Can you guess which country we’re reading next based upon these interesting facts from Nomads Unveiled?
It has the most tree species, bat species, & amphibians in the world as well as the largest snake.
One of its parks has a huge amount of crude oil, but the oil remains untapped due to a pledge by the country’s president.
Its capital city is the highest in the world & was also the first designated world cultural heritage site named by UNESCO.
Men & women have different greeting styles there. Women pat each other on the right forearm or shoulder while the men shake hands. Some women kiss on the right cheek, while men embrace each other & pat themselves on the back.
It boosts 4,250 species of orchid. Of all those species, 1,301 are endemic. This means this country has the most species of orchid in the world.
It houses seven of the world’s mega volcanoes.
Aji is a traditional condiment that is usually on every table there. It’s a chili pepper sauce, but it’s not always spicy. Every restaurant makes the sauce themselves, so it changes depending on what they’re serving, where in the country they are, & even what’s in season. A very basic version contains chilis, lime, cilantro, & onion. In some areas, it’s popular to put in fruit.
A popular street food from this land is Hornado. This roasted pork dish is often marinated in a combination of beer & regional spices such as cumin & achiote, & then served with potatoes, hominy, & Aji.
The country has a diverse population with indigenous, Spanish, & African ancestors, resulting in a distinct cultural blend.
The sunrise & sunset remain virtually the same all year round. Sun rises at exactly 6AM & sets at exactly 6PM with equal hours of daylight & night.
It’s not a North American country, but still uses the American Dollar.
It is the only country named after a geographical feature.
SO WHAT COUNTRY ARE WE READING?
It’s Republica del Ecuador which translates as “Republic of the Equator” or as it is commonly called, Ecuador!
HAVE ANY BOOK SUGGESTIONS?
Just let us know your Ecuadorian suggestions by Mon., June 26 11PM ET. (That’s NYC time. See it converted to your time below.)
You can comment with your suggestion below or in our online book club in Facebook.
We'll use your suggestions & suggestions from the book club management team to compile a list of 6 books. The book judged as best will then be read.
Please note - We're specific in our books, they must:
Largely occur in the location specified unless the world/situation described is not specific to a country (e.g., sci fi, fantasy, some poetry, philosophical books, etc.)
Be written by an author born there who has spent a good portion of their life there
Exist in paperback & ebook available on both Amazon & Kindle at least in the US & hopefully elsewhere
Also, we love it when folks suggest books which are also available in audio format. While we know this isn’t always possible so it is not a requirement, it is more inclusive & something for which all of us should strive.