Outside the Box - Containers - Photo Challenge

Container is an object, such as a box or can, that can hold something.

It can be a large box that goods are placed in so that they can be moved from one place to another on a ship, airplane, train, or truck.

What if we think outside of the box?

What if there is no box?

What else can be a container?

Here are some Ecuadorian containers.

Leaves are very popular containers here. You just need some twine and you have a package ready-to-go.

Banana leaves make excellent containers.

A container with a banana leaf lid.

Woven basket is an excellent container.

Another container with banana leaves for a lid.

More leaf containers.

This container wasn't orginally made for a cat.

Another kind of container.

Natural containers.

This is a one kind of container also.

A crafty container by a special education teacher.

DIY containers for any kind or size of need.

More DIY containers.

More containers from the same teacher.

Iglesia La Balbanera - Relic - Photo Challenge

Iglesia La Balbanera is the oldest Catholic Church built in Ecuador.

It was built in August 15^th in 1534 by the Spaniards, a one year before the Spanish foundation of Quito, the capital of Ecuador.

This small and unpretentious temple is a relic of the Spanish Conquest.

It has a dramatical stone façade with a large arched doorway, supported by two columns with a mix of holy signs from Catholic and Pre-Colombian religions.

The church stands right next to the Pan-American Highway close to the town of Riobamba as a living testimony of those years and historic events. 

Originally La Balbanera was made of adobe and straw, and later “fortified” with the use of stone for the main structures. 

The temple was destroyed by a massive earthquake in 1797, and it was reconstructed shortly after the Independence wars, keeping its architectonic design, style and integrity. 

In more recent years, Ecuador’s National Institute of Patrimony has done extensive restoration of the church, both on its façade and external structures, as well as on the interior, its walls, altars and ceilings.

The church is dedicated to the Holy Virgin Mary of Nativity of Balbanera and it is still a place of pilgrimage to the local Kichwa people.

Ecuador between yesterday, today and tomorrow - a photo challenge

Between can mean the space separating two objects or regions.

Between can be used to express the period separating two points in time.

Between is the interval separating two points on a scale.

Between indicates a connection or relationship involving two or more parties.

Between can be used to express the combining of the resources or actions of two or more people or other entities.

On Top - Photo Challenge

What is on top, or what does it mean?

Top can signify the uppermost part, point, surface or end of something.

In Ecuador it is not at all uncommon to find many people on top of a motorcycle. And with no helmet on top of their heads.

It can be the part farthest from a given reference point.

Or the crown of the head.

It can also mean the part of a plant, like carrot, that is above the ground.

Or something, such as a lid or cap, that covers or forms an uppermost part.

It also signifies the highest degree, pitch, or point; the peak, acme, or zenith.

The mountain tops can look quite imposing with the clouds on top of them. This picture was taken from the highway from Otavalo to Cayambe in Northern Ecuador.

Or the highest position or rank, to be at the top of his profession.

On top can mean that you are in control, that you are fully informed of something.

That there is something else, in addition to, besides.

Or that you are following closely on something or coming immediately after.

When you are on top of the world you are in a position of great happiness or success.

I think this little girl felt on the top of herself because I took the picture of her. She definitely enjoyed the attention.

And when you are over the top, you are surpassing a goal or quota.

Or you are being excessively expressive or dramatic.

It is good to be on top.