Construction Buzz
A proposed $20 trillion subterranean passage connecting New York and London, potentially reducing travel time to an hour? Hold off on cancelling your plane ticket for now.
This week has been filled with news about various global infrastructure developments, primarily focused on excavations.
Gossip among industrious rodents and enthusiastic drillers revolves around renewed plans for a $20 trillion transatlantic tunnel, potentially connecting London and New York within an hour through the use of vacuum tube technology. The tunneling stretches for a whopping 3,000 miles, as Newsweek estimates that construction at this pace could span nearly a millennium, similar to Europe's Channel Tunnel.
In more imminent projects, Norway commenced construction on its Rogfast project, aiming to become home to the world's longest and deepest undersea road tunnel. Meanwhile, the world's longest road and rail tunnel, the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel between Denmark and Germany, is expected to open in 2029.
Europe is not the only continent with ambitious plans; Greece and Turkey may be preparing to construct a new bridge soon, according to the Greek Reporter.
Shifting our gaze to the eastern part of Europe, the U.K. is currently tackling one of the world's most expensive railway projects, named HS2 (High Speed 2), which costs a staggering $416 million per mile. Despite its hefty price tag, many consider it unnecessary.
This development follows the resurfacing of plans for an incredibly ambitious bridge between Britain and Ireland, which aimed to span a mere 12 miles, even though it was sufficient to submerge the Eiffel Tower in the deep waters. However, challenges such as radioactive waste and unexploded munitions made the project unfeasible.
Bagging troubles
A renowned musician, who performed at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding, recently had to cancel a concert after Air Canada refused to accommodate his multi-million-dollar cello in the aircraft.
For others, the ordeal only begins when they receive their luggage from the baggage carousel. United Airlines has developed a new system to track lost luggage using AirTags, allowing users to share location data directly with the airline. Other carriers such as Delta, Lufthansa and Qantas are anticipated to adopt similar technologies.
Lastly, Japan Airlines introduced a baggage delivery service for travelers, allowing luggage to be delivered to their hotels for a fee, thereby alleviating overcrowding on Tokyo's public transportation.
Nice or naughty
Never place wrapped Christmas presents in your airplane luggage, as they may draw unwanted attention from airport security and be unwrapped.
This situation happened to someone this week when the "presents" turned out to be 10 kilos of methamphetamine.
Hopefully, your holidays will be joyous, rather than unlawful, like the experiences of American Jennea and Dutchman Arthur.
When Jennea missed her train out of London due to a flight delay, she encountered her future spouse on the platform. Should finding yourself in such a chilly winter predicament this holiday season, with no one to share warmth, you can always comfort yourself with a pair of heated gloves.
CNN Underscored, a collaboration between product reviews and recommendations, have tested the top heated gloves available in the market.
Rapid Hong Kong
Hong Kong's new high-speed sleeper trains are set to launch in summer 2024. CNN had the opportunity to experience the 155 mph service from Beijing.
Missed facts
A photo of a stuck squirrel won the 2024 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards.
Let's hope it doesn't go bonkers with the rewards.
A Bitcoin millionaire buried $2 million in treasure across the United States.
Here's how to find it.
A 2022 law change made theft easier for Venice pickpockets.
Meet the 58-year-old woman on a mission to nab them.
In China, people hire “climbing buddies” for hefty sums.
More attractive companions mean higher prices.
In light of the global infrastructure developments, travelers might be interested to know that the planned transatlantic tunnel could provide a faster travel option between London and New York. (travel, news)
Additionally, for those who frequently travel, United Airlines has introduced a new system to track lost luggage using AirTags, making it easier to locate misplaced bags. (travel, news)
