Fun Facts - from around the world

[Randy Thompson]

I have heard some amazing fun facts throughout the years from around the world of Golf. Stuff like 450 women planting fairways by hand in Asia, Thirty bulldozers working on one project in China, so I would be interested in hearing some more rare fun facts from various members around the world. I will go first and share two from South America where hand labor is cheap compared to most first world Countries.
In Brazil security is a concern, 400 loted residential gated golf community with two entrances: 132 fulltime security force.
Venezuela: 18 hole country club, 2000 members, 450 employees(includes caddies)!

[RJ_Daley]

Randy, this may tie into some speculation I raised when Gil Hanse got the Olympic job, regarding the actual on the ground hurdles of crime and how things are done in the Favela's. Not that I know how things are done in the Favela's.  But some of the things I read by googling various related words, suggest all may not be a smooth sailing for Gil down there.  I sure hope crime and other issues are under control for the effort and project that this opportunity means for Gil.

[Randy Thompson]

RJ,
They are making improvements, its getting better but its got a ways to go. Its kind of like driving down here, you have to keep up a defense at all times and not get over comfortable and let your guard down.
 I recently had to get extra pages at the embassy for my passport. Got called in the back and was asked how come I lost my passport twice in the past. I explained, I had my biriefcase stolen twice and my passport was in it both times. They explained it will be very difficult, almost impossible for me to obtain a new one if it gets stolen or lost again, so I wear it around my neck now and sleep with it. I have also washed the paint off my face that says; Please rob me!

[Bill_McBride]

RJ,
They are making improvements, its getting better but its got a ways to go. Its kind of like driving down here, you have to keep up a defense at all times and not get over comfortable and let your guard down.
 I recently had to get extra pages at the embassy for my passport. Got called in the back and was asked how come I lost my passport twice in the past. I explained, I had my biriefcase stolen twice and my passport was in it both times. They explained it will be very difficult, almost impossible for me to obtain a new one if it gets stolen or lost again, so I wear it around my neck now and sleep with it. I have also washed the paint off my face that says; Please rob me!

Randy, was that in Rio or Santiago?  I felt pretty safe in the center of Santiago. 

[Wayne_Kozun]

I have had colleagues had their credit cards compromised after a trip to Rio.  Some of the cards that were compromised were never used in Brazil so someone must have broken into the hotel safe where they were kept.  Apparently many hotel safes have a default master password of "1234" or "0000" that works in addition to the regular combo.  Or it was an inside job by someone with the hotel master code.