecristi-Ecuador Mount Chimborazo is the point on Earth closest to the moon and outer space due to a bulge around the equator. Traditional Ecuadorian Food: Llapnigachos (fried potato pancakes) Llapingachos consist of fried potato pancakes made with boiled potatoes and filled with cheese. You top off the pancakes with peanut sauce and eat with a side of fried egg, chorizo, avocado and a salad (rice is optional). Bolon de Verde (Green Plantains): Bolon is a slang term which means “large ball.” Bolon de verde is a typical Ecuadorian Breakfast made with green plantains (which are fried) and stuffed with cheese or chicharron (pork). This dish is enjoyable with hot coffee, a fried egg, tomato/avocado and/or hot sauce. Encebollado Encebollado is known as the “hangover” remedy in Ecuador. It is made with albacore fish and broth, yuca (cassava), tomatoes, onion, cilantro and other spices. You can top it off with some chifles (plantain chips), popcorn or tostado (toasted corn). Ecuadorian Restaurants: 1. Barzola Restaurant : https://www.barzolarestaurant.com/ Long Island City: 33-01 Broadway, New York City, 11106, NY Jackson Heights: 92-12 37th Ave Jackson Heights, New York 11372 2. Ñaño Ecuadorian Kitchen: https://www.nanobarnyc.com/ 691 Tenth Avenue Off West 47th Street New York 10036 3. Rincon Melania: https://www.rinconmelanianyc.com/ 35-19 Queens Boulevard Long Island City, NY 11101 4. El Guayaquileño: https://en.elguayaquileno.com/ 94-54 Corona Ave Elmhurst, New York 11373