La Mitad del Mundo

• Posted on 5 December 2019
• 0

You don’t have to go to The Equator for great savings; 25% off EVERYTHING!*

I recently got to spend 6 days in Quito, Ecuador.  As the name suggests, Ecuador is on the equator, more correctly, the equator passes through Ecuador.  However, Ecuador does not have a monopoly on the equator.  This imaginary line extends completely around the middle of the world, or if you prefer, la mitad del mundo. 

A monument located in ‘Mitad del Mundo’ commemorates the first Geodesic Mission of the French Academy of Sciences. This is where Louis Godin, Pierre Bouguer, and Charles Marie de La Condamine first determined the equatorial line in 1736.  There is a slight error however.  Advancements in GPS, an infinitely more exacting ability to determine where we are on the earth, have shown that the monument position is slightly off.  Seven seconds off to be exact, located at 00° 00’ 07’’.  By my best estimate, it is about 400 yards away from the actual equator, of course located at: 00° 00’ 00’’.

I didn’t go all that way and not go to the actual location.  A short hike out of the monument park and around the highway enabled me to establish my position exactly on the equator.  I didn’t actually go to Ecuador to go to the equator; I was there for a wedding.

My niece Kayla, and her now husband, Gonzalo, a native son of Ecuador, were married in the most glorious nuptial event I have ever witnessed.  Far more than simply a wedding, it was a days-long event that I shall never forget! I have posted several photos of our epic adventure in Ecuador.  If you care to see them, simply go to the, “In the Garden with Bates Nursery” Facebook page, and check them out.  While you’re there, if you haven’t already, you can ‘Like’ the page. 

As a Bates Rewards member, you will receive 25% off EVERYTHING*, excluding gift cards and deliveries*.  This special offer is good through Thursday December 12, 2019.  Everything* from our vast selection is included!

Happy Holidays,

David Bates