I took my SO to Buc’ees a few times on our road trip in Texas.
I think the thing that surprised my Italian partner the most about the US and Texas, we visited some salons in newer town in Texas and you can tell this is something new and growing. You see land avaiable for purchase and empty lots waiting for someone to build their home. New business premises ready to lease, new warehouses looking for tenants. You just don’t find opportunities like this in Europe, I don’t recall ever finding a brand new and growing city that someone can start fresh and build something.
I think this is peak America. There are still places like this in many states like Texas. The town I lived in Texas had 5k people in 1990 and when I left in 2010 had over 100k, and now it’s around 250k people and one of the richest cities in the country. It changes the way you think about business and life when you grew up seeing a place build like that.
They’ve been backing out of things or postponing them. People who make 420000NTD per month or more, or diplomats, are now allowed to buy alcohol at two shops which is thought to be a step on the path to selling beer at the World Cup
But they still have time to back out of that as well
Portugal is cheap in bumfuck locales. But Lisbon, the Algarve and places close to Lisbon. Yikes. 500k for a decent place. Considering the low GDP per capita, it is hardly a cheap destination.
“If you’re visiting for a very large sporting event & you happen to discover RANCH while you’re here… pls pack it in your CHECKED BAG on the way home,” the government agency posted on Threads on the first day of the FIFA World Cup on June 11, reminding travelers that no matter how delectable the creamy dressing is, it’s still considered a liquid and must abide by the 3-1-1 travel rules.
The tangy humor comes in response to Europeans discovering the quintessentially American condiment with some takes going viral, like from Swedish traveler Elsa Thora, who posted on X on June 8 after having her first taste: "Why did no one tell me ranch sauce is like crack? EUROPE WE NEED RANCH ASAP.” She also shared a video of her surroundings in a diner, musing, “This is so surreal, just had the best food ever.”
A long, long time ago
I can still remember how that jungle used to make me smile
And I knew if I had my chance
I’d go full face-first in her pants
And maybe she’d let me drown a while
But February made me shiver
With every beard-burn and tongue-quiver
Bad news on the bedroom door
She said “Baby, I trimmed… nevermore”
I can’t remember if I cried
When I saw that shaver by her side
But something smelled me deep inside
The day… the hair pie died
We’re nomads who divide our time between Taipei, Hokkaido, and Oregon. I have to admit the quality of life in Oregon is the best. Housing options are great and affordable. Food selection is abundant and excellent quality. World-class craft beers. Wineries and parks are abundant. People are very friendly. Restaurant choices abound. Clean air. Natural beauty everywhere.
Not so great for running a business or manufacturing but that’s what Taiwan is for.
