The world is changing in so many ways

After a fantastic break, in a fantastic place with fantastic weather, the dream ended and I woke up again in Australia.

Crazy things happening all around at the moment

Trade blocs are strengthening, now the EU has jumped on the band wagon and is making importing of small value items very difficult and expensive! Recently sent an item worth a miserable A$8 to Europe, upon entry to the EU country "that will be A$300 processing fee" Of course the client refused to pay the new charges and so the items were returned as abandoned. The world has gone nuts! At least this region of the world still believes in free trade and I have no problems sending items around the Asian region and to near neighbours such as NZ.

Gold prices just kept on increasing in value while I was away, reaching almost A$6500 per ounce when I returned, that is an increase in value of A$1000 during the period I was on holidays (two weeks). Things have stabilised now and Gold seems to be sitting around A$6000, a plateau of sorts. Predictions though from those who should know these things (Goldman Sachs) has indicated another steep rise in 2026 so the end is not in sight yet.

I have been watching a LOT of commentary about this interplanetary object called 3i Atlas - lots of misinformation online and downright dribble but through all the smoke, serious questions remain. Do we have our first (known) alien visitors or is it just a plain old rock not following the rules of physics ... hopefully we will know more as time passes ...