Well, I am currently
engaged in extended travels in the Iberian Peninsula and it is probably just as
well given the turmoil that has enveloped Canada in the wake of the G-7
meetings and President Trump’s high pressure approach to getting his way on
NAFTA. Given the success of the North
American bid for the 2026 FIFA games, I suppose we can all look forward to
President Trump’s involvement in getting everyone to work together on that
project too.
It has been
interesting that the US President does not appear to be as interested in
America’s old stalwart friends like Canada and France or the UK and Germany and
seems more inspired with the company of his new friends North Korea and Russia. His comments after the Singapore Summit
suggests that Canada would be more interesting if it had a lot of unspoiled beaches for future condo and hotel development – no doubt with the help of
assorted Trump holding companies.
Perhaps our Prime Minister can get President Trump’s undivided attention
by inviting the presidents of China and Russia to Canada for a special summit
on arctic development given the substantial pool of beach real estate and new waterways emerging there
with global warming.
Nevertheless,
I digress. I am visiting Porto and have
been having a wonderful time learning about Portugal and enjoying the sights
and sounds of a very sophisticated society with a long history of
accomplishment. Today, for example on
our visit through the Duoro Valley we drove through Sabrosa, which is the
birthplace of Ferdinand Magellan and features a large statue of the
explorer. Portugal is highly urbanized with
well over half of the population of approximately 10 million people
concentrated in the urban areas of Porto and Lisbon. Porto itself is the gateway to the world
famous and UNESCO designated Duoro Valley wine producing region. Of course, like many countries in
Mediterranean Europe, Portugal was hard hit by the 2008-09 financial crisis and
opportunity for its youth has been a challenge.
Tourism is becoming a more important part of the economy and the
experience I have had is excellent.
Bom Dia to
all!
