The Longest Train Ride for Twenty-One Days

There’s no official ticket for it. No set timetable. But it exists—an epic train journey that begins in Portugal and ends nearly 18,000 kilometers later in Singapore.

If you’re patient enough, and the weather is kind, you can travel by rail across Europe and Asia, stitching together one of the longest overland routes on Earth.

You’d start in Lisbon, then ride through the rolling landscapes of Spain, the vineyards of France, and the forests of Germany and Poland. Cross into Russia, and hop aboard the legendary Trans-Siberian or Trans-Mongolian Railway, winding past endless taiga and frozen lakes.

Through Mongolia, where nomads roam, and into the megacities of China, the scenery shifts with each sunrise. Then further south through Thailand, across the length of Malaysia, and finally—Singapore greets you like a pearl at the end of a silver thread.

It’s not just a train ride. It’s a passage through history, culture, and time zones.

You’d need around 21 days, a few dozen connections, and a strong spirit of adventure. But one day, I’d love to do it. Just me, a window seat, and the world rolling by.

Meanwhile......

In the Philippines, an inspiring wave of sustainable housing is taking shape — literally — with walls made from plastic soda bottles. These discarded bottles are packed tightly with mud, sand, or trash to form “eco-bricks,” which are then stacked like traditional bricks and cemented in place to build sturdy, affordable homes.

This method not only recycles non-biodegradable waste but also cuts construction costs significantly, offering low-income communities a way to build durable shelters using easily available materials. The bottles provide excellent insulation and resilience against weather, making them ideal for tropical climates.

Beyond individual homes, schools and community centers have also been built using these eco-bricks, often by local volunteers. It’s a creative, grassroots solution that addresses both the housing crisis and the mounting problem of plastic waste — proving that what’s thrown away can become the foundation for a better future.

LASTLY, Weirdest Food from Every State:

I Love Ube ( purple yam) from Hawaii as well as Sushirrito of California

Sushirrito's menu primarily features sushi burritos and hand rolls, with some locations offering bento boxes and appetizers. The sushi burritos combine Japanese flavors and Latin influences, blending sushi ingredients into a burrito-style wrap.