Question: what is, do you think, is the most revolutionizing human invention? The wheel? Farming? Herding? The Internet? I put forth the idea it is fertilizer — and let me explain that. If left alone with the resources nature provided, it’s thought the human population would have leveled off at two billion. Since the advent of nitrogen-based fertilizer, we’ve rocketed past the seven-billion mark with no end in sight. Think about that.
There are lots and lots and lots of reasons to visit Milan: the fashion, the cars, The Last Supper, and perhaps best of all, the food. And that last one is important, because from May 1 to October 31, this ancient city hosts the very modern “Expo Milano 2015,” this year’s iteration of the World’s Fair and whose theme is all about food and how to grow it the best way possible.
Yes, this is a little brainy, but Milan is one of those brave cities putting its money where its mouth is to address how we are going to keep the world fed, and Italy has been doing that for years! And to their credit, 140 other nations, the USA included, are getting in on the deal. If you are headed to northwestern-ish Italy, this will more than occupy your time.
What’s on the menu? For those not in the know, a World’s Fair (AKA Universal Exhibition) highlights all the technological advancements of the year based on the countries that go to town with them. Because this year’s theme is food, there is less focus on individual nations and more on those regions, called “clusters,” that grow this or that. Think of it as food as a world unifier. Which is what it often is.
So pick your favorite! Chocolate, spices, seafood — what, you thought this was a science project? Ok, technically, it is, but less on the NASA and more on the Bill Nye the Science Guy. Say you go to the Coffee Cluster. You’ll find how coffee is grown, harvested, and turned into a Starbucks concoction. The world’s major coffee producers, Burundi, El Salvador, Ethiopia, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Yemen, demonstrate their own takes on the crop. Ethiopia is the native habitat of coffee, and the Yemeni city of Al-Makha had a variation so popular it entered the English language: mocha. You’ll also get to sample the real stuff right from the tree, and mingle with a United Nations of coffee lovers. And be spoiled for the rest of your life. “Real” coffee is awesome.
The World Fair is one of the biggest event s you’ve probably never heard about. And yet it is a perfect window into the where we are today. You’ll also get to taste how good eco-friendly food is, and how easy it is to grow.
For more info, go to expo2015.org (look for the English option on the upper left). Steele Luxury Travel is pleased to handle all of your travel arrangements to Milan and beyond. Visit www.SteeleTravel.comfor more information!