Ever wonder what it would be like to experience time travel? I did it this summer and would now like to share with you my secret–my number one tip, in fact.
Visit Ecuador and go window shopping. That’s it.
See, in cities like Quito and Cuenca (and even some small towns), a unique time travel journey–back to the amazing American Frontier, into some mysterious modern moments and then moving forward into a surreal/futuristic world of aliens—is possible. Just walk around and look around. No guide necessary!
Here’s a photo essay—of Ecuador’s mannequins—which will take you on an unforgettable ride…into the past, present and the future. Want to enhance your experience? Help me with the written side of the creative process.
Originally, this was a game
I asked readers to help write some captions (title and perhaps commentary to go with it). A task like this was a serious undertaking—one that I couldn’t handle on my own. I, therefore, enlist edthe help of experts. My readers. 🙂
Those who wrote an awesome caption, one I ended up using, were:
—thanked and mentioned within this post
—a permanent friend of the mannequins themselves; they will smile at and upon you…forever
So, without further ado, let’s get on the bus and enjoy some mannequin madness!
The Past
1. American Badger Outfitters
This one reminds me of Davy Crockett as a kid. Or would that be Daniel Boone at a tween? Definitely not a hipster or metro sexual. Cool hat, no? I’m getting one next time I’m in Quito. The reason? No one will try to steal it. Or rob me, for that matter. No one.
Alternative caption: Save a Tree, Wear a Beaver
2. Community College Nursing Program Volunteer
Yikes. What went wrong here? Does she suffer from RBS (redundant bandage syndrome)? And wha’sup with the Playtex bra? I thought they went out of style in the 1950s.
Alternative Caption: I Got in a Fight With Mannequin #1’s Cat!
The Present
3. Oil of Olivia…the Look, the Feel of Sleek…Pleather
This shiny mannequin really caught my eye. How could it not? I worry about her, though. I would imagine her head gets cold at times. Perhaps she could borrow Davy’s hat?
4.Mannequin Voodoo Doll
This is one of my personal favorites. I mean, really. What the hell went wrong here? Did someone take the cheap way out? Are they rationing plastic in Ecuador? Or is somebody really mad at someone else and playing a very cruel joke? Ouch–my eyes hurt. Did I piss off the mannequin gods? If so, sorry….
Alternative Caption: Crash Test Dummy’s Rebellious Daughter
5. Mick Jagger Wannabe
That’s some tongue he’s got there, ey? (No, I’m not Canadian.) And how about his teeth? Wonder what his breath is like? Perhaps he needs a Tic Tac?
Future
6. Phantom of the Algae
This one looks familiar to me. Perhaps I dated him once? Anyway, I think he was handsome back then, but now–I just don’t know. Is that razor stubble?
7. Gangsta Zombie
Um, I think something went wrong here. I can’t quite explain it, but… somethin’ just ain’t right. Also, I’ve got a silly question. Would seeing this mannequin lead you to buy the sweatshirt he’s wearing? I suspect that someone missed Merchandising 101 a few times when they were in school.
Alternative Caption: Aftershave Allergy
8. I Come in Peace From Planet Mannequin
I’m glad this mannequin has the (R) symbol on it. That means no one will try to steal it. Smart thinking!
Alternative Caption: Tanning Bed Gone Wrong
9. Fishface, the Pirate Queen
This one, from the Museo del Prohibido in Cuenca, has a certain spunk, in an “I’m going to abduct you” sort of way. Correct me if I’m wrong, but…she (?) looks like the kind of girl one might describe as ‘cute’ but not really pretty. Is it her eyes? Or maybe the hair? Or the weird Michael Jackson nose?
10. OK, OK…I Shouldn’t Have Asked for the Full Brazilian
Is it possible to take minimalism a bit too far? I think so.
Bonus–Mannequins + Human
Someone’s flirting with someone. Is it the mannequin, whose leg is conveniently touching my Mannequin Photography Assistant, Carlos? Or is it Carlos who’s put himself right there among the lovely ladies? Hmmm.
Your Thoughts?
Have you spotted bizarre looking mannequins around the world, too? Or am I the only one? Which one of the above is your favorite? Why do you like it? What’s your idea for a caption? Share it and perhaps you’ll win a mention and a link to your site!
Mannequin Face-off: Ecuador vs the Middle East
Remember the Middle Eastern Mannequins I wrote about a while back? They’re still around. I’d love to know which mannequins you think are more peculiar–these from Ecuador or the ones on the other side of the world. Cast your vote in your comment. Thanks–and happy mannequin hunting!
Caption Contributors List
Specials thanks and credit to the following folks whose captions writing skill really caught my eye–and that of the mannequins. Fantastic job capturing the true essence of these unusual plastic beings!
1. American Badger Outfitters
Winner: Susan @Travel Blog of Travel Guideline
Runner Up: Kim Reynolds of QwikR.me for Save a Tree, Wear a Beaver
2. Community College Nursing Program Volunteer
Winner: Liz Pullen (@nwjerseyliz) of Empire Avenue
Runner Up: Nathan Horton for I Got in a Fight With Mannequin #1’s Cat
3. Oil of Olivia…the Look, the Feel of Sleek…Pleather
Winner: Dee of My-Chance
4. Crash Test Dummy’s Rebellious Daughter
Winner: Gray of SoloFriendly
6.Phantom of the Algae
Winner: Robert Watson of Managing Well
Runner Up: Kim Reynolds of QwikR.me for The Mask Meets the Phantom of the Opera
7. Gangsta Zombie…
Winner: Kim Reynolds of QwikR.me
Runner Up: Alan (@Travel Flag) HomeAway.co.uk for Aftershave Allergy
8. I Come in Peace From Planet Mannequin
Winner: Wayne of Blog Business World
Runner up: Denise of The Art of Slow Travel for Tanning Bed Gone Wrong
9. Fishface, the Pirate Queen
Winner: Kim Reynolds of Qwikr.me
10. OK, OK. I Shouldn’t Have Asked for the Full Brazilian
Winner: Robert Watson of Managing Well
Other captions (not on this list) were written by me, Lisa (the Chicky Bus Driver).
Thanks to everyone who contributed and to those who commented; it was because of you that this was successful and fun! #YouRock!