First off, this is my first time here and I was quite keen to come. It never quite happened and I thought I’d be towards the other side of Europe at this time. As it turned out, it made a lot of sense for me to go from Valencia to Lisbon, and once in the Portugal web, it was an obvious choice to now make this trip.

It’s pretty much how I expected it to be, which isn’t always the case with places. That’s sometimes a good or bad thing, but in this instance I had an idea of Madeira, and so far it hits that spot more or less.

I haven’t done all that much so far, so my experiences are limited but I have had a good walk around my local area and the capital Funchal, so have a good picture of what we’re dealing with.

There’s a really convenient Aerobus service (although that depends on whether you’re staying outside the area it operates). 5 euros for a trip and numbered stops to make it easy which the bus driver will ask as you get on, then makes sure he stops at those needed. They’re numbered to 26… I’m staying in Lido, so number 15 somewhere in the middle. I think it was around 40 minutes or so.

I’ll tell you one thing (not to complain, but…): there’s been some dodgy weather on some of my travels this year. I’ve enjoyed the majority of it but there does seem to be a lean towards the wetter and murkier side in a lot of places where you’d expect to be more reliably good.

Lisbon had a couple of dodgy days although I managed to miss the worst of it. And here in Madeira we had a good week of thunderstorms off and on. It does seem like there’s always a mixed bag in the forecast, as all weathers seem to be possible here, so you’re always on the edge of everything. No matter, it’s looking good now - 23 degrees and sunshine!

The main thing I have done is take a good walk in each direction. One side is about 30 minutes into central Funchal, which would be where there’s most hustle and bustle. A quite laid back place as you’d expect, plenty of tourism and locals going about their day. Very pretty place to enjoy.

Just up from there is a nice park with a small lake, plenty of places to sit and relax along with great views out to the sea and the hill full of houses across the way.

In the other direction I got as far as Praia Formosa beach. I discovered this was a rock/pebble type scenario rather than sand as I was expecting. No biggie for me, just a surprise, but I think that’s common around the island. I think there are sand beaches but it’s not so much a beachy type place. They exist of course but a different kind of vibe overall.

There is a slightly ‘older crowd’ here compared with say the Canaries or parts of the Balearics. Plenty of ways to party as ever if that’s what you want, it’s just it has that more ‘mature’ feel.

It’s also great for action sports and the like, along with plenty of nature. Running, cycling, watersports, training of various kinds. A mecca for sport and fitness enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a more green and rugged island.

I plan to do a few excursions soon to explore a bit more fully, whether that be the organised ones or just venture further afield off my own back. I’d like to take in some of the rest of the island plus delve a bit deeper into that I’ve seen so far. There will be plenty that I can’t do but may be able to focus on if and when I return.

Being Portugal, you have all the classic pastries and confectionary you know and love from the mainland plus some of its own culinary delights. Plenty of Pastel de Natas but no Poncha as yet ;)

I’m sure I’ll do a couple more posts in due course. Have you been? Give me a shout if you have some tips!

PS. I forgot to mention a little wander to a nearby fishing village called Câmara de Lobos which is worth checking out, and I may make an article out if it to go with this one. Madeira is also a great place for ‘digital nomads’ and is somewhat of a hub on the scene (check out this site for more on that).

Back when I was in Tenerife, the Canary Green team and I got out and about and took a trip to the Instituto Tecnológico y de Energías Renovables. So, what is ITER and what did we find?

For those whose Spanish is a little ‘rusty’, this is the Technological and Renewable Energy Institute, first started over a quarter of a century ago, and is a whole world of activity and innovation helping to shape the future of this island and the wider world in a sustainable way.

Their headquarters is located in the south-east of Tenerife, just past the airport if coming from Los Cristianos direction, so easy to visit if staying in the popular tourist areas.

The Canary Green team, being the keen beans that we are, arrived ready to rock & roll and eager to learn. Our main focus was the Bioclimatic houses but the institute and project as a whole certainly ties in with our own mission, so we wanted to absorb all we could.

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Over to You Irene!

This is where we met the delightful Irene García who would be our guide, and what a fantastic job she did. Friendly, knowledgeable and a good balance between being the leader, giving information and sitting back to let people wander and absorb, are all winning attributes in a guide and Irene has these and more.

After a quick view of the promo video below (in Spanish but you can enable the subtitles if they’re not already on), we took a stroll down to the Bioclimatic houses…

There are 24 houses in the complex, a few being stayed in at present, and we got to see a handful of these – a diverse mix of innovative (and sometimes curious) architecture all fitting in with criteria to synchronise with the environment and climate, whilst incorporating renewable on a small scale.

The houses were selected as part of an international competition and we got to see the top 3 of those along with some others and really got a feel for how they work and what it would be like to stay there. A few that featured for us were El Cangrejo (the crab), El Rio (the river) and El Caminito (the little way), all named due to their appearance or main features.

To see more about the Bioclimatic houses, including the history and more technical aspects, check out this page. They’re available for short-stay tourist rental; to view or book one go here!

One thing to mention: if you’d like a tour at ITER, the Bioclimatic houses aren’t included as standard. If you would like to see them as part of your tour, when booking specify in the ‘observations’ section and they will do their best to accommodate the request but this can depend on several factors.

The Tale of Two Jorges

Once done with the houses, we were led by the informative and helpful Jorge Ballesteros (junior), who showed us some of the technical ropes. I say ‘junior’ because we just so happened to have his charismatic father, also Jorge (of Living Tenerife Tours), with us on the tour. A very keen and interested fellow himself, a great character to have along and also helped arrange our visit.

So, young Jorge (who is head of the robotics unit), showed us the wind tunnel, explained how it functions and gave a sneak peek into the action room where engineers were busy beavering away… perhaps in the process of changing the world as we know it.

We were also fortunate enough to meet an early stage robot, Marisol (as in ‘mar y sol’ / sea and sun). This is a work in progress and it will be interesting to see the development and how it (she?) will be used… a subject of a future article perhaps!

Photos by Arhire Alexandru

Want to Know More?

This really is a fascinating project – both overall, plus all the groundbreaking and exciting individual works that fall under the institute’s umbrella. We truly had a great day and would like to thank ITER, Irene, Jorge and everyone else involved that were happy to share some of their vision.

I would highly recommend taking a look through their website and taking a FREE tour. Did I not mention? These tours don’t cost a cent and last just under 2 hours, the perfect amount of time to be able to take it all in but not go on too long.

Great for schools, companies in the space and anyone interested in this area. They can accommodate up to 50 people per tour, so a full class or department can get in on the action.

We’ll be heading back for sure, whether that be part of another ‘Green Team’ outing or individually off our own backs, as there is so much more to see and learn.

We’re experiencing the future, right here on the island of Tenerife and helping to set the standard for the rest of the world.

This is a focal point for science, technology and economic progress in the Canary Islands and we should celebrate and share this as best we can.

To wrap up, here’s a video of some of our antics, created by John Beckley of Canary Green

What’s Going On Here?!

Just a little snapshot above of some of my fine method acting. Casually rolling around on the floor of the pub like you do of an afternoon…

This is actually related to a couple of articles I posted this week and the title of this Museletter. You could add David Brent into the mix there, but in all seriousness it was a bit of fun and I performed my ‘man at bar’ bit with aplomb.

When filming it is of course very far removed from when it’s all edited together slickly, and seems a bit weird and out of context (and lame I guess) at the time, that’s just the first stage and there’s plenty done after to make it flow and look realistic and cool.

Check out my 2 Canary Capers/Tenerife articles as that goes into more detail about my time there over those months. Taking part in an Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme and dove (quite literally, as seen above) into some other activities that popped up along the way.

Part 2 is where I chat about that particular event and far more:

And as an aside, I would definitely recommend listening to the audio voiceover as I go into more detail and have a bit of fun with it. That goes for all articles by the way. Not that I like the sound of my own voice, it’s just that it brings the content alive somewhat and adds an extra dimension.

Although the tech ones tend to be a bit more straightforward with me just reading the words, the travel and personal ones however (and of course these Museletters) tend to go a bit off piste, so more interesting I’d say.

The other article posted this week was a TravelTech style piece covering Augmented Reality in tourism. That ties in nicely with the VR (Virtual Reality) one from last week and gives an insight into where some of this may be going.

I haven’t decided on next week’s articles yet, so that will be a surprise for both of us! Although keep your eyes on the Facebook Page, Substack and other social media for any updates.

Note of the Week

Nik is another chap I’ve seen pop up on Notes on Substack (that being the short-form section like tweets etc.) and has some interesting things to say. Here he speaks about the ‘wisdom economy’…

I’ve touched on this elsewhere (not least in my You & I Vs AI article).

There’s plenty of ‘stuff’ out there, be it through other humans or the more artificial of intelligence and what’s really needed and enjoyed, is people’s application and recounting of what they’ve learnt.

Then packaging and presenting that for other’s education or enjoyment is what the next phase is all about, and will stand out from all the noise.

Wisdom is what’s built over time and is unique.

Word of the Day

This is part of the Shit List series. After giving ‘authenticity’ a bashing last week (or its misuse rather than the concept itself), let’s chuck in a few this week…

Starting a Note/Tweet/Post with things like “unpopular opinion”, “hot/controversial take”, “uncomfortable/harsh truth” and their ilk. I get it, it’s a way of getting attention, a hook. Maybe the reader thinks ‘I must read on and find out what this is!’…

It’s just overdone and usually not what it says it is. It turns people (me) off if anything.

And sometimes it’s quite a popular opinion actually, relatively lukewarm or cool as a take, and a fairly comfortable truth (which may in fact be a lie). They’re just saying bland, regurgitated stuff which wasn’t that exciting first time round, and is now even less so.

Just say what you want to say and let the reader decide how they feel about it. Wild tings I know.

Final Word & Going Green

So on the main theme of this article, and my experiences in Tenerife and the EYE programme, a shout out to John Beckley there.

He runs Canary Green so check that out, and he was also kind enough to leave the above testimonial on LinkedIn which was nice… and means I can finish this article with some shameless self-promo, so it’s a win all round!

He also played a bit part in that movie and had a line that didn’t quite make it in… so near, he could have been the South African Jackie Chan. Or something.

You can check out adambarratt.com for more on my writing and marketing services, and feel free to get in touch to discuss…

Right, I’m off for acting classes. Got to check in with Daniel Day-Lewis… and Larry David!

The Canary Capery jolly juggernaut rolls on with a bumper part 2 of my Tenerife shenanigans back in 2019. Enjoy!

(and check out the audio at the top if just reading, as it adds a bit more depth and fun to proceedings)

There’s been a bit going on so I’ll dive right in with a little round up…

Don’t Say the B-Word!

We left off last time with a little uncertainty over certain political situations being ironed out involving the UK and EU which would effect my participation in the EYE Programme. Well, as you may have heard they’re no nearer sorting that little dilemma out but the bottom line is that I will be doing the programme till the end of June.

After that, who knows! The most likely scenario is that I will continue as is, just without the funding. That means we can also have someone new join us from that point which will be great to add to the team.

Romanian Roamers

Talking of fresh faces, we welcomed the arrival of Mr Alex who has joined us also through the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs Programme. Alex is a fine photographer and a cool guy to boot. He also brought along his girlfriend Oana, who whilst not working with us officially, is getting involved. Those 2 are a great couple and add a huge amount to the team.

Bussing, Boating & Triking with Pearly Grey

My first tasks following my arrival were a few excursions and a few articles based around those escapades. Here they are:

Touring Tenerife: 5 Things I Discovered on the Road to Masca

Trike Tour: The Best Way to Buzz Around Tenerife!

Dolphins & Dips: Cruising to Los Gigantes

Good fun, varied and there are far more to do too. Our main base is at the Pearly Grey and there couldn’t be a much better setting for your ‘workplace’, especially when operating on a flexible schedule.

In addition to that, I also wrote another intro post with a slight twist (and video!) for the Canary PR blog which I might repost here, or at least the video (it’s on YouTube anyway and not hard to find).

Since then, one of my more in-depth posts was a few tips on writing for the web. Ah yes, be concise… preached but not always practiced? ;)

How to Write for the Web: Top 10 Tips for Captivating Content

Going All Rocky, in More Ways Than One…

We’re putting together a little promo vid for a run that James Foster (the restaurant manager at Pearly Grey) is doing for the charity Ingane Yami.

You know that bit in the Rocky films where they do the montage of him working out? A bit like that. There's a part in at least one of the movies where a load of people join him on the run cheering him on. I was one of those supporters. Good job it was only a few metres up the road, although, as an aside, I've recently got out for a few runs.

That was just the start of my acting career and fighting related movie stardom. I then took part as an extra in a scene in a local bar for a film that rising action star Farid Jamal Khan is putting together along with Matt Riley and others.

As much as I hate hanging around in bars drinking beer in the middle of the day, I agreed to get involved and had a cool bottle of Dorada for true authenticity. I then proceeded to get beaten up. Never mind…

Not sure if my little bit will make the final cut but looking forward to seeing the finished product. Think action movie, Steven Seagal, Jason Statham etc on the London scene. Guy Richie, Lock Stock kind of thing.

Going Green?!

We have a cool and groundbreaking project that has just been launched and being worked on as we speak. It’s called Canary Green and something John Beckley has had up his sleeve for a while, and now it’s time to add extra impetus to the movement.

It’s to showcase the great work being done in the Canary Islands in terms of sustainability, raising awareness for the world and actually taking actions towards the future rather than the common pastime of merely chatting about these things but then skipping on with the day.

I myself had a vegan, no alcohol dinner the other week. To be fair, we didn’t know we couldn’t get a beer until we were there… and being a buffet situation I still piled the plate up like Homer Simpson.

It was the same restaurant that held the Vegan Brunch Meetup we went to a few days before. That was organised by Petra Kavsek who was a former Erasmus student with John Beckley/Canary PR and still rockin’ it in Tenerife.

I did get involved but didn’t pile my plate so high this time, as so beautifully caught on camera…

We’re all super excited to part of this project and at the forefront of real change, and we would love for you (whether in the Canaries or not) to get involved. A full announcement post will be coming soon on the Canary PR blog, so stay tuned for that!

French Filming & Further Frolics

Another piece of action I got involved with a few weeks ago was behind the camera (probably safer) when helping film some footage for the Second Home Tenerife crew.

As far as ‘day in the life’ type days go, this was a good’n. Starting with filming a couple of French girls at home (not what it sounds like) and culminating at the delightful Roca Negra Sunset Club, which has featured a few times in my time here - firstly as a place for an afternoon/evening drink… now I go past it on my runs!

Talking of Roca Negra - not a bad place for a cheeky gin after rockin’ at the Hard Rock Hotel, which puts on regular ‘children of the 80s’ parties and other shenanigans.

And talking of second homes - I’ve recently moved in to a new place right in the thick of it in Callao Salvaje, a great base for at least the next few months.

Humans or Dancers? Both!

Another new project up and running is our version of Humans of New York, initially featuring a couple of fine folk at the Pearly Grey to kick things off. I won’t launch into details here as I’ve already written 3 similar blog posts on the project! (plus this isn’t the shortest of articles as it is)

Here’s one of them reposted on another blog:

Getting To Know You: Humans of Hotels

Coaching & Coffee

And finally, we were taken on a rollercoaster ride at the Hotel Suite Villa Maria recently, when Juliane Nendel and John Beckley presented a masterclass workshop.

First half was from Juliane who is a holistic life coach and put us through our paces with Duran Duran and the wheel of life. Don’t ask. The second half of the day was John delivering his classic presentation on the art and science of incorporating and maximising social media in your business and branding efforts.

They will be doing more of these and it's certainly worth getting involved. It's not often you get both sides of this coin in the same place and time. And you need both to be able to move forward with your business (and life). One without the other doesn't quite work. Have you ever noticed that? Yep, you need to get the mind right… then the practical skills that will propel you forward.

Kim De Coster - who is an integral part of the Canary Green team - has recently started up coffee meetups again which are great for entrepreneurs and the like to get together informally, and chew the fat. Or have a smoothie, whatever.

They were popular in the past and we’re pleased to say that they are back with a vengeance and better than ever, this one held at The Beer Trap. I myself met a couple of writers and may be joining them at future writing meetups.

That’s enough to be getting on with for now. Until next time!

First up – why Tenerife and what am I doing?

A few months back when re-assessing the next phase of my life, I got chatting to a chap called Simon on LinkedIn, who was working with a company called Canary PR over in Tenerife, initially through the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme. He said it could be something worth looking in to…

Indeed it was. After writing an article for Canary PR to see if we jived – fast forward a few months, an application to EYE, a bit of back and forth and right now I’m writing this in an apartment in Playa San Juan, half-way up the west coast of the island.

I won’t go in to the programme much here, you can check that out for yourself… suffice to say, the ‘young’ part of it simply means the amount of time you’ve been in business (ie. under 3 years) rather than your age!

It’s an initiative through the European Union (I’ll get on to some irony later… don’t mention the B word!) providing funding and support for those with ideas and a desire to make things happen.

You bring those to the table and you could receive funding from them along with support from a ‘host’ entrepreneur, ie. a person with an ongoing business of over 3 years who will help give you the boost, structure and momentum with your project(s), in exchange for you bringing some of your skills to their business.

Of course, there are many other places you can do this across Europe and even the world. I didn’t so much select Tenerife, but rather it chose me in the sense that I never looked at other options due to the sequence of events.

I’m fairly happy how it turned out though ;). No stranger to Tenerife as I had holidays here as a kid along with a month one summer in my 20s… this is obviously a slightly different scenario but a nice twist to proceedings.

It’s a small world!

Since arriving, I’ve met up with the charismatic John Beckley who is my main contact.

I’m pleased to say we all have a similar ethos in the way we should work and live. No bosses, no hierarchy, no fixed workplace. A person steering the ship (John), sure, along with building our individual personal brands along of that of Canary PR (and wider future projects for sure).

Plus a central office base where we can go to work and see each other in person, but certainly not clocking in and out, those days have gone (or are on their way out). Also, the importance of work and play being closely linked and not mutually exclusive.

Not only that, I found out in our first conversation that John (who is from South Africa) spent time playing cricket in my home town in England… what are the odds!

So, what’s my contribution?

My core business is copywriting, so I will continue building my own client base as well as contributing to that of Canary PR and their associates. There are potential projects galore on the horizon, so watch this space. I don’t see writing as my end game but it certainly will be a strong feature in bringing it all together.

In terms of the length of time doing the programme, that depends a little on certain political situations ironing themselves out. That B-word I mentioned earlier. Yes, good ol’ Brexit (please, no more. In, out, shake it all about but let’s all move on and not speak of it again).

Ideally I’ll be doing 5 months taking us right up to August but it could come to an abrupt halt at the end of the this month (March).

Either way, I intend to stay and continue my work. It just might not be through this EU initiative but these few weeks at least give me a chance to get established and get things moving.

What have I done so far?

I’ve already gone on a few excursions and written about them for the Pearly Grey hotel in Callao Salvaje. I will add the links in Part 2 to those articles, but in short; a full day bus trip around the west of the island, a 4 hour boat trip cruising the coast and a trike ride in there too!

Next week will be about getting sorted with new accommodation, shooting some promotional videos, more writing and project planning.

(If you’re interested in what they’re up to now, then canarygreen.org is your main port of call)

Hopefully, I’ll look to do a weekly round up of these kind of posts. I’m in the process of deciding what to centre in on as my main project/base and updating my various profiles, so there could be some changes afoot. Whichever way, there will be an update or 2 around the interwebs :)

Salud!

PS. I also wrote another post on the Canary PR blog which is similar in nature but with a few twists (including a video) so that may or may not make it’s way here ;)

PPS. Be sure to catch Part 2 coming up as that’s a bumper edition. Not least, various antics and activities like my starring role (ok, extra) in an action movie, different content creation and events… and if and how this trip might be affected by the nauseous Brexit saga…

You’ll know or recall how VR is getting fully immersed in an experience without actually being there. You are surrounded by the sights and sounds and any other sensory experience it offers. This makes a good substitute to give you an idea of a place. Nothing like the real thing of course (yet) but a bit of fun and potentially very useful. This is usually accessed through a headset or similar means.

AR is a step back from that and is more of a blend of the ‘real life’ with the ‘fake’ layer on top or incorporated in some way. A blended mix and match where we can use devices to enhance a situation or add something to it but not actually enter the virtual.

Nowadays travellers expect a lot more than a static map and tend to expect ineractive, personalised and more immersive experiences. And AR is one such way that’s offered, transforming the way people view cities, landmarks and other attractions by overlaying some digital information on the real world. This can be interactive city guides or ‘try before you go’ previews of destinations or other types of enhancement.

The Rise of AR in Travel

Defining AR in Tourism

AR integrates digital visuals, text or 3D models into the physical environment via a smartphone, tablet or AR glasses. It’s different from VR in the sense that AR enhances the real world instead of replacing it.

Early Adoption

Apps like Pokémon Go introduced AR to the mainstream, paving the way for location-based AR experiences in tourism. And museums and tourism boards began experimenting with AR overlays to enrich exhibits and walking tours.

Practical Applications of AR in Tourism

Interactive City Guides

AR-powered apps turn a traveller’s smartphone into a dynamic lens. Pointing a phone at a building for example could display historical facts, architectural details or related stories.

For navigation, AR can overlay arrows on the street to guide travellers to destinations in real time (eg. Google Maps Live View).

Cultural and Historical Experiences

Historical sites use AR to recreate how ruins looked in their prime. Like at ancient Roman sites, travellers there can use AR to see reconstructed temples layered over the existing ruins.

Museums use AR to animate artifacts, allowing visitors to see ‘living history’.

Virtual Try-Before-You-Go Experiences

Destination previews: AR apps let users visualise landmarks or hotel interiors before visiting.

Airlines and travel agencies integrate AR to help travellers ‘experience’ destinations during the booking process.

Hospitality and Attractions

Hotels use AR for interactive maps, digital concierge services or AR-enhanced room features. While theme parks employ AR scavenger hunts, interactive rides and gamified experiences.

Benefits of AR for Travellers

Immersive learning enhances cultural understanding by making history, art and science interactive.

Personalised exploration: AR content adapts to the traveller’s preferences and pace.

Convenience: Provides real-time, context-aware navigation and information.

Engagement: Gamified AR tours encourage travellers to explore more deeply.

Accessibility: Offers translations, audio guides and visual cues to make destinations more inclusive.

Industry Impact

Tourism Boards use AR campaigns to attract visitors by showcasing destinations in innovative ways. Travel Agencies use AR for destination marketing and immersive trip planning. And local businesses like restaurants, shops and attractions benefit from AR features that highlight reviews to menus and any special offers when travellers walk by.

What About Drawbacks?

Technological

Of course this all requires compatible smartphones or AR glasses, which not all travellers own. This will take time to become the norm and there will be an expense and learning curve.

Data Overload

Excessive overlays can distract from the real-world experience. It could all get a bit overboard and end up detracting from what it was supposed to be doing. It should be an addition to enhance, rather than something that takes over and removes any essence.

Accuracy Issues

GPS and AR mapping sometimes struggle with precision in dense urban areas. None of these things are always accurate and can struggle in certain environments. No doubt this will be the case here but I guess you run with what you have and take this into account.

Cost

There’s always a price to pay and can people and organisations do so? Developing high-quality AR content is expensive for smaller destinations or museums, so could be prohibitive or at least a major consideration.

The Future of AR in Tourism

AR Glasses and Wearables

Devices like Apple Vision Pro and future AR glasses may make AR experiences seamless and hands-free.

AI + AR Integration

Smarter systems could provide contextual, real-time translations, restaurant suggestions or personalised itineraries directly through AR lenses.

Gamification of Travel

Scavenger hunts, AR-based treasure maps or city-wide interactive games could become common tourism attractions.

Metaverse Travel Hybrids

Blending AR with virtual tourism, travellers could interact with digital layers of history or meet virtual avatars of guides while exploring real-world locations.

Final Thoughts...

As ever it comes down to how best this is all used. The technology is there (or at least emerging) and it can be a real asset, enhancing our experience, being useful and more fun. There are always considerations for the creators and anyone using the tech, from cost to how much they want to integrate this sort of thing.

The idea though is that AR is redefining tourism by blending the physical world into richer and more interactive experiences. It’s a push to explore and make it that bit more smarter, engaging and personal.

I had mentioned in an earlier article how I think this is an underrated technology (not just in travel but in general). As in, VR gets more of the headlines and is about jumping into another world (but not actually) whereas AR can be a bit more versatile, giving us a glimpse of something and a helping hand whilst striking to right where we are.

Either way, there’s a place for it and we’re likely to see it grow. Just how much remains to be seen, but much is already happening... in particular that leap from phones to other methods of viewing which should be exciting to watch play out!

Classic stuff from Ricky Gervais. Although I think his stand-up is solid, I’m more a fan of much of his work over the years but this is great and I often think of this when viewing people’s behaviour online (or even offline!)…

Of course, there’s a great point contained within the humour and the way people think and act is bizarre as that’s just not how you’d conduct yourself in person. If something’s not for you, then there’s a whole world out there, so simply move on. And if it is something that’s of interest you can get involved. No need to complain about everything or jump in with your 2 cents.

Enjoy what’s for you, and if you want there are plenty of places to whine, so you can happily fill your boots elsewhere. Let’s just leave people to go about their business. Novel idea but might just catch on ;)

This Week @ PFB

Three articles added this week… a variety of personal travel tale, TravelTech and a little more ‘philosophical’…

First up, let’s venture down the mines and a salty trip to Kraków:

Diving into virtual reality in tourism:

And slightly off topic in a sense, one on the ‘4 stages of life’:

Next week should see 3 more articles added (along with the weekly Museletter). I’m thinking a couple from my Tenerife days, along with one on Augmented Reality (AR) to go with the VR one above.

Note of the Week

‘Notes’ are the short-form feature on Substack (like Tweets or Facebook shares) and I may start sharing some here. This one is from a couple of weeks back I had also shared to the FB Page and it’s a good one for anyone trying to do anything and feels they’re not being seen. This Philipp character has a few good ones to be fair…

Keep playing for the quiet ones!

Shit List

I’m also introducing an occasional ‘shit list’. I did something similar on an old blog briefly. You know, all those words, phrases or concepts that can be a bit silly (I remember one being adding -preneur to every word, eg. Mums in business = mumpreneur etc.)

Today we have authenticity. Nothing wrong with that I hear you cry! Something we should be. No, this is the constant going on about it and claiming it at every turn which completely negates the authenticity and by definition is inauthentic! Let others decide what’s what, and you get on with your life.

Same with ‘be kind’ and other empty social media share platitudes. Just do it or don’t do it and let the chips fall as they may. And ironically, these people aren’t always the kindest and vice versa. Go figure.

Enter Video to the Repertoire

In addition to the services mentioned in an earlier Museletter, I’m adding more strings to my bow. I’m now going a bit deeper into video editing/marketing. I’ve only dabbled with this in the past and left it to others whilst concentrating on the writing part of it all.

That still stands of course (the words will still flow off the fingers) but it’s a nice addition to my arsenal - something I can offer to clients as well as use for my own projects. I’ll document some of that journey as we go.

A lot of the trend is towards simple, raw and dare I say authentic video (quite rightly) but there is a very high demand for short-form, well edited and creative content. People just don’t have the time for it and it can be a bit fiddly (like a lot of this stuff). They want to concentrate on their business or other tasks and that’s where people like myself come in.

That’ll do for this week. I’m contemplating switching to Saturday to post these here Museletters but either way Friday or Saturday is where it’s at for now.

Now I’m off to the garden centre to tell them I don’t want any rhododendrons…
See ya!

There were a few reasons why I went to Kraków before my Dutch adventure. Not least that I hadn’t been and simply wanted to go. Add in the fact that there was a previous Hive/SteemFest there a few years ago that I couldn’t make which irked me slightly, and I had a score to settle. There were also some funky entrance policies still hanging on for the Netherlands from outside the EU, which I decided to avoid to be on the safe side.

So why not? As I say, it seems like a distant memory and it was only a few weeks ago. Those 5 days in Holland were busy, hectic, intense and all the things you’d expect (and lived through yourself and/or read about around these parts).

There be white gold beneath that ground

The Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Kraków and Poland, a Polish Historic Monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s no longer operational but was for many years and is steeped in history.

The town of Wieliczka and mine itself, can be reached in about a 30 minute bus ride from just outside Kraków centre and costs around 20 euros for the English tour (in Polish currency) which lasts about 2.5 hours.

I almost didn’t go as I was wandering around the old town and had some things to sort out that evening before jetting off the next day. I realised I did in fact have plenty of time and it would be a shame to miss something so obvious whilst in a place. I quickly figured out where and when the bus went, jumped on - and despite getting off a couple of stops early and giving myself an extra walk in the sun - arrived at the mine with plenty of time before the next tour.

Tours are hourly and I had just missed the 2:00pm which is fine as it would have been a rush, so now I could chill and do the one at 3. Time to get a ticket, head for the cafe and indulge in a beer and some snacks.

3pm rolled round and in we went. There must have been 20 people on our tour, more in total as we were split into 2 groups. First thing’s first - getting down to the thick of it. I don’t know how many steps there were but there were many and it went on for quite a while. Alarm bells should have been ringing when they asked before setting off if we had any physical ailments, as that could have been a bit of a pain for some.

No dramas, we got to the bottom (or somewhere near it) and we could begin our tour with ‘Sarina’.

Salty Sarina

I didn’t actually get the name of our tour guide, but she reminded me a little of Sarina Wiegman (albeit a younger version), the England women’s football team manager. A bit stern and business-like but she did loosen up a bit and cracked a smile or 2.

Either way, she did a great job. Kept us informed and in check although I always got that more ‘corporate’ feeling (rather than a fun/laid back vibe) if that makes sense. That’s the nature of the beast I guess, and all tours are different. For a start, safety is paramount and you can’t be losing people and finding them mummified in salt. There’s also the personality of individuals and nations collectively to consider. Not a judgement, but interesting to observe.

The entire mine is made of salt and it is somewhat of a labyrinth, with all the passageways along with displays of historic salt mining technology. Not to mention (I am mentioning it), an underground lake, chapels and numerous statues carved by miners and more recent contemporary artists.

The rock salt itself is varying shades of grey, resembling granite, rather than mounds of the white substance you might be picturing. It’s a shame I’ve got a dodgy camera on my phone but you get the idea…

There were neolithic scenes, Copernicus was in there, and we were even treated to the sounds of the Polish composer Chopin.

As ever, I can’t remember half of what was said but it was a pleasant experience to see it with my own eyes. A very impressive structure (of which only a small percentage is open to tourists), like a veritable Willy Wonka factory of the salt world. At one point looking over the edge into the lake I imagined one of Charlie’s associates coming a cropper.

I also had flashes of that 60s song ‘Big Bad John’, where some chap (that’ll be Big John) got stuck and perished down the mine. Too many movies and songs made me rather keen to get out again after a few hours.

For more of the nitty-gritty, facts and stats and what have you, you can check out the Wikipedia entry. And also see their website for a less dry version and for what exactly they offer. They also do weddings and other functions there, which would be great. In fact, I believe the final dinner at SteemFest 2018 was there which would have been cool.

Back up we go…

All that was left was to get out of there. There was the option of going to the museum first or just going straight out. Now, I’m not sure about navigating all those steps back up, fit or not.

Fortunately, that wasn’t on the cards and we made use of the lifts. One wasn’t working of course which delayed things a bit and then there were 4 sections to the lift that had to be filled before going up. So a bit of a back and forth… and we were packed in like sardines. Good thing there are no dodgy bugs about!

Back out on to higher ground, on to the bus then back to the hotel. All in all a good day out and a worthwhile trip in general. That was really a precursor and ‘warm up’ to my main Amsterdam event which eclipsed this little Polish expedition in many ways.

I will be back to Poland at some point. Kraków probably, but less urgency to return (although I’d like to check out more of the nightlife as I held back on that), plus Warsaw, Katowice and potentially other places. An interesting country to be explored a bit more.

Have you been and what did you think?
And any other tips for Kraków, Poland or beyond?

VR is nothing new as such. It’s been talked about a lot over the years and there have been expectations that haven’t really come to fruition yet. It’s been the stuff of Sci-Fi and some of it has made its way into reality but we’re a long way off from it becoming mainstream and high quality.

There has also been much talk of the ‘Metaverse’ which was mostly hype... or rather we’re just a tad early as the infrastructure isn’t in place. Its time will come (to what degree who knows, and to what degree do we even want such a thing?). Facebook even changed their parent company name to Meta but Zuckerberg and his cronies made an error with some of their efforts, mostly in timing.

That’s obviously a huge subject and one we can delve into in future discussions, but for now let’s focus on how VR currently fits into tourism and what may be coming down the pipe…

Why??

Travel is about discovery, but there are always physical and financial limitations. You have to choose your battles and you can’t do it all. The other accelerator (as with Digital Nomadism) is our good ol’ friend ‘Covid’, or rather the restrictions placed following this passage of time. When you can’t go anywhere, this gives an alternative; nothing like the real thing but far more than nothing.

And rather than just a stop-gap solution, VR is shaping a new paradigm in how people can experience destinations, blending technology, culture and accessibility.

Evolution

Early experiments

There have been some 360° Media attempts that have offered that little bit more than the norm, offering panoramic views of famous sites and the like, but they lack the interactivity.

Leap to VR

Then we have the headsets that have come on the scene. Oculus Quest, HTC Vive and Playstation VR are a few examples. This allows people to ‘walk through’ physical landmarks, have a wander around natural wonders and even interact with guided tours, all from their living room.

Immersive Travel Experiences Through VR

Virtual tours of landmarks

Get the museum experience and have a stroll through The Louvre or British Museum as they and UNESCO sites offer walkthroughs.

You can explore the pyramids of Giza or Machu Picchu without the physical barriers. Maybe you want the physical aspect, that’s the whole point, but at least you can get a feel for it.

Adventure travel from home

Platforms like Ascape VR and National Geographic VR offer safaris, scuba dives and hikes through exotic terrains. Immersive soundscapes enhance the feeling of ‘being there’.

Cultural Immersion

VR concerts, festivals and performances bring cultural traditions closer to global audiences. And travellers can ‘sit in’ on a Japanese tea ceremony or witness Carnival in Rio virtually.

Training & Pre-Trip Exploration

Potential travellers can use VR to preview destinations, which helps to plan itineraries. Airlines, hotels and travel companies now use VR to showcase experiences before booking.

Accessibility and Inclusion

Physical Barriers

VR enables those with mobility challenges to experience places that may be inaccessible in real life.

Financial Barriers

A VR headset is far cheaper than multiple international trips.

Educational Value

Schools use VR to bring geography and history lessons alive through virtual field trips. Might make the school day a bit more exciting!

The Technology Behind Virtual Tourism

VR Hardware

Standalone headsets (Meta Quest 2, Pico) and smartphone-based VR offer different levels of immersion.

Content Creation

High-resolution 360° cameras, 3D scanning and photogrammetry power lifelike experiences.

AI Integration

Enhances realism with adaptive environments, contextual information and interactive guides.

Sounds great, but some counter points...

Authenticity

VR can simulate sights and sounds, but not the feel of real travel (smells, climate, human interaction). You can have a good go at it, but it’s never going to be the real real experience. Just not gonna happen but you can still get plenty of enjoyment for what it it is.

Cost Consideration

VR headsets remain relatively expensive, limiting widespread adoption. It may well be cheaper than going to a destination but you still have to fork out for the tech which isn’t cheap. That will all depend on someone’s goals and desires and always a factor.

Content Gaps

Not all destinations are available in VR as developing detailed simulations requires investment. I doubt there will be full coverage and some will be patchy... then again you just go with what’s available.

Risk of Substitution

Some critics fear VR might discourage physical travel, impacting local economies. Well yes, the old conundrum. It will substitute some to a degree. The counter argument is that some may use the VR who aren’t able to actually go to the places so it’s additional. It could even encourage people to take a sniff round, and then that pushes them to go for the real thing.

Yes, we want to avoid people rolling around on their lounge floor with their headset on and not participating in what we call the real world. Or that could simply be time that replaces watching TV or playing video games (which this kind of is, and is another form of entertainment).

As we always come back to in these articles, any tech can be used for good as well as evil, and for productivity/efficiency or wasting time/addiction/dopamine without reward. There is no right or wrong, just what enhances the human experience and how people decide to use it.

The Future of VR Tourism

Mixed Reality Travel Experiences

Combining VR with augmented reality (AR) for hybrid explorations. That could be visiting a city physically while overlaying historical or cultural insights digitally. AR is actually a more interesting technology in a way as it’s more of a half-way house with wider implications, not all or nothing. We’ll come back to AR in another article.

Metaverse Travel

Social VR platforms may allow groups to ‘travel’ together, hosting global meetups at digital replicas of real destinations. I’ve had a look at a couple of virtual meetups and it doesn’t really work as yet. This should improve over time but nothing will replace being there in person. Having said that, these are an additional feature for life, as in a step up from a video call and the like but not quite the real deal.

Hyper-Realistic Sensory Tech

Future VR will integrate haptics (touch), scent simulators and temperature adjustments to make virtual tourism multisensory.

Tourism Industry Adoption

Airlines will step up VR previews of destinations and hotels will create more immersive previews of rooms and experiences. Travel agencies can add VR trip package offers as part of their services. As with anything it will be incoporated and adjusted over time.

So what now?

Star Trek it isn’t, The Jetsons not so much. VR is a technology that will continue to show itself and there is a big part it can play. It cannot and will not play the star role. In fact, all these advancements sometimes enhance some of what we’re ‘losing’ as it gives more power and appreciation to it.

Yes, they can live in harmony. Will they be abused? Yes, some will use it to their advantage and many consumers will go too deep. Others will keep their wits about them, enjoy all that’s out there and maintain a good sense of balance. For all we know, we could already be living in some sort of virtual reality, so we’re just talking about levels to this thing... but that’s beyond the scope of this article!

VR tourism opens the plane doors, for those that can’t step on one. It will never replace the ‘real thing’ (whatever that means anyway) but redefine what it means to ‘travel’. Not so much about replacement but more of a complement to existing methods. All in all helping people to plan and experience what was impossible just a few short years ago.

Buckle up and enjoy the ride!

That being, the 4 stages of life as he lays out. Perhaps this is a common framework, I have no idea, but it certainly makes a lot of sense and we can break it down a bit here.

Stage 1: Mimicry

This could be the early stage of life and of any endeavour. You know nothing, and you’re just imitating what’s around you. You may not know if something’s good or bad but all you’ve got is copying the other’s example.

This obviously happens with babies and also teenagers (and others) in a slightly different manner. With the baby that’s all they’ve got to go on, with bigger ‘kids’ it’s more about fitting in with the group (including those pretending not to care and not fit into any group, which in itself is an identity shared by others, aka a group).

Each time you start something new you are in this phase. As a baby, you’re just going on instinct, as an adult it’s more intentional but you may have to get started this way before moving on to the next phase.

Stage 2: Exploration

This is a biggie and forms the next part of your life, or section of experience. Exploring, seeing what’s out there, and getting plenty of data. You’ll use that data in future phases and this will never fully go away but there are more pronounced times of your life when it takes place.

This is finding out who you are and what you’re about. Self-discovery. Your place in the world. This can be seeing the different places, trying ways of dressing, religion, dating, travelling, different jobs/careers etc.

This can be a lot of fun and interesting. It can also cause angst and can’t go on indefinitely (that’s up for debate of course and it will always factor in wherever you are). Once you’ve had your fill of this...

Stage 3: Commitment

As it says on the tin: you commit. You decide on a course of action, place or person and that’s it (for now anyway). The dating phase is over and now you ‘settle down’, perhaps marry. You decide on a place to live, perhaps buy over rent. The job or business is fairly set and this is your life now. Both potentially exciting and depressing so you need to get this right.

Sure, you might not want to be a ‘Peter Pan’ but you don’t want to be stuck in undesirable circumstances either. That’s the quandary. Always an element of risk but a very rich life awaits.

This of course may not be forever. Divorces happen, jobs end and sometimes a place has served its time. There may be things that you’re always commited to (children for example in one way or another) but everything is in a state of flux, people and situations change and that’s fine. Perhaps some more exploring before coming back here?

Stage 4: Legacy

You’re getting old now. Not really but perhaps that last quarter of life... the autumn and winter years. Not a young buck and it will all end one day. Now what? You’re not building for yourself so much any more, but perhaps for others in your family, community and beyond. Maybe you want your name to stand for something, or your work and ideas to live on. This is where you stake your stake - “I woz ‘ere”.

Getting your affairs in order. Doesn’t have to feel bad, it can all be very positive and now you can slow down a bit, maybe the body isn’t what it was so the mental or spiritual side is getting its turn.

You’re not chasing the yanky dollar or her/him and you’re looking towards your future as it stands. Time to pass the baton, leave things better than you found it and leave a strong legacy (if that’s what you want).

In a life sense you could say that these phases can can be around 20 years each. The out and out mimicry will be for the little’ns but may go on further for some. Exploration could really go on from young teens into the 30s as a general rule, commitment in your 40s and looking towards legacy in your 60s. Of course there aren’t any rules and they vary and go in cycles.

You could well be circling through these phases all the time, whether that be decades or a matter of days. And it obviously varies for different people at different times.

An interesting way of looking at things and it does appear that’s the way it goes...

So where are you with it all?

Dickie Greenleaf and Tom Ripley there (aka Jude Law and Matt Damon) living it large in Italy in The Talented Mr Ripley. Great film, and very tenuously links to part of today’s Museletter, where we have a round up of the past week and a look to what’s coming up, here at PFB as well as out in the wider world…

Festivaling & All That Jazz

In my neck of the woods there’s the Sidmouth Jazz Festival, so anyone in or around the East Devon area of the UK should pop along. I wrote an article a couple of years ago about it and may well do a follow up at some point.

Now added to the Substack which you can read here:

Bulgarian Bonanza!

A little further afield in the world of festivals and one for the digital nomads, remote workers and entrepreneurs, we have Bansko Nomad Fest in Bulgaria in a month or so. Plenty of talks, interesting people and all that... plus a good ol’ party I should imagine!

I've been meaning to go but manage to keep missing it. This year? If I do I suspect I’ll put the odd bit of content around here. And if I don’t, I’ll share any good bits and pieces I see…

One thing - tickets go up at the end of May, so get in amongst it if it’s of interest!

Hey Hive, We Meet Again

HiveFest has also been announced for this year. What’s that? Well, Hive is a blockchain (and an associated cryptocurrency) and I’ve been to a couple of these events. I’ve written articles on my Hive blog, and I’m sure some of that content will make its way over to Substack and other Social Media in due course.

(See this article for a general overview, and you can click on the related links at the bottom for more)

And that will be in…… Barcelona! So back in Europe and a country I’ve spent a minute or 2 in - Spain. That takes place in September and I’ll endeavour to get along. It’s not just boring old tech stuff (although there are some more heavy going talks and the like), but far more a fun and varied few days with some interesting people.

Plus it will be good to check in on Gaudi and the crew… see how that La Sagrada Familia’s coming along ;)

Here are another couple of articles posted this week…

One on AI and translation devices:

Oh, and it turns out we did go to Italy after all!

Read Along With Moi

You may or may not be aware that you can listen to the audio version of the articles which you can click on at the top (read by yours truly of course, not the stiggy AI option). If there’s not an audio bar there, it means I haven’t done it yet but will probably add it in soon enough.

Be warned though, I may not exactly follow the ‘script’ and might ad lib, ad hoc or go off half-cock… so enter at your own risk!

Anyway, that’ll do for this week… catch you next time :)

Ciao!

The idea was to go there for the rugby. The Six Nations Championship was on and Italy were playing at home to Ireland. That was one premise for the trip but also just to go there in general and sample its emphatic delights.

A friend of mine at the time was planning to go with a few rugby mates, as it turned out it was him, his girlfriend and a friend of hers. They were just staying the weekend whereas I was there for 5 days, so a real chance to take it all in.

To start we were a little unfortunate with the weather but that brightened up for the last couple of days. Great for me, as I saw the place in its full glory, not so much for my friends as they saw it all whilst it was a bit dour.

Still a fantastic place either way, and I was super impressed. It wasn’t so much all the obvious stuff like the Colosseum and the like (although great) but more the interesting architecture and structures you see round random corners that may not be in a guide book.

The place is like walking through a museum and has such a cool vibe. Yes, there’s a little chaos. You’d have to question whether you could live there. The public transport for one was fairly poor for a capital city (especially coming from Madrid where it’s pretty good) and it has other drawbacks.

But that is part of the charm. You have to take the rough with the smooth, and it really shines the light of what the place is.

I was staying around Trastevere which was a nice area… but quite a distance from where my companions were staying. This made things a little awkward for meeting up, but I definitely got my steps in!

So on the day of the rugby, it was off to the Stadio Olimpico… via a trip to another famous landmark and institution, the Vatican! There were queues and tourists galore but we eventually got in and in amongst it. An essential stop off on a trip to the Italian capital. Then it was a case of getting from there to the Olympic Stadium for the rugby.

We got chatting to an Irish/Italian girl after we had stopped off somewhere on the way. We were at the bus stop but the best way of getting there and in good time was via taxi, so we all jumped in together. On arrival she dashed off to meet her mates and mentioned an Irish bar she was going to later. Ok, noted.

There was a lively atmosphere at the stadium and Ireland beat Italy fairly comfortably as expected but a great vibe.

What next? After some fun with trams and the like, my companions jumped on one and I continued walking. They were off the next day so we said our goodbyes and I went on with my adventure. Perhaps to this Irish bar that was mentioned?

As I walked through the city I was amazed at all the sights I saw. I had no idea exactly where I was but there was a real buzzing atmosphere and more great looking architecture and features in multiple squares that I passed.

I did eventually make it to the Irish bar and there was another rugby match on that day so that was being shown. Once that was over, the band started and all hell broke loose. Those Irish know how to party.

Our old friend Athena (I think that was her name, the half-Irish/half-Italian girl) popped up in amongst the melee. We had some exchanges but she was on the go as her friends were going for dinner (so she said?). Off she went, and on I went with the night.

I got involved in the party and took off at a reasonable hour. Got some food from nearby and called it a night. There must have been some pizza in there somewhere… the Italians do a fair job of that! Although like anywhere, it can vary a lot, especially in tourist areas.

As for the rest of the trip, I just took it all in. Sampled some delicious gelato and anything else I could get my hands on. Did much of the tourist stuff, some less obvious and generally enjoyed my time there before returning home.

That is still the only time I’ve been to Italy but I’m hoping to change that soon. Of course there’s far more to Italy than Rome, but I will be back there too… I did throw a penny into the Trevi Fountain after all :)

Have you been and what did you make of it?

We usually have a bit of a plan and put in a menial amount of effort with basic phrases and the like, and the tools for doing this have changed over the years, and continue to do so with various technology emerging and evolving.

Traditionally it was your classic phrasebook and dictionary (not good for speedy access or context and nuance). Then you had the likes of Google Translate and other apps that take things a stage further, and are very handy but far from perfect.

Now entering the fray are a number of AI-powered translation devices and apps, offering real-time, accurate, and context-aware communication tools that are making global travel smoother than ever.

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Evolution of Translation Technology

From Phrasebooks to Apps

You could get all kinds of these phrasebooks, some better than others. Lonely Planet et al would have a section to help you out. These are of course very basic and limited to certain specific scenarios. Woe betide the person you’re chatting with goes off script!

And a dictionary is literal word translation which doesn’t work in real life and takes a while. That would all need to be memorised and/or repeatedly referred to. Not sure how we managed really... just shouting and pointing I guess (like a big game of Charades).

Recent years have seen the rise of the smartphone, evolution of the internet and numerous digital apps. Early versions of Google Translate introduced text-based translations but often lacked accuracy. They have improved that tool over the years and it can be very useful, but a long way to go before it’s seamless (if that’s even attainable).

Rise of Machine Learning in Translation

Neural Machine Translation (NMT) has dramatically improved accuracy. This is a modern approach to machine translation that uses deep learning and artificial neural networks to translate text between languages.

AI can now account for context, idioms and tone instead of literal word-for-word translations. It’s doubtful it would be to the same level as a human, but getting closer and closer enabling a more natural back and forth. Any non-native speaker will never get 100% there anyway, and this is no different (or time will tell anyway).

The Latest AI Translation Devices and Tools

Handheld Translation Devices

Tools like Pocketalk and Langogo offer instant, speech-to-speech translation in dozens of languages. Previously ili and others I’m sure have attempted this with different degrees of success. All the Chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok, Claude etc can be used for this purpose and will be forever updating their abilities.

Some of these are compact, portable, and designed specifically for travellers. Simply a case of using it on the spot. A bit of a delay to normal talking but relatively speedy and accurate if all goes to plan.

Smartphone-Based AI Translation

Google Translate, DeepL, and Microsoft Translator now use AI to handle complex sentences and contextual meanings. These will continue to expand and likely to corner the market. Especially if people pay for a premium plan, they can have all the other benefits and a translation app in with the bargain. It’s not like they’re going to stop developing, so a paid version now will be the free version of tomorrow.

Offline translation packs allow travellers to communicate even without internet. This is the other conundrum of this day and age, having some sort of data or Wi-Fi service which is good and reliable enough to get the job done when you need it. Most areas and occasions are covered, but not completely, and having the offline option makes it accessible at all times, which makes all the difference (not least cutting out some uncertainty).

Wearable Translation Tech

Earbuds like Timekettle WT2 Edge or Pilot by Waverly Labs enable real-time two-way conversations without holding a device.

Integration with early prototype AR glasses shows future potential for seamless, ‘always-on’ translation overlays.

Integrated Travel Ecosystems

Some airlines, hotels, and booking platforms are embedding AI translation into customer service tools. This will make for a natural process and integrated into what they’re doing without having to go elsewehere.

So think multilingual chatbots powered by AI helping travellers book rooms, flights or activities.

How AI is Making Travel More Accessible

Breaking Social Barriers

Like it or not it’s a huge barrier and now travellers can have real conversations with locals, enriching cultural exchanges. Might still be a bit clunky at first but it does mean additional communication and connection.

Navigating Logistics

Reading menus, street signs, and transportation instructions in real time... really useful when needing to jump on a train or have more of an idea of what you’re ordering.

Boosting Safety

Quick communication during emergencies or medical situations abroad. Aside from all the fun and games, there is a serious aspect here. Any emergency situation this could be a lifesaver or get things clear and moving.

Encouraging Exploration

It reduces fear of language challenges, making lesser-known destinations more accessible. Some people are better than others at putting themselves out there, and this saves some embarrassment and just gives a general confidence, opening up a wider world for people.

The Power of Contextual Understanding

AI translation goes beyond literal accuracy. It can recognise cultural nuances like formal vs casual tone, interpret slang, idioms and regional dialects, and adjust based on situational context (you may want a different vibe when ordering food vs a legal discussion).

Challenges and Limitations

Accuracy Gaps

While improved (and improving), AI still struggles with rare dialects or languages with limited training data.

Connectivity Dependence

Some devices require strong internet for best results, which isn’t always available.

Privacy Concerns

Voice and text data are often processed in the cloud, raising security questions.

Human Connection

Over-reliance on tech may sometimes reduce the incentive to learn local phrases or engage authentically. This is the issue with all tech; enhancing efficiency and improving lives, but at the same time making old ways obsolete (or less common) which means losing something.

Having said that, it tends to come full circle and add extra weight to the thing being lost or phased out. Something to keep an eye on, and nothing to say we can’t have the best of all worlds. That’s up to everyone (and the world at large) to do as they please for the optimum experience.

The Future of AI Translation for Travellers

Seamless Integration

Expect translation baked into everyday devices (phones, watches, AR glasses).

Greater Language Coverage

Expanding beyond major languages to minority and indigenous tongues.

Offline AI Models

More advanced, fully offline translation to ensure access anywhere in the world.

Real-Time Cultural Assistance

Future tools could not only translate but also suggest culturally appropriate responses.

All these AI-powered translation tools are revolutionising global travel by removing (at least to a degree) one of its oldest obstacles: that being language and communicating effectively.

From handheld translators and smart earbuds to AI-driven apps, travellers can now navigate foreign countries with ease and confidence, as well as a deeper cultural immersion.

While challenges remain and will always be in the conversation, it’s clear where it’s all going... the language barrier is no longer a dealbreaker for international exploration. Not that it ever was, but the potential is for it to become much easier and fuller, pushing back previous boundaries.

The dream of truly universal communication where any traveller can connect instantly with anyone/anywhere, is closer than ever. Whether that is ‘good’ or ‘bad’ is up to you but the path is clear and we’ll be walking down it if we like it or not.

Where that puts translators (as in people) is the subject of another article. My guess is they won’t disappear (at least not for a while) but like writers, designers and many other fields, the lower level stuff will be taken care of, and the smart folk will use all this to enhance themselves and their offering rather than shy away from it.

It’s a case of living alongside the technology and adding it to our experience. Isn’t that the whole point anyway?

This year saw the third instalment of the now yearly extravaganza of the Sidmouth Jazz Festival. So what is it and how was it?

Sidmouth is my home town in East Devon, England and it started a jazz festival on the May Bank Holiday in 2022. That was a fairly small affair, testing the waters and seeing if it was something that worked and could be expanded on.

The second one took place last year (2023) which was a huge success, and was clear it already went from strength to strength. That first one was a small and basic affair, whereas round 2 already changed to a larger venue as well as keeping what worked first time round.

This main venue takes advantage of a park in the centre of town - Blackmore Gardens - which is ideal and underutilised for this kind of thing (or it has been in the past, could that be changing?)… but being used far more these days which is great to see.

There were other happenings dotted around town, in bars, cafes, Kennaway House (where it was based first time round with a smaller grass area) but this was the focal point and made a cohesive and appropriately sized festival. I’m not sure if in the past it was not realised it could be made more of, or if there were official reasons or restrictions.

The whole 2023 shebang was very well organised, fun, interesting and enjoyed by all. The weather helped as that was perfect so it all went with a swing. Just a few photos of some of the vibe…

I was hopeful that 2024 would continue the trend… and that it did. This year it maintained what it had built as well as added to what was on offer, whilst becoming a little more ‘commercial’ (whether that’s good or bad is up for debate, but necessary to a degree for these things to survive and thrive).

There were costs involved in getting in the main arena, so instead of just charity boxes (which were still there) you would pay fee to enter for the day or a variety of full festival tickets. Perhaps that will be altered in next year’s iteration or kept as is.

The evening concerts were separated out and included several acts, some well known and others less so… including Mr Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet fame! Not really a jazz classic in my book, but then again that’s a loose term to encapsulate a wider range of music.

There was plenty of ‘real’ (trad?) jazz on display, as well as blues, R&B, Latin and related genres. Roland Gift, the singer from the Fine Young Cannibals popped up last year… again not jazz so much, but seemed to go down well.

It’s organised by the same guy who has put on a similar event in Rye in south-east England at the end of August bank holiday weekend. I believe the story goes, he was on holiday down in Devon and thought Sidmouth could make an ideal location for the same thing (and is part of the Jurassic Coast which is a World Heritage site no less).

He looked out over the views, saw the setting and potential venues and thought he’d try to re-produce it there.

I imagine there was some red tape and push-back, with a few hoops to jump through but he’s brought it to life and it looks like it’s here to stay.

Sidmouth is the setting for a yearly folk festival which just passed its 70th year and is one of the biggest in the country. So no stranger to a big event like this but some are against that and would rather not have 1 week taken out of the 52 for these kind of shenanigans and certainly don’t want more.

However, many people love all this (not least businesses, traders, and just normal folk who like a good time), and it adds an extra dimension to an otherwise quiet and ‘older demographic’ kind of town.

The folk festival is always the first week of August, and this jazz fest looks like it’s settled in to the last weekend of May bank holiday weekend, and brings a different musical flavour and buzz.

Plans are afoot for 2025, and long may it continue…
(and that it has so far, and will be in town this weekend!)

Related links:
SidmouthJazz.com
SidmouthFolkFestival.co.uk
JurassicCoast.org

Hilarious, and very British. I can’t quite fathom it all joking aside… what a thing to say! If you’re doing badly fair enough, and if you’re doing well, feel free to say but this wishy-washy nonsense is a bit lame and sends out all the wrong messages (not least to yourself). Anyway, thanks Bill for the intro, what’s on this week…

This week’s articles

Let’s start with what I’ve posted this week (long-form content, there’s a ‘Notes’ feature for shorter stuff too).

Tech tools for remote work, hats to wear for your endeavours, and an eastern European city where 3 times a charm!

What’s the point?

Maybe you wonder why I have this project and why anyone does anything. I recorded this short audio whilst out for a stroll. Basically, share any positive messaging and try and minimise all the crap would be a good way to sum it up…

There was also some good ol’ fashioned virus chat recently… so you’re basically f****d is the message. Which is untrue of course, it simply all goes away when you find the off switch… and maybe turn on some more positive messaging. Otherwise you get Notes like this one by Kristin (and you can see my response to that below):

It cut off my message a bit but you can click on it to see it all (no, the world isn’t ending, it’s just beginning, is going through transition and is going to be amazing so strap up!). And if it does end, then your worries are done my friend.

Where you put your attention creates the future so best do so intentionally and for the better.

How to train your algo

(aka see more of what you want, and less of what you don’t)

Another short audio below. This time I talk about what you do online affects what you subsequenty see online. Each time you click, comment, share, or even linger on a post, the ‘algorithm’ of that site or app recognises that as something you have interest in and will show you more.

So a case of curating your reality! I just say here that it’s time to get intentional about it…

What do you do?

And lastly just a summary of some of my services. Yes, I post here on PFB with all kinds of stuff but I also offer professional services in writing, digital marketing and all that jazz. Check out this audio for more on that:

To sum up:

• Copywriting (all forms of writing for businesses basically - articles, landing pages, websites, social media, ebooks, whatever with words intending to sell or prompt an action).

• Digital marketing in general

• Local SEO - see this article

• Socia media management/consultancy

• See adambarratt.com and planetfruitbat.com

That’s enough to be getting on with for today. Keep your eye on developments here on the Substack, as well as the Facebook Page, and I’ll see you next Friday…

Hasta la proxima!

~ Adam

PS. It doesn’t end there. Have you heard about not three bad?

They were 3 very different experiences. All superb, but exploring different aspects, shall we say…

Going back to early in this century, it was a place that was ‘on the list’. It had started to become famous due to the opening up of the Soviet Union and budget airlines putting on flights to the region.

It was being heralded as the ‘new Amsterdam’ (which may or may not have been a good thing). Stag and hen dos were starting to get in amongst it, partly due to a slightly different eastern European experience and cheap beer.

Of course that was just one part - it was also a picturesque and magical scene that all could appreciate.

Another ‘thing on the list’ was to do a TEFL. That’s teaching English as a foreign language course and qualification. What a great thing to have under your belt; a way to travel, earn money, and be involved in the local culture.

First stop was getting the certificate. I was aware of these one month intensive courses abroad, and where was one of these that showed up on my radar? Yep indeed, Prague. I jumped at the chance, and off I went.

This was the first and favourite of the 3 visits. First off, it was the longest. I had a chance to really immerse myself in the place for 4 weeks plus. Second, I was actually doing something specific, gaining. Not just travelling for the sake of travelling, meandering around, but getting a qualification and given some structure and purpose to my time.

This was in November/December time, so very much a cold time of year. That has its negatives of course (bloody freezing) but having the run up to Christmas with all the markets, snow and the like, made it a bit more special and added that edge.

I met some wonderful people from around the world. Many Americans, a few Canadians, a couple of other Brits, at least one Aussie, and a girl from Finland.

The second occasion was really an extension to the first. It was about 4 months after the course. I had returned home and continued my life (not much in the way of teaching I might add but still good to have that bugger up my sleeve for future use. And even if I never used it, so what, it was all worth it!), whilst some of the others had stayed in Prague and were teaching with academies there.

Four good friends from the course were sharing a flat and I went and stayed with them for the week. This was the least eventful of the 3 expeditions to this land, more of a check in and say hi kind of deal, and do a few different things. That was around Easter time, so a bit more spring like.

The third time was a rather different affair. It was now truly famous for stag parties, and a friend was getting married. Enter Prague once more. 4 solid days of drinking, debauchery and tomfoolery was a bit of a different vibe. Amazing but very different. Less ‘cultural’, more boozy and more a case of the whims of a group of English lads.

And this took place in July. So now we had a summer event! This was in stark contrast to the previous occasions; shorts, t-shirts, and sunny vibes as we discovered another side to the city.

Perhaps I’m ready for visit number 4? I am keen to get to some of the many places I’ve not been, but a stalwart like Prague is a cool place and intriguing to see what part 4 (and more?) may hold.

Also I realised whilst putting together this article the lack of pictures I have from the place… might need to put that right!

Have you been to Prague and how was it for you?

We recently spoke about the good ol’ Digtial Nomad and making their (our) way around the world in the most conscious way we can, as well as some general tech tips. Those articles came from the sustainability angle, now let’s jump into more specific tools that allows this lifestyle to blossom...

Sure, we’ve had much of the basic tech for many a year. The telephone has been around for a year or two I’d say, internet (widespread use) for quarter of a century, Skype and such like since 2005 or so.

Basically, all this stuff has been possible for a good 20 years. The penny is now dropping a bit more (people don’t tend to be the quickest of cats and are also slow to change... but to paraphrase Darwin - adaptation’s where it’s at).

Covid ‘helped’ in the sense of remote working being forced upon most people, athough many people have forgotton that and seem to be back thinking that you’re tied to a location.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s something to be said for getting together in person for various reasons, but the point is it’s possible to be anywhere and maintain (or increase) productivity and lifestyle. That can be different for different people and organisations of course, but that’s up to them to discover and work out the best way of doing things.

That long opening rant leads me to today’s article. That being the more recent tech tools that make this way of living and working possible and in a state of constant improvement.

Whilst you could do most of this back in 2010, you probably wouldn’t as it was more awkward and not part of societal norms. Now it is to a degree, and every day people are working on technology that makes it a bit easier and smoother.

Today let’s look an overview of some of the tech out there and how they can fit in. We can dive a bit deeper into specifics in future articles...

Ten Top Tech Tools for Digital Nomads

The digital nomad lifestyle can be an exciting ride but it only works with the right tools. Here are 10 such tools to help stay productive while working from anywhere:

1. Reliable Internet

• eSIMs: Airalo, Nomad

• Hotspots: Skyroam, Travelwifi

• VPNs: NordVPN, ExpressVPN

2. Communication Platforms

• Chat: Slack, Teams

• Video: Zoom, Google Meet

3. Project & Task Management

• Trello, Asana, ClickUp keep projects on track.

4. Cloud Storage

• Google Drive, Dropbox, Notion for sharing and storing files.

5. Time Tracking & Invoicing

• Toggl, Harvest for time management.

• Wave, FreshBooks for billing.

6. Banking & Money Transfers

• Wise, Revolut, Payoneer make global finance easier.

7. Accommodation & Workspaces

• Stay: Airbnb, Nomad Stays

• Work: Coworker, Croissant, Selina

8. Travel Planning

• Skyscanner, Hopper, Kiwi.com for flexible flights.

9. Language & Culture Tools

• Google Translate, DeepL, AI earbuds for translation.

10. AI Productivity Helpers

• ChatGPT, Jasper, Calendly, World Time Buddy simplify content, scheduling, and time zone headaches.

Pro tip: Pair a VPN with cloud storage and an AI assistant for the ultimate nomad setup. It’s secure, efficient and adaptable anywhere.

Digital Nomadism (if you want to use that term) isn’t going anywhere and is only going to increase as people become more aware and actually see how things can be.

The improved lifestyle (after some trial and error of finding what’s right for them) whilst maintaining and sometimes improving productivity, and just the sheer flexible nature of it, you have to take notice.

People have options (depsite what ‘they’ say) and can vote with their feet. Technology makes it a no-brainer to at least take a look at this style of working and living and these tools and far more is making it ever more possible and desirable.

With the right tools, professionals can thrive while travelling, balancing productivity and exploration. There are responsibilites that come with it, and those need to be learned and integrated.

Gone are the days of a static, stuffy office and set hours. At least the option’s there... do with it what you will!

Do you have any ‘must-have’ tech tools you like to take on the road? And where do you see this all going?

It’s been said a few different ways, but in this article I’ll take the approach of something I heard a while back - that being the idea of the Visionary, Architect and Builder...

All the best companies tend to have good duos at the top. Yes, there may be one driving force or ‘face’ and many in the background (builders) but a couple of people at the helm that do their part well, and the other leaves alone.

A CEO may have all the ideas and bigger picture stuff whereas the COO may be more about the nitty-gritty of operations, ie. applying all the stuff that the visionary has. Making it concrete and actionable. The architect if you will.

Visionary

Could be the CEO. The person with the vision, idea, ‘thing’ that they want to get out there. There might be all sorts of bits and pieces flying about there and a clear idea of a contribution but not necessarily a roadmap to get there or the hands to make it work. Hype guy, getting out there sharing to the world.

Architect

Taking all these whimsical ideas and big picture ideals and making a coherent plan. Coming up with plans that fit this vision and producing clear blueprints. The bridge between ideas and a finished product. The COO, literally the operations guy.

Builder

The actual doing of the work. Someone (or many people) taking those plans and doing the day to day grunt work to get it done and bring the vision to life. The soldiers, employees, the worker, the hands that make it happen.

All 3 are important, in fact vital.

Without the wider vision and constant tweaking of the message, there is nothing to work on. Without the clear plan and someone running proceedings making sure it’s all on track, then there’s no impetus or bridge to actually make it happen. And without the builders there’s just an idea and a plan sat there and nothing built. May be great but needs the hands to work on it and keep doing so until it appears.

This could of course be all one person, and they need to become the relevant person at different times. They may be able to interchange quickly and seamlessly as they go or may take a more segregated approach. And as with a company or organisation, there may be different people fulfilling their roles and working together as one big organism.

I thought this was an interesting way of looking at it, and worth taking a step back on occasion, assessing which you are (or what you need to be) and acting from that perpsective. Getting confused about your role at a given time could give cause to uncertainty, procrastination or a feeling of overwhelm and lack of progress.

We can be all 3 and some people lend themselves to one area and maybe it’s best to lean into that whilst honouring the others.

The Well-Fed Artist?

Whilst writing this article it brought to my attention the 2 hats a lot of us need to wear. Not just the 3 characters above but 2 sides that are required to reach any level of success. That being the artist and the marketer.

The creative ‘genius’ and the marketing maven. The head in the clouds dreamer fused with the functional knowhow and promotion of the buyer.

We’re all familiar with the trope of the ‘starving artist’. The guy or gal who sits around and paints or writes but it doesn’t really go anywhere. They have great stuff lying around, better than much out there... but it’s not out there.

They love the craft but don’t have the nous or inclination to promote it. They may find it difficult or awkward or bad form or inappropriate to shout from the rooftops. Then they’re on a diet of ramen noodles to show for it.

The marketer (a good one that is) may not be able to paint or write for shit. They do however understand what makes people tick and buy. How to get things in front of people and get them to take action. They’re happy to shout, not least because that’s what they do but also they know they can make a lot of money.

These 2 people need to team up... or if it’s one person needs to become a bit more schizo about it. Either they move seamlessly between the 2 or separate it out for maximum effect.

With technology streamlining all kinds of processes, one person (or very few) can actually do more than ever but it does come down to the mindset and the application of the individual or team.

Whatever way you go about it, it’s important to get all these aspects working in tandem or you just won’t have the impact you might want. Visionary, architect, builder and/or satiated artist and marketer… something to think about and lean into!

Due to the sporadic nature of posting, I thought better to do a weekly post that gets emailed to subscribers, and the rest just posted to the site (and not sent as an email).

So, a case of what happened in the past week, what next, and anything else that springs to mind as it’s being put together. This will come to the inbox of the email you subscribed with, and available on the Substack publication page too.

Getting things moving

Firstly, we (well, me really ;)) got going with getting the first few bits of content up, as well as tweaking the site settings a bit. You can only do so much with Substack but you can change things a little to make it appear more to your liking (within their constraints).

I also got the domain planetfruitbat.com and set it up to forward on. This isn’t essential but helps when just mentioning a site or putting the link somewhere.

Then I got the About Page set up so check that out if you haven’t already. Just me, Socrates and Buckminster Fuller jammin’. (also as a Post too, see below)

New this week (well, 2 weeks)

Here are 4 of the 8 articles posted so far. Oh, and I also added audio to them so if there’s an audio voiceover bar at the top, you can click play on that and hear me read it out (be warned, I may ad lib and go on a bit of a tangent, so enter at your own risk!).

Gettin’ Social

I got a Facebook page set up at PFB Media which will be used a fair bit for posting links to the articles as well as other bits and bobs of interest.

Then some of that will be shared on other social media in different ways. It’s planetfruitbat on Instagram, X/Twitter and TikTok. You can also find me on LinkedIn under my regular name :)

Next week will be more of the same. Adding and tweaking, and just continuing…

Thanks for being the first followers. If you haven’t seen this vid before, it’s a classic!

Future plans / developments

I think this could become a ‘memoir’ of sorts. As in, documenting some of my life and the activities and shenanigans that I’ve been involved with (and will be in the future). Especially with the addition of audio (and likely video in time) then that can be a reference for years to come. And not just in my lifetime…

And it’s not just about me, eventually it will extend out a bit more but it just makes sense for now to post a lot of my own content.

That’ll do for today. Be sure to check back on the site and do get involved on the Socials if and where works for you. It’s fine to use as a noticeboard but even better if people like, comment, share etc. (if they want, obviously!)

Cheers me dears!

~ Adam

PS. If you fancy a laugh and didn’t see/hear this on the About post, then give it a listen to find out some of the origins of the project name…

When was the last time you were truly inspired? When did you last do something different, go on an adventure, step out of your comfort zone a little? This article introduces you to a unique, rewarding and fun cultural exchange which has had a profound affect on thousands of people. A fascinating concept, amazing stories…

My first introduction to the entity that is Diverbo – More Than Pueblo Inglés was through my sister a few years ago. As with most people’s involvement, I heard through word of mouth and decided to give it a try. She had participated and thought it may be of interest to me.

An application and a couple of coincidences later found me landing in Spain for my first PI programme in the charming village of La Alberca.

I was struck by the efficiency, organisation and the positive ethos it promoted. What struck me even more as the week went on was the fun we had, the laughter enjoyed, the rich conversations and a certain intangible magic that gives this programme its edge over anything of its kind.

Although a very busy and intense week, I left with an overwhelming sense of awe and a ‘what just happened’ feeling. It was like nothing I have experienced previously and judging by the reaction of some of the others, very far removed from anything they have been involved with too.

I was intrigued enough to return for another programme at a different venue. One thing led to another and not only have I done several more as a volunteer, I worked for nearly 2 years in the Volunteer Department helping to coordinate those very volunteers for precisely that experience.

These programmes have quite literally changed people’s lives. Mine has certainly taken a huge change in direction and each person may take something different from the experience. A very social encounter giving rise to very personal takeaways and insights.

Each week we receive emails from happy participants and the effect the programme has had on them. A recent one was somebody changing career course completely, going from Asset Management to teaching in Italy!

Why volunteer?

A lot of the Spaniards ask this question on the programme. Why would you give up your time to help them for free? Some potential volunteers may have that question too…

Other than the overall experience, there are practicalities too.

You get a week at a 4* resort. All accommodation and 3 big meals a day in exchange for your conversation. In addition to that, you see a part of Spain you would probably miss if going the traditional tourist route and you get to trade stories with real people.

You will have a whole bunch of new friends in Spain and around the world. You may have desires to teach English, and although this isn’t teaching per se… it is a good intro or refresher if you would like to go that route.

You get to be your raw, authentic self and no need to be embarrassed by your lack of Spanish (in fact it’s forbidden on the programme!).

I was recently thinking about how to sum up the Pueblo Inglés/Diverbo experience in a sentence, and this is what I came up with:

A great opportunity to inspire and to be inspired!

Yes, it’s about English. One side improving their knowledge and fluency, the other side helping them do that. But as the old tagline said it really is far ‘More Than English!’.

English language is the vehicle, the nucleus which this social event revolves around… it’s the reason 40 strangers gather together in one place for 8 days. You will see noticeable improvements from the Spaniards over the course of the week, that in itself is hugely rewarding.

However, what transpires is that those set of ingredients (people and course structure) blend together to form a dish far more sublime than you could have ever anticipated. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

We’ve seen it time and time again… in fact over 1000 times!

Each conversation and interaction you have is a huge opportunity to learn and grow. You will gain knowledge and receive inspiration in a supportive environment. In return, you will be able to contribute your own inspiration, not just with your English ‘skills’ but in the many ways you contribute to the experience and the talents and wisdom you bring to the table.

Exciting new programmes – a must!

Back when working as a volunteer some extra programmes were added to the year’s calendar. They were run in relation with the Spanish Ministry of Education and the Spanish participants were all teachers from the Valencia region.

These type of programmes are even more special as aside from all the aforementioned reasons to get involved, you have a real opportunity to help shape the future of Spain.

These teachers need to teach more of their classes in English so you wouldn’t just be helping that one individual, you will be helping the 100s of learners under their care. And the ripple effect could be immeasurable.

By the way, there is no need to be a teacher yourself. All that’s required from you is a positive, ‘go with the flow’ attitude and a willingness to talk all day! Everything else is taken care of.

The success of the programme has been phenomenal and is going from strength to strength.

As well as hundreds of successful programmes, many people – volunteers and students – return over and over. There are people who have done over 60 programmes! There are many others who have done more than one and each week a whole new set of lucky people about to embark on this quirky adventure for the first time.

If you do decide to come along for the ride at some point, you may well meet one of my successors the day before your programme as you will be invited for lunch with them and the other volunteers!

I’ll leave you with a quote that I think may be apt:

“The mediocre teacher tells, the good teacher explains, the superior teacher demonstrates, the great teacher inspires” ~ William Arthur Ward

* As featured in The Olive Press (P. 41) & The Local - Spanish English language publications