Why Does Spain Have Such Terrible Bacon?

Plus, This Pacific Coast Mexican Town Is Always the Perfect Escape

Manage newsletters View in browser The entire world in your inbox. Hello all—   It's hard to believe we're more than halfway through January, but I suppose those of you suffering through an especially cold and snowy month feel like it's passing at a slow crawl. To distract you, I offer up one of my favorite pieces we've ever run–Benjamin Kemper's angry tweet turned investigation into why Spain has terrible bacon. Kemper, who lives in Spain, digs into how a country renowned for its ham could be so uninspired with its bacon. The answers are fascinating. Don't miss the latest in our series on underrated destinations, It's Still a Big World. Megan Frye takes us to the Pacific coast of Mexico and the city of Zihuatanejo. A place of spectacular natural beauty and unique cuisine, Frye found a true sense of escape there. Enjoy!   —William O'Connor, Travel Editor Why Spain, the Country With the World's Best Ham, Makes Such Terrible Bacon Spain is a pork lover's paradise, a land of chorizo, charcuterie, and melt-in-your-mouth jamón. So what's with the sad, flaccid slices Spaniards pass off as bacon? This Pacific Coast Mexican Town Is Always the Perfect Escape Zihuatanejo had called to me, like to so many people looking to escape. I wanted a place where I wouldn't be hassled or hustled, where the culinary traditions remain strong. The New Virginia Getaway is All About the Food What's better after a day of hiking than a fun culinary experience created by one of the areas more exciting chefs? After Outcry, Bill Gates Bid to Buy Venice Hotel Blocked The oldest continuously running hotel in Venice is falling apart, but it won't get a makeover from Bill Gates. "Investigators say the thieves were part of an international ring based in South America that sent 'crime tourists' from places like Colombia and Chile to the U.S. under the visa waiver program. Once in America, they relied on a global network that researched and targeted mostly Asian and Middle Eastern families—because they are more likely to keep precious jewelry and cash in their homes rather than a bank." —Barbie Nadeau reports on one of the more nefarious ways in which travel visas are being used in the United States. OMG I Want This House!      Remember those good ol' days in long ago 2021 when there was a bright spot where it seemed like the world may be getting back to normal? Well, those dreams have been soundly obliterated by Omicron. The upside is, if you managed to miss the real estate rush of the past two years, now is still the perfect time to secure a new end-of-days retreat. The Barn in Tivoli is a nearly $1.9 million paradise that perfectly fits that description: 3,300 square feet of living space, 4.5 acres to run your frustrations out on outside, access to a creek and woods, and a rural location that's not too far from the center of the village.   The Hudson River Valley is known for its antiquing, which is the vibe of the main house on this property. The structure was originally built in the late 1800s as a barn, but was renovated to be a charming, rustic modern home with all the luxurious amenities denied its former equine inhabitants.   Some properties are outdoor imposters, creating an illusion of a rustic feel while being just steps away from neighbors and the modern world. Rest assured that this property is the real deal. The over four-acres are home to a thriving kitchen garden, a woods with over 20 different types of trees, and access to a creek, including its own private pebble beach. If we're going to be forced to live in the COVID world, we'd prefer to do it in a place just like this.   Don't miss previous OMG, I Want to Rent This House posts, which spotlight the most spectacular and unique homes that you can actually stay in.  Check out the full archives.  This Book Will Make You Fall in Love with Uzbekistan   There are few places in the world with the cultural richness of Uzbekistan. The great conquerers Alexander, Timur, and Genghis Khan swept through its valleys and plains. Its dazzling cities, including Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, were centers of the Silk Road. If we're being honest, Uzbekistan is at the top of our destination list—and the absolutely spectacular book, Uzbekistan: The Road to Samarkand from Assouline, is a favorite highlight for our series on gorgeous coffee table books, Just Booked.   With text by Yaffa Assouline and eye-popping photography from Laziz Hamani, it's one of the more intoxicating books we've covered. The journey starts with the cover, a dazzling display of the tiled grandeur for which this region is famous. Inside, Assouline takes readers on a personal journey around this country which she describes as "a story of love at first sight."   Check out our previous selections for our series on gorgeous travel-related coffee table books, Just Booked. BUY ON AMAZON  >>                Please note that if you buy something featured in one of our posts or newsletters, The Daily Beast may collect a share of sales. © Copyright 2022 The Daily Beast Company LLC  555 W. 18th Street, New York NY 10011  Privacy Policy If you are on a mobile device or cannot view the images in this message, click here to view this email in your browser. To ensure delivery of these emails, please add emails@thedailybeast.com to your address book. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, or think you have received this message in error, you can safely unsubscribe.