Sometimes I simply run across some things that I didn't know about. Not that they're Earth shattering; just new to me. Here we go!
1. Ecocash, Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is one of those countries that has Victoria Falls on one of its borders. It's also a country whose currency, the Zimbabwean Dollar, became completely worthless. You can buy as a collector item $1,000,000,000 notes. It got so bad that they started over so to speak and went to something called ZiG or Zimbabwe Gold in 2024. I guess it's a good idea, because it is now backed by gold reportedly, but normal folks in that country needed something reliable, that didn't change in value every ten minutes and that they didn't need a wheelbarrow to carry around.
In steps Ecocash. This is digital, and it saved a lot of people's sanity in Zimbabwe. It's an app, a portable digital bank account, and so much more. It's accepted all over Zimbabwe and now it can even be used some outside the country and in international money transfers. It may sound sketchy, but those people needed a solution and Ecocash provided it.
https://paynow.co.zw/blog/how-has-ecocash-changed-lives-in-zimbabwe/
https://www.remitly.com/us/en/providers-zimbabwe/send-money-to-ecocash
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=600530320603337
2. Kisumu, Kenya and its Equator access in Maseno. Kisumu is the hopping off point for this one along the shores of Lake Victoria. About 24 miles north of there is Maseno, and one of the marked spots for the Equator.
We all know that the Equator is that imaginary line that passes around the middle of the Earth latitudinally. However, most of us here in the United States rarely if ever hear about a tourist location besides Quito, Ecuador where you can go, have your experience and take some photos. If in Kenya, I would definitely make an effort to go to this one. How often do you get to see a marked spot on the Equator?
https://visitkisumu.go.ke/equator-point/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGwWVwzrICM
https://www.nativeafricatours.com/equator-experience-in-kenya/
https://www.nomadicbackpacker.com/crossing-the-equator-at-maseno-kenya.html
3. Monte Alban, Oaxaca Valley, Mexico. Southern Mexico is very different from the northern parts in many ways. Monte Alban is a pre Columbian ruins of a settlement. There's a lot to see and do there in the Zapotec Capital. Temples, sports arenas, tombs, and so much more. Entrance to the UNESCO World Heritage Site runs 90 Pesos or about $3.50.
It's a great way to spend the day when in the Oaxaca area. It's also perched on a mountaintop and has a great view.
I would, however, probably take a tour. It's a great way to settle the transportation and helps you find it. Guides can also help a great deal with understanding such a location that was inhabited by a reportedly advanced people. So there's a lot to learn about in their history. Tours tend to start at around $30.
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/415/
https://www.wmf.org/projects/monte-alb%C3%A1n
https://blogs.uoregon.edu/mesoinstitute/about/field-trips-and-excursions/monte-alban/
https://oaxaca-airport.com/monte-alban/
4. Babcock Ranch, Florida, USA. This is the first solar powered town in America. It was a planned city close to Fort Myers, and was designed to be completely sustainable. Does this work?
I'm not sure, but there are roughly 7,300 residents who were willing to give it a try. It's well planned out with its own dining, shopping and schools.
Is it a utopia? I didn't get the idea that it was supposed to be. It's just an experimental situation with sustainability. There have been some mild social issues, but the town does seem to be a sustainable entity. At any rate, if in the Fort Myers area, you might want to check it out.
https://babcockranchecotours.com/
https://www.babcockranchliving.com/27/Community
https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Babcock-Ranch-Preserve
https://developingresilience.uli.org/case/babcock-ranch/
5. The John Lennon Wall, Prague, Czech Republic. Some artists are never forgotten, like John Lennon. After his death, the wall was painted as a tribute to the artist. Who knew what it would become?
The wall was expanded on time and time again. It became a symbol against the Communists and has now become a national treasure. It's at the Maltese Gardens and is still an inspiration today.
Artists to this day paint, repaint, add to a mural and so on. The one thing that isn't allowed is spray paint. Prague is a fascinating city which I've been to and absolutely adore. If you happen to have the privilege of visiting Prague, you should check out this wall.
https://prague.eu/en/objevujte/john-lennon-wall-zed-johna-lennona/
https://prague.eu/en/objevujte/the-lennon-wall/
https://thelennonwall.com/en-us
In closing, I'd like to remind everyone that when you visit somewhere, there may be more than you are aware of. I find that all the time. I'm still learning. The Lennon Wall was in Prague when I was there and I didn't know about it. I may need to visit again.
Never quit learning about the world. Take New York City for instance. I never quit learning about that city. If you want to know some weird and fascinating things about the world and New York, check it out here or on my YouTube Channel, Adventures for Anyone.
https://www.youtube.com/@ninakindred9466/shorts
Enjoy!
