Random Learnings, International Edition
Half the fun of travel is learning new things. I’ve logged a few miles around this wonderful planet, but there’s still so much to learn! Here are a few observations from this week.
Universal Gas Station Food
Apparently the same processed, unhealthy food is available at any gas station around the world. I shouldn’t be surprised, but still…
The New Breakfast Meat
The Spanish know what they’re doing serving chorizo and Iberian Ham with breakfast. Good grief. I will never settle for bacon or sausage again.
Delicate Banana Trees
I had no idea that strong ocean breezes were detrimental to growing a healthy banana crop. To counteract the winds, you must build a fence around your banana plantations. From what I gather, the Canary Islands have some serious winds.
If your plantation is actually on the water, you'll have to spring for a "roof" for your crops too. Very neat and tidy looking as well!
Universal Apple ?
Sure, the iPhone is everywhere, but battery life is still an issue. Couple the charging challenge with the adapter/converter challenge, and even Steve Jobs would be unhappy. (Btw - I didn't stage this picture. I was "trying" to charge on top of my reading material.)
Movie Making
I was stuck in a traffic jam in LA for over an hour when Fox was filming Die Hard. I walk past movie sets in New York more often than I see panhandlers. However, I didn’t expect to get rerouted down the side of a volcano because of a movie shoot in the Canary Islands. I don’t speak enough Spanish to sort out exactly what happened, but there was a bunch of tanks involved. I wouldn’t mind a movie gig over here. Hmmm.
Mars Rover
I don’t know how the Mars Rover missed this story, but there is definitely life on the red planet. And, sad to say, the tourists have already shown up!
Tunnel Vision
In Spain, claustrophobic drivers don’t have to fear long tunnels. Clever engineers have started building tunnels with openings so you can see where you are. This is great – unless, of course, you’re afraid of heights.
Columbus Day
We celebrated Columbus Day overlooking the famed La Palma Island where, rumor has it, Christopher Columbus himself embarked on his quest across the Atlantic in 1492. This island is also where Mr. Columbus was said to keep a mistress – but that’s only hearsay, so don’t quote me.
What have you learned this week? Anything particularly surprising?
Keep your eyes open!!