traveltales: CORK STOPPERS

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

CORK STOPPERS

THE CORK IN THE BOTTLE

After reading about this trip in the New York Times a couple years ago I knew it was a trip for me. It didn't take long for me to get to the computer to start some research which eventually led me to the Cork Alliance website and it's Executive Director, Patrick Spencer, with whom I made contact and later watched his TED Talk.

We visited 4 of Spain's 17 autonomous communities (states), and learned a lot of Spanish history along the way. Cork is harvested in June and July so there are ony four tours a year and because of the unique and small accomadations this company limits each group to only ten people. The first night we stayed in a 16th century palace, a couple of times in the forest, once close to the Portugal border and another time in an apartment on a large estate. In Andalusia we spent seeral days in a old hospital that had been converted to a hotel.

This trip absolutely fulfilled my preference for getting out into the countryside and mingling with the people. Lunch in the forest with the workers was a delight both times.

Seven million acres of cork forest stand in 7 countries that have oak cork trees: Spain, Portugal, France, Tunsia, Morocco, Italy, and Algeria; 91% of cork forests are family owned. Bark is harvested by hand every 9 years. It is the only tree that bark can be removed from and conitue to live. With an axe, the experts detach the grey bark from the oaks. The trunks of the trees then turn orange, yellow or red. No mechanical tools have been used in these forests for 2000 years. The workers are the highest paid agricultural workers in world.

The industry is the 3^rd highest biodiversity industry in the world; 13,000 plants grow in the areas while animals, many endemic, live in the forests.

Trees are protected in all 7 countries, and it is illegal to cut them down. The Industry, a 0% waste industry is fully sustainable. Each year 12 billion corks are made.

In spite of the misconception, the cork forests are in jeopardy because of under use not overuse .

A fun little known factoid: the inside of the shuttle fuel tanks are lined with cork protecting the shuttle on re-entry as cork will not burn below 1000 degrees.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.