Travel Trivia: Unusual Global Vending Machines

[Jan, Moderator]

Thanks Jennifer!

[Ruth]

Travel Trivia: Unusual Global Vending Machines
March 1, 2024 to Completion

13/13 Completed....DONE....June 12, 2024

1. Japan: Beer
✱ Read a book with a "mature" story line (tell us why it would be classified as mature) or read a book where the MC drinks an alcoholic beverage (share text).
How Can I Help You by Laura Sims....March 28, 2024 Several grizzly murder scenes

2. Australia: Guitar Strings
✱ Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in GUITAR (ignore A, An or The) or read a book where music is important to the plot (tell us how).
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles....April 15, 2024 Title starts with G

3. England: Farm-Fresh Milk
✱ Read a book set in Europe (tell us where) or read a book with the word COW found in the text (share text).
Sadie: An Amish Retelling of Snow White by Sarah Price....March 18, 2024 Cow in text.....page 12....Nothing made Sadie Happier than being outside among the dairy cows

4. Canada: Secondhand Books
✱ Read a book featuring a book(s) on the cover (post cover) or read a book with 3 in the total page count (share page count).
The Paris Assignment by Rhys Bowen....March 21, 2024 378 pages

5. Germany: LEGOs
✱ Read a book with an important character that is a child or teenager (tell us who) or read a book with a title that includes all the letters in LEGO (any order).
Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen.....March 1, 2024 Marley-10 years...and Joe- 12 years

6. Taiwan: Fresh Coconut Juice
✱ Read a book set in Asia (tell us where) or read a book by an author whose initials can be found in COCONUT.
All Our Hidden Gifts by Caroline O'Donoghue.....June 11, 2024 Author's initials....C, O

7. Czech Republic: Gold Bars
✱ Read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in GOLD or read a book originally published in 2010 or 2021 (share publication date).
To Fetch a Thief by Spencer Quinn.....April 6, 2024 Published in 2010

8. Singapore: Mashed Potatoes
✱ Read a series book #7 or #11 or read a book you consider "comfort food" or one you were "craving" to read.
The Quilter's Apprentice by Jennifer Chiaverini....March 8, 2024 Comfort read...sweet story...happy ending

Optional Spell Out: Choose one country from the challenge to spell out.
JAPAN
J. Joan Bauer .... Squashed .....March 7, 2024
A. Alexander, Poppy.... The Littlest Library by Poppy Alexander.... March 3, 2024
P. Peterson, Tracie.... Silent Star by Tracie Peterson... March 14, 2024
A. Alone by Lisa Gardner....March 11, 2024
N. Navy Wife by Debbie Macomber....March 13, 2024

[Jan, Moderator]

Terrific job Ruth! I loved the book Squashed :)

[Ruth]

TY...I loved it too!

[Judy]

Finished
Unusual Vending Machines
Japan: Beer
X✱ 1.Read a book with a "mature" story line Annie Bot Sierra Greer An AI robot designed to meet men's emotion and physical needs. 5/21

X 2. Australia: Guitar Strings
X ✱ Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in GUITAR (ignore A, An or The) Going, Going, Ganache Jenn McKinlay 5/9

X 3. England: Farm-Fresh Milk
✱ Read a book with the word COW found in the text
my cow mooed to let me know I hadn't paid any attention to her . P 36 The GlovemakerAnn Weisgarber 5/5

4. Canada: Secondhand Books
X ✱ Read a book featuring a book(s) on the cover A Death Long Overdue Eva Gates 5/3

X 5. Germany: LEGOs
✱ Read a book with an important character that is a teenager Sam the son of Jacobia Tiptree.The Book of Old Houses Sarah Graves 7/2

X 6. Taiwan: Fresh Coconut Juice
✱ Read a book set in Asia (tell us where) Singapore Singapore Sapphire A.M. Stuart 7/7

7. Czech Republic: Gold Bars
✱ Read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in GOLD or read a book originally published in 2010 or 2021 (share publication date). Lindsey Word to the Wise Jenn McKinlay 7/11

X 8. Singapore: Mashed Potatoes
✱ Read read a book you consider "comfort food" or one you were "craving" to read.Judy Alter Irene in the Ghost Kitchen 7/1 (this title did not come up in the search)

[Jan, Moderator]

Way to go Judy!

[Ed]

*****COMPLETED 6/5/24*****

Travel Trivia: Unusual Global Vending Machines
March 1, 2024 to Completion

8/8 tasks
7/7 spell out

1. Japan: Beer
Japan has the highest concentration of vending machines in the world, with over 5 million nationwide. Known as jidouhanbaiki, they sell everything from wigs for dogs, canned bread, and even edible bugs. Travelers become accustomed to finding them on every street corner, but machines selling beer (and other alcoholic drinks) are far less common. To confirm that you are old enough to partake, you must insert your driver’s license into the slot to verify your age. If you happen to indulge a little too much, you’ll find vending machines that sell hangover cures as well.
✱ Read a book with a "mature" story line (tell us why it would be classified as mature) - involves a love triangle- Design for Living by Noël Coward- 3/11/24
or read a book where the MC drinks an alcoholic beverage (share text).

2. Australia: Guitar Strings
In the Melbourne suburb of Collingwood, help is on hand for musicians who find themselves in a pre-gig panic. Outside the Clingan Guitar Tone store is an unusual vending machine that is stocked with guitar strings, picks, straps, leads, and even drumsticks. No matter what’s broken, there’s a part to fix it. Even though they were to first to introduce this musician's dream machine, you can now find similar ones in the US cities of Portland and Nashville.
✱ Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in GUITAR (ignore A, An or The)- Unruly Places: Lost Spaces, Secret Cities, and Other Inscrutable Geographies by Alastair Bonnett-3/5/24
or read a book where music is important to the plot (tell us how).

3. England: Farm-Fresh Milk
Local farm-fresh milk has undergone a resurgence in recent years as consumers seek to reduce their food miles and carbon footprint. Those looking to ditch their cartons should have no problem doing so in the English county of Dorset where a herd of Friesian cows graze on lush pastures, supplying the pasteurized milk sold directly from local vending machines. If it’s your first visit, the staff will sell you a reusable glass bottle to take your milk home. Similar outlets can be found in other countries in Europe.
✱ Read a book set in Europe (tell us where) or read a book with the word COW found in the text (share text).-p.244- 14,000 Things to Be Happy About: The Happy Book-"...baking powder biscuits...milking cows..." 3/2/24

4. Canada: Secondhand Books
Alongside its well-stocked bookshelves, the Monkey’s Paw rare bookstore in Toronto has a curious vending machine called the Biblio-Mat. You can buy tokens for it from the cashier for $3 . The machine is very old school, so you’ll experience plenty of whirring and clunking before the ring of an old telephone bell signals that your book is on its way. But don’t expect to choose your selection - the books are randomly dispensed to add an element of mystery and suspense to your purchase.
✱ Read a book featuring a book(s) on the cover (post cover) or read a book with 3 in the total page count (share page count).- 353p.- The Penultimate Peril by Lemony Snicket-3/18/24-

5. Germany: LEGOs
When LEGO vending machines were first installed in the Munich and Frankfurt railway stations, German parents breathed a sigh of relief, as their children traveling in tow would no longer be bored on a long journey. Since then, the rollout has spread across the Atlantic, and travelers have reported seeing LEGO machines in US airports such as Las Vegas and Orlando. If you like the idea but don’t plan to travel anytime soon, you could always build your own vending machine out of the iconic toy bricks instead.
✱ Read a book with an important character that is a child or teenager (tell us who)- The MC is a boy or teenager whose age is never revealed however in Tintin in the Congo by Hergé- 3/10/24
or read a book with a title that includes all the letters in LEGO (any order).

6. Taiwan: Fresh Coconut Juice
There’s nothing uncommon about grabbing juice from a vending machine, but in Taiwan and other parts of Asia, they go one step further. Pop in your money and a vending machine will drill a hole in a fresh coconut. All you have to do is pick up a straw and enjoy the healthy and hydrating drink. If you prefer the taste of oranges, there are machines that will squeeze enough oranges to fill the cup you’ve selected; simply pop on a lid and you’re good to go.
✱ Read a book set in Asia (tell us where)-Thailand- Mrs. Pollifax and the Golden Triangle by Dorothy Gilman-5/22/24
or read a book by an author whose initials can be found in COCONUT.

7. Czech Republic: Gold Bars
Vending machines that dispense real gold bars and coins were first seen in Abu Dhabi in 2010. While that gold ATM is no longer operable, a new one was installed in Prague in 2021. Located side-by-side with more conventional ATMs, the machine is outside the Nový Smíchov shopping mall in the capital of the Czech Republic. In exchange for your hard-earned euros or Czech crowns, the vending machine will supply gold bars in three different sizes.
✱ Read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in GOLD or read a book originally published in 2010 or 2021 (share publication date).-pub. 2021- Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer's Guide by Cecily Wong - 3/11/24-

8. Singapore: Mashed Potatoes
Although it’s no longer operable, this vending machine deserves an honorable mention. There was a time when you could serve yourself a tub of mashed potatoes directly from vending machines found in Singapore’s 7-Eleven stores. These machines once dispensed a generous serving of the popular comfort food along with a dollop of gravy. They have unfortunately been withdrawn from service, so if you crave mashed potatoes in Singapore now, you must buy the ingredients to make your own.
✱ Read a series book #7 or #11 or read a book you consider "comfort food" - not serious reading...just fun- Agatha Raisin and the Witch of Wyckhadden by M.C. Beaton-3/7/24
or one you were "craving" to read.

Optional Spell Out: Choose one country from the challenge to spell out.

J- Atlas Obscura: An Explorer's Guide to the World's Hidden Wonders by Joshua Foer-3/26/24
A- The Reader's Companion to Cuba by Alan Ryan-3/21/24
P- Burma Sahib by Paul Theroux-4/10/24
A- -America (The Book): A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction by Jon Stewart-6/5/24
N- The Now Habit: A Strategic Program for Overcoming Procrastination and Enjoying Guilt-Free Play by Neil A. Fiore-4/11/24

[Jan, Moderator]

Great job Ed!

[Karen ♐]

Finally COMPLETED!

Travel Trivia: Unusual Global Vending Machines
March 1, 2024 to Completion

8/8 tasks
7/7 spell out

1. Japan: Beer
✱ Read a book with a "mature" story line (tell us why it would be classified as mature) - MC is middle aged - Daddy's Waiting Pepper North - 3/11/24

2. Australia: Guitar Strings
✱ Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in GUITAR (ignore A, An or The) - Rooted in Sin Alta Hensley - 3/4/24

3. England: Farm-Fresh Milk
✱ Read a book set in Europe (tell us where) - London - Gentleman Sinner Jodi Ellen Malpas - 3/14/24

4. Canada: Secondhand Books
✱ Read a book with 3 in the total page count (share page count). - 243 pgs - Exposed Jennifer Bene - 3/10/24

5. Germany: LEGOs
✱ Read a book with a title that includes all the letters in LEGO (any order). - Hayleigh's Little Halloween Stella Moore - 4/2/24

6. Taiwan: Fresh Coconut Juice
✱ Read a book by an author whose initials can be found in COCONUT. - Bad Boy Billionaire - Part One (The Bad Boy Billionaire Series Book 1) Coco Cadence - 8/7/24

7. Czech Republic: Gold Bars
✱ Read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in GOLD - Lizzy-Breaking Rules: Billionaires in Disguise: Lizzy Blair Babylon - 3/12/24

8. Singapore: Mashed Potatoes
✱ Read a book you consider "comfort food" - Campaigning for Christopher Katy Regnery - 3/22/24

Optional Spell Out: Choose one country from the challenge to spell out.
E - Man Hands Tanya Eby - 3/20/24
N - That Man 1 Nelle L'Amour - 3/26/24
G - Kasia Garska-Taken By Him Measha Stone - 3/23/24
L - Broken Record K.A. Linde - 3/25/24
A - Four Firemen For Christmas Ajme Williams - 3/20/24
N - That Man 2 Nelle L'Amour - 3/30/24
D - Sweet Distraction Lainey Davis - 3/2/24

[Jan, Moderator]

Way to go Karen! It's always frustrating when one tricky task is keeping you from finishing. I have a couple of those challenges right now.

[Karen ♐]

Jan wrote: "Way to go Karen! It's always frustrating when one tricky task is keeping you from finishing. I have a couple of those challenges right now."

Thanks! It drives me crazy, Jan! Lol

[Olivermagnus]

~~~ Complete ~~~

Travel Trivia: Unusual Global Vending Machines
March 1, 2024 to Completion

15 of 15 Complete

1. Japan: Beer
Japan has the highest concentration of vending machines in the world, with over 5 million nationwide. Known as jidouhanbaiki, they sell everything from wigs for dogs, canned bread, and even edible bugs. Travelers become accustomed to finding them on every street corner, but machines selling beer (and other alcoholic drinks) are far less common. To confirm that you are old enough to partake, you must insert your driver’s license into the slot to verify your age. If you happen to indulge a little too much, you’ll find vending machines that sell hangover cures as well.
✱ Read a book with a "mature" story line (tell us why it would be classified as mature).
Own the Wind - Kristen Ashley - 4/27/24 - erotic motorcycle club romance

2. Australia: Guitar Strings
In the Melbourne suburb of Collingwood, help is on hand for musicians who find themselves in a pre-gig panic. Outside the Clingan Guitar Tone store is an unusual vending machine that is stocked with guitar strings, picks, straps, leads, and even drumsticks. No matter what’s broken, there’s a part to fix it. Even though they were to first to introduce this musician's dream machine, you can now find similar ones in the US cities of Portland and Nashville.
✱ Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in GUITAR (ignore A, An or The).
The Great Alone - Kristin Hannah - 3/4/24

3. England: Farm-Fresh Milk
Local farm-fresh milk has undergone a resurgence in recent years as consumers seek to reduce their food miles and carbon footprint. Those looking to ditch their cartons should have no problem doing so in the English county of Dorset where a herd of Friesian cows graze on lush pastures, supplying the pasteurized milk sold directly from local vending machines. If it’s your first visit, the staff will sell you a reusable glass bottle to take your milk home. Similar outlets can be found in other countries in Europe.
✱ Read a book set in Europe (tell us where).
In the Woods - Tana French - 3/15/24 - set in Ireland

4. Canada: Secondhand Books
Alongside its well-stocked bookshelves, the Monkey’s Paw rare bookstore in Toronto has a curious vending machine called the Biblio-Mat. You can buy tokens for it from the cashier for $3 . The machine is very old school, so you’ll experience plenty of whirring and clunking before the ring of an old telephone bell signals that your book is on its way. But don’t expect to choose your selection - the books are randomly dispensed to add an element of mystery and suspense to your purchase.
✱ Read a book with 3 in the total page count (share page count).
Maisie Dobbs - Jacqueline Winspear - 3/10/24- 333 pages

5. Germany: LEGOs
When LEGO vending machines were first installed in the Munich and Frankfurt railway stations, German parents breathed a sigh of relief, as their children traveling in tow would no longer be bored on a long journey. Since then, the rollout has spread across the Atlantic, and travelers have reported seeing LEGO machines in US airports such as Las Vegas and Orlando. If you like the idea but don’t plan to travel anytime soon, you could always build your own vending machine out of the iconic toy bricks instead.
✱ Read a book with an important character that is a child or teenager (tell us who).
Journey to the River Sea - Eva Ibbotson - 3/22/24 - This book is about Maia, an orphan in London and her journey to the Amazon rain forest.

6. Taiwan: Fresh Coconut Juice
There’s nothing uncommon about grabbing juice from a vending machine, but in Taiwan and other parts of Asia, they go one step further. Pop in your money and a vending machine will drill a hole in a fresh coconut. All you have to do is pick up a straw and enjoy the healthy and hydrating drink. If you prefer the taste of oranges, there are machines that will squeeze enough oranges to fill the cup you’ve selected; simply pop on a lid and you’re good to go.
✱ Read a book set in Asia (tell us where).
Convenience Store Woman - Sayaka Murata - 3/21/24 - set in Japan

7. Czech Republic: Gold Bars
Vending machines that dispense real gold bars and coins were first seen in Abu Dhabi in 2010. While that gold ATM is no longer operable, a new one was installed in Prague in 2021. Located side-by-side with more conventional ATMs, the machine is outside the Nový Smíchov shopping mall in the capital of the Czech Republic. In exchange for your hard-earned euros or Czech crowns, the vending machine will supply gold bars in three different sizes.
✱ Read a book originally published in 2010 or 2021 (share publication date).
Clockwork Angel - Cassandra Clare - 3/8/24 - orig pub Aug 31, 2010

8. Singapore: Mashed Potatoes
Although it’s no longer operable, this vending machine deserves an honorable mention. There was a time when you could serve yourself a tub of mashed potatoes directly from vending machines found in Singapore’s 7-Eleven stores. These machines once dispensed a generous serving of the popular comfort food along with a dollop of gravy. They have unfortunately been withdrawn from service, so if you crave mashed potatoes in Singapore now, you must buy the ingredients to make your own.
✱ Read a series book #7 or #11 or read a book you consider "comfort food" or one you were "craving" to read.
Holiday in Death - J.D. Robb - 5/20/24 - #7 In Death

Optional Spell Out: Choose one country from the challenge to spell out.
E - Eka Kurniawan - Man Tiger - 5/6/24
N - None of This Is True - Lisa Jewell - 4/23/24
G - Grimspace - Ann Aguirre - 4/22/24
L - Local Girl Missing - Lisa Regan - 5/18/24
A - Airport - Arthur Hailey - 4/11/24
N - No One Knows - J.T. Ellison - 5/26/24
D - Dave Cullen - Columbine - 5/16/24

[Jan, Moderator]

Way to go Lynda!

[Vanessa]

FINISHED!

Travel Trivia: Unusual Global Vending Machines
May 1, 2024 to Completion

✔️ 1. Japan: Beer
✱ Read a book where the MC drinks an alcoholic beverage (share text).
She Started It by Sian Gilbert 6/1/24
Whole lot of drinking at this "hen party"!

✔️ 2. Australia: Guitar Strings
✱ Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in GUITAR.
Upright Women Wanted by Sarah Gailey 6/3/24

✔️ 3. England: Farm-Fresh Milk
✱ Read a book with the word COW found in the text (share text).
A Day Like This by Kelley McNeil 8/3/24
Pg 213 - "A rocking cow. Not a rocking horse, but a rocking cow"

✔️ 4. Canada: Secondhand Books
✱ Read a book with 3 in the total page count (share page count).
Sleight of Paw by Sofie Kelly 7/4/24
312 pages

✔️ 5. Germany: LEGOs
✱ Read a book with a title that includes all the letters in LEGO (any order).
Several People Are Typing by Calvin Kasulke 6/2/24
SeveraL PEOple Are TypinG

✔️ 6. Taiwan: Fresh Coconut Juice
✱ Read a book set in Asia (tell us where).
The Way of the Househusband, Vol. 1 by Kousuke Oono 6/2/24
Japan

✔️ 7. Czech Republic: Gold Bars
✱ Read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in GOLD.
A Familiar Stranger by A.R. Torre 6/21/24
Lillian

✔️ 8. Singapore: Mashed Potatoes
✱ Read a series book you were "craving" to read.
Fierce Kingdom by Gin Phillips 7/2/24

✔️ Optional Spell Out: Choose one country from the challenge to spell out.
J - Jason Reynolds - Long Way Down 9/1/24
A - Ai Jiang - Linghun 6/9/24
P - Max Porter - Grief is the Thing with Feathers 7/4/24
A - Megan Abbott - Give Me Your Hand 7/16/24
N - NYPD Red 2 by James Patterson 10/30/24

[Jan, Moderator]

Well done Vanessa!!

[Bev(baglady)]

finished

Travel Trivia: Unusual Global Vending Machines
March 1, 2024 - ??

1. Japan: Beer
✱ Read a book with a "mature" story line (tell us why it would be classified as mature) or read a book where the MC drinks an alcoholic beverage (share text).
Tanya Talaga 01/21/2025

2. Australia: Guitar Strings
✱ Read a book with a title that starts with a letter in GUITAR (ignore A, An or The) or read a book where music is important to the plot (tell us how).
Kazuki Kaneshiro 01/11/2025

3. England: Farm-Fresh Milk
✱ Read a book set in Europe (tell us where) or read a book with the word COW found in the text (share text).
Jan Stocklassa 01/14/2025

4. Canada: Secondhand Books
✱ Read a book featuring a book(s) on the cover (post cover) or read a book with 3 in the total page count (share page count).
Heather Gudenkauf 01/17/2025 337 pages

5. Germany: LEGOs
✱ Read a book with an important character that is a child or teenager (tell us who) or read a book with a title that includes all the letters in LEGO (any order).
Tonya Kappes 01/11/2025

6. Taiwan: Fresh Coconut Juice
✱ Read a book set in Asia (tell us where) or read a book by an author whose initials can be found in COCONUT.
Tillie Cole 01/03/2025

7. Czech Republic: Gold Bars
✱ Read a book with an MC whose first name starts with a letter in GOLD or read a book originally published in 2010 or 2021 (share publication date).
Jenny Lawson 01/08/2025 Published - 04/06/2021

8. Singapore: Mashed Potatoes
✱ Read a series book #7 or #11 or read a book you consider "comfort food" or one you were "craving" to read.
Charles Todd 03/04/2024 Series Book #11

Spell out

JAPAN
J - John Wayne Gacy: Defending a Monster Sam L. Amirante 08/06/2024
A - Afraid of the Dark: The True Story of a Reckless Husband, his Stunning Wife, and the Murder that Shattered a Family Tom Henderson 0/26/2024
P - Alan Paton Cry, the Beloved Country 12/04/2024
A - Annabel Smith Whiskey & Charlie 11/20/2024
N- Nonprofit Management 101: A Complete and Practical Guide for Leaders and Professionals Darian Rodriguez Heyman 09/15/2024

[Jan, Moderator]

Way to go Bev!