Columbia: future larder for the world

COLOMBIA has been identified by the United Nations Organization for Food and Agriculture as one of the countries with the greatest agricultural potential in the world. By the year 2030 the world population will surpass 8.3 million inhabitants, which will create a 50% increase in food consumption. Colombia has the ideal lands to be one of the countries capable of satisfying this demand.

According to the Colombian Ministry of Agriculture, #Colombia has 114 million hectares, of which 44.8 million are suitable for the agriculture, livestock and reforestation sectors. The agricultural production of Colombia presented an annual growth of 6.8% between 2010 and 2015, reaching 4.5 million hectares sown.

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How things have changed

SIXTY years ago, British Airways, then called BOAC – British Overseas Airways Corporation – became the first airline to fly a turbo jet engine aircraft between Europe and New York, reducing the journey time from 18 hours to around seven. First jet engine flight across the Atlantic On October 4, 1958 the airline flew two de Havilland Comet 4 aircraft, one from New York to London and the other from London to New York.

Back in 1958, Comet 4 could fly just 48 customers every day from London. Today British Airways operates up to 12 flights a day from the capital, offering around 3,500 seats. On the Comet there were two cabins, Deluxe and First Class. Today, British Airways flights feature four cabins, to suit all budgets – World Traveller, World Traveller Plus, Club World and First. In 1958 a ticket to travel on the Comet staggeringly cost the equivalent of £8,000.

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Check Mate & a Dancing Fiddle

FROM a Roman distance slab to a medieval football, Antarctic goggles to a dancing fiddle- VisitScotland has revealed the top 25 objects that have shaped Scotland’s history in a stunning 25 objects ebook.

The list was unveiled on International Chess Day (20 July) as a special nod to the most famous chess pieces in history – the Lewis Chessmen - who feature at number 9 on the date ordered list.

Compiled by an expert panel for the 2017 Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, the 25 objects cover over 5000 years of Scottish history and the length and breadth of the country from Shetland to Dumfries and Galloway.

The objects were chosen based on chronological and geographic spread alongside their individual interesting stories. The final 25 were chosen by a panel that included representatives from Historic Environment Scotland, National Museums of Scotland, Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and VisitScotland.

VisitScotland hopes that visitors will go on a trail this summer to discover as many of the objects as possible and in turn discover more about Scotland’s fascinating past.

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Lower your voice . . .

AS Brits holidaying abroad, it’s true to say we have long-suffered a poor reputation amongst our European neighbours.

Whilst it is true that only a small percentage of individuals are responsible for the tarnished reputation of ‘Brits Abroad’, travel site momondo.co.uk has discovered that this status has perhaps even taken its toll on other Brits over the years, as many of us now shy away from other Brits when travelling overseas.

Surveying British attitudes, momondo discovered that for 32% of us, if we hear someone with a familiar British accent while travelling abroad, we will only talk to them if they initiate contact. Furthermore, 15% of us will simply smile but not initiate contact, and 6% of us will even go so far as to lower our voices, so the other person doesn’t know we are from the same country.

Additionally only 15% of Brits surveyed will start a conversation with a fellow British traveller when on holiday, and only 14% of us prefer it when there are many tourists of their own nationality at their chosen travel destination

Also 5% of Brits admitted to avoiding fellow compatriots abroad, as they prefer to talk to locals, while 3% of multi-lingual Brits will quickly switch to another language, so fellow Brits won’t know they are from the same country.

Finally 19% of us prefer it when there are many tourists of other nationalities at our destination.

Neil James Cartwright, spokesperson for momondo comments “We Brits have a fair way to go still, in terms of earning back a shining reputation of being perfect travel guests to other nations. Too often the small minority of drunk, trouble-making Brits hit the headlines, when we know the majority of British travellers are perfectly delightful.

“We urge all travellers to stay unprejudiced about all nationalities. Travel should be about learning and engaging, and this can only be done with an open mind. Our DNA journey campaign last year proved we have far more nations in our ancestral DNA than we usually imagine, which makes being tolerant and liberal when we travel even more imperative,” concludes Cartwright.

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Surprising Facts about Florida's Best Beach Destinations

IN honour of surprising beaches, #USA holiday specialists My America Holiday hereby unveil a quirky fact about some of Florida’s best Gulf and island beach destinations. 

Tampa Bay with its mix of major theme parks and exciting nightlife is an all-action #Florida holiday #destination. From the thrills at Busch Gardens, the Africa-themed adventure park, to the world-class Florida Aquarium, there are plenty of activities for all of the family to enjoy.

SURPRISING FACT: The name Tampa is understood to come from the Calusa phrase “Sticks of Fire” – most likely because Tampa sees some nasty lightning each summer. It’s also how the local hockey team got its name.

Palm Beach is where the rich and famous come to bask in warm winter temperatures at a fabulous beachside location, and the evidence is all around. Sleek mansions and well-watered lawns line the ocean front, while there's spas and shopping aplenty.

SURPRISING FACT: The average winter temperature in Palm Beach County is 74 degrees, which makes snow near to impossible. The last time white flakes fell in South Florida was 1977.

Punta Gorda and the Englewood beach area in Florida have the best of both worlds. The quaint harbour side town of Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach offers arts, culture and gorgeous sunsets. Plus, it is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the country. While the relaxed, laid-back nature of in the Englewood Beach area is ideal for couples looking for a romantic beach break.

SURPRISING FACT: Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute relays shoreline mileage for Charlotte County at 830 miles including river passages, mangrove-edged aquatic preserve and 28 miles of sandy beaches. Approximately 84% of the Charlotte Harbor shoreline is preserved land.

New Smyrna Beach, a small beach town with shopping, culinary delights, world-class fishing, and beautiful beaches of course. It is an ideal venue for activities such as surfing, kayaking, world-class fishing, boating, river tours, museums, parks and more. New Smyrna Beach is a holiday destination that suits everyone.

SURPRISING FACT: New Smyrna Beach is an East Coast surfing hot spot. Everywhere, you see surf shops featuring the lingo and brand name stock.

The islands of the Florida Keys are a slice of pure paradise. There’s a turquoise ocean, beaches and superb sunsets. The ocean is a lot of what any Florida Keys holiday is all about. It’s everywhere you look, glittering in the sunshine and teeming with all manner of exotic marine life - so the snorkeling and diving is superb.

SURPRISING FACT: There are over 800 keys in total, stretching over 180 miles. The longest key is Key Largo, which is 30 miles long and 0.5 miles wide.

Visit St. Pete/Clearwater and soak up the rays in a place that holds the Guinness World Record for most consecutive days of pure, unadulterated, blissful sunshine. From families picnicking on the silken sands, to paddlers in kayaks riding the water, to visiting cultural landmarks such as The Dali Museum, St. Pete/Clearwater has something for everyone.

SURPRISING FACT: The area is famous for its picturesque Gulf sunsets and each night Pier 60 comes alive with a festival to celebrate the sight, featuring performers, market stalls and magnificent views.

With a 27-mile long stretch of sugar-white sand, Panama City Beach is the sweetest place to be for beach lovers. This is pure paradise for anyone who loves to feel soft sand between their toes. Golf is another big plus point for Panama City Beach holidays, with no less than five championship courses.

SURPRISING FACT: Panama City Beach is known as the “Shipwreck Capital of the South”, with numerous ships that have run aground over the years. Several more have also been purposefully scuttled to create habitat for reef fish and marine invertebrates. Divers can view brightly colored fish, sea turtles, and manta rays.

Greater Fort Lauderdale is perfect for families, beach-lovers and watersport enthusiasts alike. This city resort is known as the 'Venice of America', so is perfect for couples looking for a romantic beach getaway. The canals and rivers winding through the city give the city a unique charm.

SURPRISING FACT: The population is only around 170,000 people – similar in size to Canterbury in Kent.

Sarasota is home to some of the best beaches and one of the hottest arts scenes that Florida has to offer, Sarasota is a real cultural corner. That means sparkling blue seas and endless sunshine - all backed up by the very best in museums, theatre, opera and more. With the vibrant local arts scene, there are events on all year round.

SURPRISING FACT: Sarasota County is made up of over 42% water.

Opt for a Bradenton holiday and you get three-in-one, since laid-back Anna Maria Island and up-scale Longboat Key are right next door. This is a part of the coast that offers family friendly holidays, with delightful boutiques, historic buildings, a charming traditional pier, and relaxed night-life.

SURPRISING FACT: Bradenton is home to the historic Gamble Plantation, the only antebellum plantation house surviving in peninsular Florida.

Daytona Beach is where fans flock to 'World's Most Famous Beach' for the NASCAR racing and bike events but there are also sections of shore where vehicles are banned, and dunes and turtles take over instead. If it's beach you want, then Daytona Beach holidays deliver soft sands and iconic piers under the hot Florida sun.

SURPRISING FACT: Ponce Inlet in the south is home to the tallest lighthouse in Florida, the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and Museum.

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Facts from Florida

VOTED among the top 20 #beaches in the States, Pensacola is a beach buff's dream. Sugar-white sands, emerald-green waters and gently swaying sea oats are what Pensacola is all about - nicely topped off by clear sunny skies and toasty temperatures that never seem to get inferno hot.

SURPRISING FACT: The first Catholic Mass in the #USA was held on Pensacola Beach, soon after the Spanish arrived in the summer of 1559.

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Source: My America Holiday

Adam Jacot de Boinod’s Wide World of Words – Ireland

grace-card (Irish mid 19C) the six of hearts in cards

the boy with the boots (Anglo-Irish late 19C) the joker in the pack of cards

smut (Dublin) the remains of a nearly burnt-out candle

gudget (Donegal) a short thick-set man

clitherer (Hiberno-English, Galway) a woman with too much to say

crawthumper (Hiberno-English) an ostentatiously devout person


Adam Jacot de Boinod worked on the first series of BBC Television’s QI for Stephen Fry, and is the author of The Meaning of Tingo and Other Extraordinary Words from around the World – Penguin Books, £10.

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Adam Jacot de Boinod’s Wide World of Cultures

• It is a Russian superstition to slip a coin into a shoe before going into an exam. Some Indians believe that if you take your shoes off and don't arrange them neatly in a pair, it means that you'll have a fight with someone. 
  

• The archbishop of #Cyprus is the only person on the island allowed to write in purple ink. 

• Amongst senior British civil servants "C" (Chief of MI6 - and always called "C" in conversation) and the Chief of the General Staff both write in green ink. 

• Jade is thought to be very lucky in the Orient, while in #Africa it is said that it will conjure up rain. In South America it is used to cure spleen problems, and in New Zealand fertility symbols are made from it. 

• Number plates on Swiss cars belong to the driver, not the vehicle, and last for life. 

Adam Jacot de Boinod worked on the first series of BBC Television’s QI for Stephen Fry, and is the author of The Meaning of Tingo and Other Extraordinary Words from around the World – Penguin Books, £10.

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Welcome to … Wales

Adam Jacot de Boinod’s  -

Wide World of Words - Wales


gambo a home-made cart, often incorporating old pram wheels (also called a bono - short for boneshaker or a bogey)

bar cwtch! a warning for others to stay away from one’s cwtch (spot, place) while picking blackberries etc.

blaggudy rough, dirty (esp. of a football or rugby team)

yorks the practice of tying colliers’ and other workmen’s trousers above the ankles to prevent dirt and dust from reaching the upper parts of the body


Adam Jacot de Boinod worked on the first series of BBC Television’s QI for Stephen Fry, and is the author of The Meaning of Tingo and Other Extraordinary Words from around the World – Penguin Books, £10.

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Welcome to . . .

Adam Jacot de Boinod’s  Wide World of Cultures 

• In Myanmar, it is taboo for a pregnant woman to go to a funeral or visit a cemetery, while in Bhutan passing a funeral is good luck and passing a wedding is bad luck. 

• Cambodians associate colours with luck or the lack of it: Monday is orange and a good day for spending and not lending money; Wednesday is green and not a good haircutting day; Saturday is black and a bad day to attempt anything too ambitious but a good day for getting in touch with one's ancestry. 

• Armenians from the former Soviet Union believe that giving an even number of flowers brings bad luck. 

• Among Latin Americans, the gift of a knife or knives suggests the cutting of a relationship; yet this notion can be blunted by including a coin with the knives. 

• In Hong Kong, present your gift with both hands. 

• In the Middle East, a handkerchief suggests tears or parting, and therefore is inappropriate as a gift. 

Adam Jacot de Boinod worked on the first series of BBC Television’s QI for Stephen Fry, and is the author of The Meaning of Tingo and Other Extraordinary Words from around the World – Penguin Books, £10.

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Welcome to …

Adam Jacot de Boinod’s  Wide World of Flags

• The blue part of the Azerbaijani flag stands for Turkishness 

• The Swiss flag is the only national flag in the world that is square 

• The Nepalese flag is the only national flag in the world that has five sides 

• The flag of Lichtenstein had a crown put on it in 1937, to distinguish it from the flag of Haiti 

Adam Jacot de Boinod worked on the first series of BBC Television’s QI for Stephen Fry, and is the author of The Meaning of Tingo and Other Extraordinary Words from around the World – Penguin Books, £10.


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Welcome to …

Adam Jacot de Boinod’s  Wide World of Words

gulch (Newfoundland English 1895) to frequent a sheltered hollow for sexual intimacy

exhibition meal (Hobo slang) a handout eaten on the doorstep: the madam wants the neighbours to witness her generosity

growlery (Dickens: Bleak House 1852) a place to growl in; jocularly applied to a person’s private sitting room

shangle (Cumberland + Westmoreland dialects) to fasten a tin or kettle to a dog’s tail

Adam Jacot de Boinod worked on the first series of BBC Television’s QI for Stephen Fry, and is the author of The Meaning of Tingo and Other Extraordinary Words from around the World – Penguin Books, £10.

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Beware car hire waiver costs

CAR hire companies’ excess waiver policies are adding almost 50% to the original hire cost, according to a study by iCarhireinsurance.com, which compared the costs to hire a medium-sized car for a week in five European destinations from five large rental companies.  

Travellers often don’t know about excess waiver insurance, or how much it costs, until they arrive to pick up their hire car. Not purchasing this leaves car hirers exposed to the first part of any claim i.e., the excess amount if their hire car is damaged or stolen, which can be up to £1,400 even if it’s not their fault.

iCarhireinsurance.com, a provider of stand-alone car hire excess insurance, found the average cost for a week’s car rental was £237, while the average excess waiver policy from the rental company was £111 - adding almost 50% to the bill.

The study researched the costs to hire a car in Barcelona, Larnaca, Milan, Nice, and Tenerife from five leading rental companies … Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt in spring 2016. 

In Tenerife, drivers will be paying an additional 59% again on top of their week’s car hire for an excess waiver policy from the car hire company.  The cost of excess waiver from the rental companies varies considerably, but was often over the £111 average across the destinations.  In Milan, Europcar and Hertz charged £194 and £199 respectively for a week’s excess policy, while in Barcelona the same companies charged more than £140, and in Larnaca, Budget charged £168.

‘Car hirers could save themselves an enormous amount of money with a bit of planning before they travel,’ said Ernesto Suarez, CEO and founder of iCarhireinsurance.com.  ‘Anyone buying an excess waiver policy from the rental desk is paying on average £80 more than if they bought a policy from a stand-alone car hire excess provider. Our policies include the vulnerable parts of the vehicle such as windscreens and tyres, which are often excluded by the rental desk waivers.’

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Darwin Day . . .

Darwin Day is a celebration to commemorate the anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin on 12 February 1809. 

Highlighting Darwin's contribution to science and to promote science in general Darwin Day is celebrated around the world.

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Best $ rate for US car hire

MIAMI is the least expensive destination in the #UnitedStates in which to #rentacar, according to a survey by CheapCarRental.net.

Car renters in #Miami paid an average of $20 a day. In contrast, prices are 200% more expensive in Philadelphia. New York City ranks second-most expensive in the country, with an average price tag of $61 a day.

In Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and Jacksonville, average rental rates came in below $30 per day.

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Tour de France boosts Yorkshire tourism

FIGURES from VisitBritain have revealed that Yorkshire saw significant benefits from hosting the Tour de France last year.

Some 2.5 million people turned out to watch the Grand Départ of the world’s biggest bike race in July last year. 

VisitEngland reports that tourists had spent £380 million in Yorkshire in the 12 months to June, up by 45 percent on the previous year. 

The number of visitor nights spent in Yorkshire during the 12 months also increased by 18 percent to 5.3 million.

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Gozo to get silver screen fame

MALTA’S sister-island, #Gozo, will get worldwide exposure later this year, when By the Sea starring #BradPitt and #AngelinaJolie is set for release. The movie was shot entirely on Gozo.

'#ByTheSea has given Gozo a great deal of international media exposure,’ says Malta’s tourism minister, Edward Zammit Lewis, ‘and it augurs well for the film and tourism industry on the island.’

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Supermarket price falls and strong £ cuts self-catering holiday costs

THE power of the £ combined with a drop in prices in supermarkets and local mini-marts across much of Europe is making self-catering holidays a good bet this summer, according to the Post Office’s Self-Catering on a Shoestring report, which says that food and drink staples are down in all 10 resorts surveyed.
Key findings include:

· Falling food and drink prices in shops mean self-caterers can expect to pay less in all 10 resorts – with the biggest year-on-year fall of 56 percent in Majorca.

· Spain’s Costa Blanca emerges as this year’s ‘best buy’ tip for self-catering holidaymakers, with supermarket prices down almost 38 percent year-on-year.

· Entry of low cost supermarkets into the Algarve reduces prices by more than 26 percent.

· Shopping in a local mini-mart rather than a supermarket could cost as much as 61 percent more.


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Travel shorts . . . UK

STAYCATION BOOM: This summer will be a bumper year for staycations, says letting agency, holidaycottages.co.uk, which has seen record increases across the UK for self-catering summer bookings.

Compared to the same period in 2014, bookings made so far in 2015 for holidays in the summer period (June-August) are up 16 per cent across the UK. The north of England has seen an increase of 329 percent, while Wales has also seen significant increases, with a 101 percent increase across the country.

MAY RECORD FOR LUTON: More than one million passengers used Luton airport in May, a 15.7% rise over the same month last year. It was the first time the milestone of a million passengers in a month has been reached before the start of the peak summer period.

The airport is embarking on a £100 million re-development programme to raise annual capacity from 12 million to 18 million passengers by 2026.

HOT SPA: The Gainsborough Hotel in Bath, Somerset, will be opening on July 1. The hotel’s spa pool will be fed by water pumped from the city’s natural thermal waters.

The hotel’s private water reserve bubbles to the surface at 47C/116.60F.


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