From inflated tea prices in Japan to a runaway dachshund that could give Houdini a run for his money, here’s your weekly dose of delightful oddities from across the globe.
A Tea Tale of Epic Proportions
If you thought your coffee was overpriced, brace yourself: $35 (R643) for a cup of tea at the British pavilion in Osaka! Yes, that’s right, if you ever wanted to sip afternoon tea while contemplating your life choices, now is your chance.
This luxurious non-experience includes a tea bag, served in a paper cup — a delightful touch that’s as culturally rich as a soggy biscuit. Social media exploded with outrage, prompting the British Embassy to promise that real china would replace the paper monstrosities. Because who doesn’t enjoy fancy tea served in a container designed for fast food?
“Afternoon tea is a cornerstone of British culture,” said an official with a slightly forced smile in a video that insists we all sip our skyrocketing tea in style. Meanwhile, the Osaka Expo suffers from more drama than a soap opera, including a flying car whose propeller decided to take the day off and self-driving buses that don’t self-drive very well after hitting walls. Talk about a rough ride!
Houdini Hound’s Great Escape
Meanwhile, down under, Australia’s very own Houdini—aka a miniature dachshund named Valerie—decided that a camping trip was a perfect excuse for a 529-day long solo adventure. Who knew a sausage dog could evade capture for so long? Perhaps she was training for the canine Olympics?
Valerie managed to survive in the wild alongside sea lions, possums, and penguins, while countless volunteers scoured the island, deploying cameras and traps that could rival a science fiction movie. Despite all attempts, the little diva remained elusive, flaunting her pink collar while she lived her best life avoiding capture like a press secretary dodging tough questions.
After a year of canine intrigue, it took the scent of her owner’s shirt to finally lure Valerie back into civilization. Wildlife rescuer Jared Karran was shocked at how tiny she was, noting, “She is tiny… barely taller than a grasshopper!.” We hope she at least picked up some wild survival skills during her escapade!
Sperm Race: The Slimy Solution
In what may be the most bizarre competition since “Dancing With the Stars,” high school student Eric Zhu orchestrated the world’s first sperm race, aptly dubbed “Spermula 1.” Aiming to address male fertility issues, this race featured gamers—err, competitors—from three young American lads racing down tiny tracks. Spoiler alert: They didn’t quite break any records!
This thrilling (yes, thrilling) event was magnified 100 times under a microscope and streamed live, attracting quite the audience. “I’m not an Elon Musk wannabe,” Zhu said, dismissing any theories he resembles the Tesla king, who is busy populating the planet with his own private army of children. Instead, he just wants chaps to realize that keying into their health might be a good idea.
War Veteran and Yoga Guru
If there’s anyone who puts us all to shame, it’s 100-year-old D-Day veteran Dorothea Barron. Teaching yoga every Monday, she can bend and stretch better than most of us could even in our prime. My back hurts just typing this!
After celebrating her centenary in October, she continues to lead classes where her younger students can only groan as they try to keep up with her. “I feel lovely, relaxed, and stretched,” she said with the kind of humility that could make us all reconsider our gym memberships.
Did you hear any weird and wonderful stories this week? Spill the beans!
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By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse
