Zubeda Auto Spares / Khan’s Barbecue

Must visit if you get to Arusha.

By day, it sells auto parts to vehicles trundling through town. By night, it sells some of the best damn Pakistani-style BBQ chicken parts I’ve tasted anywhere …

Wheeling and Mealing at Khan’s BBQ, Arusha, Tanzania

Khan’s is on Mosque street. I was there during Ramadan — streets were thronged.

They offer just one meal for one price ➙ U.S. $9.35.

It’s a feast.

Salads. Naan. Drink. Assorted barbecue meats. Sauces. Desert.

Despite its proximity to the equator, Arusha’s elevation of 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) on the southern slopes of Mount Meru keeps temperatures relatively low and alleviates humidity. 

Over 3 weeks, I spent many enjoyable days in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. I’d be happy to go back anytime.

It’s a very inexpensive tourist destination.

My base was excellent Secret Garden Hostel. I enjoyed many a great meal on their rooftop restaurant.

The historic centre is terrific in the day — but my favourite moments were wandering at night.

I finally made it up to the top of a central hill to see the 41m-tall Virgin of Quito. Taller than Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro.

This is still a developing nation. Most people don’t use seatbelts. Dogs roam free.

Certainly Ecuador has a proud culture. Citizens do not try to emulate American culture.

I’ve never been much of a fan of KFC. But in Asia last year — and in Ecuador, I’ve been a regular customer. It’s the only western fast food franchise I’ve seen. Burger King is here, somewhere.

Ecuador was named after the Spanish word for “equator“.

Almost every tourist who makes it to Quito visits the (somewhat cheesy) Ciudad Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World City).

The grounds contain the Monument to the Equator, which highlights the exact location of the Equator.

The placement of the equatorial line was defined throughout a 1736 expedition called the French Geodesic Mission.  They were astonishing close — only incorrect by 240 metres (790 ft). 

Most interesting was a demonstration of the Coriolis force. I’d always heard stories about the “coriolis effect” ➙ water draining in different directions in the northern and southern hemispheres.

BUT I was shocked to see it with my own eyes with the draining water only about 2m on either side of the equator line.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

A great trick. I was fooled.

As you would intuit, the Coriolis force does not work on small bodies of water anywhere on earth.

The guide pours the water in a certain way to cause the direction of drain.

I enjoyed my 2nd chocolate tour over the past few months. A fascinating story.

You could certainly skip Ciudad Mitad del Mundo. But I’m glad I went. The parklike setting is well done.

First morning on arrival in Quito I signed up for a ‘free’ (for tips) walking tour of the first UNESCO world heritage listed city (1978).

My hostel runs one of the best 365 days / year. Excellent tour guides who end up well remunerated.

The most important cathedrals.

Some museums.

Advice on local foods and attractions. Chocolate tasting.

Even the Popemobile.

It gives a terrific introduction to how to navigate a new city.

We were warned not to hike up to the Virgin Mary as tourists have been robbed.

Finally, tips on traditional dress. 😀

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.