Americans aren’t exactly known for their geographical knowledge. But, being an international student, studying international development, I thought it was time to brush up on my country-finding skills. I went to a very large, very modern bookstore in Rome to buy a world map:
As I struggled to hold up the map alone and tape all four corners simultaneously, I happened to glance at the middle of the map, and what I saw caused me to say, “No. Nonononononononono. NOOOOoooooOOOooOOoOOoo!”
What was it that I saw?
Zaire.
As I mentioned previously, I am by no means a geography expert. That being said, I do know that “Zaire” has not been a country for at least 15 years.
So I dug the map cover out of the recycling pile and looked for a publication date: 28-7-87
1987. Of-freaking-course. Nice of them to update the PRICE, but keep a totally outdated, useless product on the shelves.
Fool me once, shame on you, Italy… but it is my fault, because I should have known to check the publication date before I spent 8 Euro.
Excuse me, I have to go re-write country names now.
Ciao, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Welcome to 2010.
1987!! 8 euros!!! That would have put me in a bad mood, but since it didn’t happen to me, I must say that it sounds a little bit funny… So sorry, bionda!
Here is another example of americans geographical knowledge. Well, at least, she had heard about “Turkey”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqi0DwNLJdM
I like maps…more than I like GPS. I always look at publish dates of maps and books before I buy. Just sayin. You can recycle it by turning it into a book cover or maybe a decoupage (sp?) project? 🙂
Rip-off…lol
Only in Italia!! If it were sold in Florence, the publication date would of been 1950 🙂
Hi Natalie, reading you some 16 years after, I wonder if you are still around in Rome.
Comunque, I wouldn’t be so upset for the old date of your map, I love old maps. It will be easy finding an updated one, but this one can give you the thrill of considering how the world was at that time.
You might notice also Jugoslavia is there, that was badly disappearing some 30 years ago. Might help you thinking back in time.
Enjoy.
Thanks, Stefano. Eh si, sono ancora a Roma.