Factoids you can't forget?

[Kevin]

Ever get a weird factoid or trivia item stuck in your head?

Last night I had to do a 1:00am emergency run to the office and along the way, while driving along empty roads passing mostly farms, I kept thinking about something I read years ago...

The majority of people, worldwide, are born and then are raised, learn, work, live, and die within a 20 mile radius.

It's a sobering thought sometimes, especially when driving through parts of some towns & cities and realizing that for a good number of people that the diameter of the radius will be much smaller than 20 miles.

Now some people are perfectly content with it but I don't think I'd be happy with such a small world (especially around here in the winter time).

What about you? Does the open road call you or do you a closer environment? Personally there are days when I wonder my profession would've been better off as cross-country truck driver than a code monkey... but the flip side would be so much time away from my family.

It's strange how sometimes in life we want at the same time things that are in total conflict with each other.

 

[Tim]

Is it 12% of US residents own a passport but only 4% ever leave the country?

The Railways system introduced in the 19th Century mean we rarely suffer that particular problem anymore. It was heard of prior to trains though. Although you could say people then lived and died within 5 miles!

The key to life when visiting other countries is NOT to get the full board package. Instead get half board if necessary, but self catering is far the better option as you go out and try to live like a resident of the country you are visiting. Using their local shops, their recipes, their timetable. By learning to live as other communities you truly liven your life.

 

[recall]

I believe that research comes from auto insurance companies, and it involved accidents? As well, most accidents happen in parking lots.

I've been coast to coast, and border to border, with equal time (after independence) in all areas, except for the South-East.
You should really see all there is (as much as you can), before you develop a "canned" opinion.
Canada & Mexico are the only foreign countries I've visited. Mexico was a disappointment, and Canada necessary to get to Alaska.
Many individually good and awe inspiring things almost everywhere, here in the USA.

 

[Starbeast from Planet X]

Interesting, but most of us are stuck where we are.

 

[Tim]

Interesting, but most of us are stuck where we are.

Hmm, barring family obligations, there are TEFL courses to enable you to take jobs abroad teaching English if you're a native speaker. Spend a year or two each place you work, get to see the world, the hours are fine, the preparation for classes minimal. The wages you get just above the local wages normally meaning you have some spending money to explore the country on weekends and holidays.

I mention that, as I might be doing that when I finish university. I grew up round the world and so this is me getting back out there, living and travelling places I didn't get to before........