Michael On vacation, we regularly drive around in rental cars in foreign cities. Typically, you book a "category" and not a specific car type. Once, at Sixt in Munich, I booked the "VW Golf GTI" class, but at the counter, they tried to give me an Opel Mandriva, a minivan for soccer moms. In Las Vegas, I once booked a Prius, but when I showed up, there was no Prius available. I made a fuss and was eventually appeased with a Japanese sports car, an Infiniti G37S. But I've always wanted to drive a Prius, the legendary hybrid car that Americans have been using to save gas for about 20 years, because the small gasoline engine keeps charging a large battery that then powers the car without gasoline during calm driving phases. While our Honda Fit guzzles a good eight liters per 100 km (30 miles/gal), a Prius manages with just four (60 miles/gal). I know, I know, in Germany people drive around in Matchbox cars that also only consume four liters (60 miles/gal), but in America, you can't get by with less than 100 horsepower.

Angelika Since we have been living in the US, I have grown very fond of the so-called "State Parks." Many are as spectacular as the famous National Parks, but often not as crowded and more manageable. In the US, National Parks are managed by federal authorities, while the "State Parks" are under the supervision of the respective state. California alone has 280 State Parks and was one of the states that early on promoted nature conservation with the help of the State Park system. The California Gold Rush, during which many landscapes were ruthlessly defaced and exploited to mine gold, led to land in Yosemite Valley being placed under protection as early as 1864, with the goal of preserving the land and making it available to the public for recreational purposes.

Michael Las Vegas is a must-see for German tourists, but for us, it is a special place because we met in Las Vegas for the first time, ages ago. We go there from time to time to refresh our memories and to see what has changed in this city of madness since our last visit. And there is always something going on.

Michael Gambling in the casino is the main attraction for many visitors in Las Vegas. Some save up all year just to let loose at the blackjack or craps table for a few hours -— and then go home without any money left. We also like to spend some time in the casino, but not just because of the slot machines; it's because human dramas unfold there that can only happen at a casino. During our last visit, we overheard a couple where the woman confessed to the man that she felt guilty about blowing her grandmother's gift money and wondered if she should rather invest it in a tank of gas for the car. No, no, the man said, after all, it was her money now and she could spend it however she wanted!

Angelika When it comes to Las Vegas, we understandably get sentimental. Sometimes we really miss the old Las Vegas. After all, back then we used to go there as students to eat cheaply and abundantly at the "All You Can Eat" buffets, to snag an affordable rental car, and then to dash off to the various national parks. Las Vegas has reinvented itself many times since our first encounter there, but for us, the city is enveloped in nostalgia because that's where we met. We never tire of seeking that feeling during our visits.

Michael Air travelers often get so thirsty on long-haul flights that flight attendants can hardly keep up with refilling drinks. Therefore, it is advisable to carry bottled water. But, oh dear, unfortunately, airport security does not allow liquids to be brought through, so it has become customary for travelers to quickly purchase a plastic bottle of water at the gate area at an exorbitant price. Did I say plastic?! For heaven's sake, plastic waste is no longer acceptable in green San Francisco!

Angelika In the last newsletter, I promised to explain why we have great concerns that Trump might get re-elected. As I said, I would be very happy if my prediction turns out to be wrong. But why do I hold this opinion? It is true that a lot can happen before the actual election date in November 2020, but anyone who thinks that Trump will be removed from office is living in a fantasy world, because the Republican-dominated Senate will never turn its back on Trump.