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Will robots take over humanity? Someday, but not today
The Mercedes seems to be a smart car: it can steer on the highway while I drink coffee, parks itself, and can even dig itself out of the sand if it gets stuck on a wild beach
But pisses off periodically one moment: when you leave on the rear, the car sharply presses the brake to the floor and stops with a grinding and crunching, as if hit a kangaroo. The effect is epic: pedestrians in a radius of 20 meters jump up to the ceiling and scattered
Sent the car to the car service, and was shocked by the response. The manager wrote: we checked everything, the car behaves correctly, it’s a feature, not a bug! It turns out that the artificial intelligence decides that a pedestrian can jump on the car and activates emergency braking. Which, of course, is commendable, but could you: a) do it quieter? b) comment on the screen somehow?
What makes you happy/disappointed about artificial intelligence?
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I drive my car into Armenia
I drive my car into Armenia, the border guards look carefully at the car (Lithuanian license plates), at me, at the car again, at me again, and they say: Taaaaaak, you have a Russian passport, according to the rules of the customs union you have to leave a deposit for customs clearance of the car in cash here, $25000, you will take it when you leave the country
Yes, yes, that’s exactly how I imagined it: I leave a cutlet at customs, two weeks later in these empty mountains the envelope is waiting for me and just comes back.
Wait, but this is for citizens of the Russian Federation, I still have a passport.
(Sighing longingly) then you don’t need duty, just pay a $10 gynecological fee at the bank and go through.
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Sunset, rapidly emptying Argentine highway, 1/8 in the tank.
Sunset, rapidly emptying Argentine highway, 1/8 in the tank. The nearest civilization is 300 km away. It would seem to be an ordinary place, where God himself has already forgotten the way….
Last time I was here almost a year ago – I was returning from the national swamp with capybaras. Christmas morning, ten centimeters of clay on the wheels, desperately looking for at least one open car wash. The chances of success seem to be zero, but at this gas station helped – a healthy young man, a slouch in the shoulders, with ruddy cheeks and a shy smile, was already unscrewing the corroded tap of the water pump covered with dust.
- How is it in Ibera, the roads are very muddy after the rain? The young man silently holds out a calabas with freshly brewed mate.
- And Leo’s all grown up, did you put him in the gym?
The gas station attendant has not only not forgotten me for a year, but also perfectly memorized his son’s name. And I thought hard: do soccer achievements arise in spite of or because of love for children?
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Our president, Javier Mealey, recently received a second citizenship
Our president, Javier Mealey, recently received a second citizenship – he became an express Italian according to his grandmother.
Twitter is buzzing: children born in Italy are not given citizenship, working people who have been paying taxes for a hundred years are not given citizenship, but some upstart Argentinian who came to visit was given it in a couple of days!
Mealey continues to popularize libertarian values and that’s fine.
A chainsaw and some passports – a real gentleman’s kit in 2024?
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The national characteristic of Argentines
The national characteristic of Argentines is that if they don’t want something, you can’t make them do it, especially work. Even if you are the president.
Miley remembered that the country is socialist and cares for the people and banned ministers from going on vacation abroad. No pretty picture, no news for journalists.
What is the result?
Patricia Bulrich, Minister of Security: I promised my grandchildren a trip to Disneyland, promises cannot be broken.
Manuel Adorni, spokesman: I go on vacation abroad because it’s a habit I developed long before I took public office.
And you ask why the whole country doesn’t work in the rain.
The president himself would not be taking a vacation this year and will only take his mind off work for Trump’s inauguration. A party is certainly not a trip to Disneyland, so you can do that.
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🚘 Checklist: “How to Survive Travel in Remote National Parks”
After covering 100,000+ kilometers across two Americas and Eurasia, I’ve learned that near stunning natural spots, accommodations can be… let’s say basic (if they exist at all). Here’s a tested checklist of must-ask questions for hotels, especially in Latin America, where reality often diverges from online descriptions.
Before Booking: Ask These Questions
✔️ Are you open today? (Obvious, but sometimes surprising answers.)
✔️ What time does the reception close?(Arriving at midnight to locked doors isn’t fun.)
✔️ Is the room warm / does the AC work?(Altitude and jungle climates are unpredictable!)
✔️ Do you have hot water? (And no, “lukewarm” doesn’t count.)
✔️ Is there enough hot water for a full shower or bath? (Because trickling water ruins vibes.)
✔️ Is the internet reliable? (If you’re working remotely or just want to Google stuff.)
✔️ What time does the kitchen close? (After a long hike, you’ll want food ready.)
✔️ Is there secure parking on-site? (Especially crucial in areas with sketchy security.)
Pro Tips:
1. Book last minute – Natural beauty often dictates your pace. Don’t lock yourself into a schedule when the best moments are spontaneous.
2. Pack backup food & essentials – Some places lack restaurants or have kitchens with weird hours.
3. Bring a power bank and flashlight – Electricity outages in remote areas are common.
Trust me, double-checking these small details will save you from big headaches. What’s your go-to travel tip? 🌍✨
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🇩🇪Berlin’s Best for a Relaxed Day Out
Berlin’s charm lies in its laid-back vibe—perfect for locals and visitors who want to take it slow. Here are my favorite spots for a chill day in the German capital:
☕ Where to Drink Coffee
– The Barn & Five Elephants: The go-to spots for alternative coffee lovers. Whether you’re after a perfect flat white or a hand-brewed pour-over, these roasters deliver.
🍳 Where to Instagram Your Breakfast
– No Fire No Glory & Factory: Classic Berlin brunch vibes—think avocado toast DIY kits, great coffee, and an inevitable 20-minute queue. Totally worth it for the flavors and the pics.
🎨 Day Walk: Teufelsberg
– Also known as Devil’s Mountain, this abandoned Cold War-era observatory is a graffiti-lover’s paradise. Bonus: it’s on an actual mountain made from WWII rubble, giving you unique views of the city.
🚶 Lazy Stroll
– Wander along the canal in Kreuzberg. Stop for a kebab (yes, you have to try it in Berlin), then end the day at Dreiländereck to catch a stunning sunset.
Berlin is all about finding your own groove. What are your favorite spots in the city? I’d love to add them to my list! ✨
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🚘 Peru by Car: Adventures, Altitudes, and Absolute Chaos
Peru might be a small, mountainous gem of South America, but exploring it by car? That’s where the real adventure begins. As someone who’s spent over a month navigating its roads (and a fair share of near-heart attacks), here’s what you need to know.
🚦 The Driving Experience
Ever driven in Indonesia? Imagine that, but three times worse. If you haven’t, let me set the scene: chaotic lanes, zero adherence to traffic laws, and drivers who seem to thrive on close calls. Peru is not for the faint of heart—or the faint of brakes. Unless you’re a stunt driver, you might want to reconsider.
By contrast, neighboring Chile has the most polite and cautious drivers in South America. How can two countries be so close yet so drastically different on the road? Mystery of the Andes.
🌋 Altitude Adventures
From the coastal plains of Lima (0 meters) to Cusco (2,700 meters) and the towering Andes (5,000 meters), Peru is a land of dramatic altitude shifts. This means two things:
1. Mountain serpentine roads — long, winding, and occasionally terrifying.
2. Altitude sickness —i t’s real.
My advice:
– Spend a few days acclimating at 2,500 meters (Arequipa is a great spot).
– Carry portable oxygen tanks. If you run out, medical centers in high-altitude towns can provide oxygen.
🛤️ Not All Roads Lead to Wonders
Two must-see places in Peru are off-limits to cars:
1. Machu Picchu – Nestled in the mountains, reachable only by train or a multi-day hike. Pro tip: Book tickets months in advance. Not a planner? Same.
2. Quitos – Deep in the Amazon, accessible only by boat or plane.
Both are worth the effort, but Peru will throw some logistical curveballs your way.
Peru is wild, breathtaking, and full of surprises—both on the roads and beyond. Have a favorite Peruvian spot? Let me know while I prep my next post about the must-visit places you can’t miss. 🌄
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🗻 How to Conquer the 5000-Meter Rainbow Mountains of Peru (Without Breaking a Sweat)
Natural beauty is my weakness—especially when it’s not buried under a swarm of tourists. But let’s be real: anything above 3,500 meters? My lungs file for resignation. That’s why the Rainbow Mountains, or Vinikunka, presented a special challenge. Here’s how to soak up the magic with minimal effort and stress.
When to Go & How to Dodge Crowds
Morning? Overrated. That’s when every tour bus in Peru unloads its cargo. By 3 PM, though, the mountains start to reclaim their peace. My golden advice? Hit the turnoff around noon. This way, you’ll avoid minibuses weaving through hairpin curves and find the Rainbow Mountains blissfully uncrowded.
To Climb or Ride?
At 5,000 meters, every step feels like a marathon. Thankfully, horses are on standby to save your sanity. Or so you think. Here’s the plot twist: they’ll take you close to the summit but stop short because, apparently, mountain sheriffs hand out fines for equine overachievement. Conservation goals, they say.
Cue a heated exchange in Spanish. Spoiler: the horses stayed below, and I hoofed it the rest of the way. (Pro tip: bring snacks for your sherpas—they’re good allies when things get “negotiable.”)
Drones, Fines & Spanish Lessons
Planning to launch a drone? The Andean air might carry it high, but sheriffs here are eagle-eyed and fine-friendly. Half an hour of flying could cost you a small fortune. Moral of the story? Learn Spanish. It’s not just a language—it’s your passport to understanding and outsmarting local quirks.
Latin America isn’t just about breathtaking landscapes; it’s an adventure where rules shift with the wind. Roll with it, laugh at the absurdity, and soak in the views. Trust me—they’re worth every lung-burning step.
Would you tackle the Rainbow Mountains or keep your adventures closer to sea level? 🌈✨
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Advantages of Diversified Citizenship: Thinking Beyond Travel and Taxes
Most people focus on two aspects of citizenship: the strength of the passport for visa-free travel and the tax benefits. But there’s a deeper layer to consider: where do you actually want to live if the world turns upside down?
🌍 Life is unpredictable: pandemics, wars, natural disasters, and political turmoil can shift your reality overnight. If you’re a citizen of only one country, your options during crises are limited—you’ll scramble to get legalized elsewhere, hunt for housing, and compete with a wave of others seeking refuge.
🛡️ Diversify your life portfolio. Just like you wouldn’t invest all your money in one company, why rely on just one citizenship? A solid gentleman’s security set includes:
– Three passports from different continents
– Real estate in countries where you’d enjoy living
This way, you’re not gambling your future on one government’s stability. If one region goes bad, you’ve got backups. If two go bad, you’re still okay. If all three fail? Well, it’s time to join Elon Musk on Mars.
💬 So, where are you building your alternate airfield? 🌐