Falkland Islands: A shortage of eggs??
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The presence of Prince William on RAF duty on the Falkland Islands has escalated tensions between the UK and Argentina in recent weeks. But for the islanders, the new trade restrictions are their most pressing concern.
"Have you been hit, sir?" I was asked as I was ushered into the drawing room of Government House on the seafront in Stanley. "Have you been hit by the egg shortage?"
And I thought, yes, although I hadn't realised it until this moment, I had indeed been hit by the egg shortage.
The drawing room of Government House is a splendid Victorian space and as you take your seat, all the British monarchs who have reigned since the islands became British look down at you from their magnificent framed portraits.....................
"Yes," I said. "As a matter of fact, I have been hit by the egg shortage." For at breakfast that morning, I had nonchalantly ordered two poached eggs on toast.
It was one of those moments when you realise that, as an outsider, you have failed to pick up on a matter of local custom and have momentarily caused embarrassment to your hosts.
"Two eggs, sir?" the lady said. "I'm afraid that won't be possible. We are down to one egg apiece now." .....................
Like eggs, fresh vegetables are increasingly hard to come by. The islands - acre for acre - aren't much smaller than Wales, but the land is rocky and unyielding.
You can drive for mile after mile across peaty moorlands of black and pale yellow. There are no trees, for wind comes in at you with such a force from the cold Atlantic that nothing stands a chance. I visited a sheep farm - 19,000 acres to sustain 2,500 sheep. .........
But you can't get eggs and you can't get vegetables. South America once traded happily with the islanders, supplying all their needs. But Buenos Aires has been working hard to cut the islands off.
more at link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-16980747
"Have you been hit, sir?" I was asked as I was ushered into the drawing room of Government House on the seafront in Stanley. "Have you been hit by the egg shortage?"
And I thought, yes, although I hadn't realised it until this moment, I had indeed been hit by the egg shortage.
The drawing room of Government House is a splendid Victorian space and as you take your seat, all the British monarchs who have reigned since the islands became British look down at you from their magnificent framed portraits.....................
"Yes," I said. "As a matter of fact, I have been hit by the egg shortage." For at breakfast that morning, I had nonchalantly ordered two poached eggs on toast.
It was one of those moments when you realise that, as an outsider, you have failed to pick up on a matter of local custom and have momentarily caused embarrassment to your hosts.
"Two eggs, sir?" the lady said. "I'm afraid that won't be possible. We are down to one egg apiece now." .....................
Like eggs, fresh vegetables are increasingly hard to come by. The islands - acre for acre - aren't much smaller than Wales, but the land is rocky and unyielding.
You can drive for mile after mile across peaty moorlands of black and pale yellow. There are no trees, for wind comes in at you with such a force from the cold Atlantic that nothing stands a chance. I visited a sheep farm - 19,000 acres to sustain 2,500 sheep. .........
But you can't get eggs and you can't get vegetables. South America once traded happily with the islanders, supplying all their needs. But Buenos Aires has been working hard to cut the islands off.
more at link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-16980747
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