Google - Explore the World

Looks like Google have added another fun element to Google maps with the "Explore the world" link just under the search bar in Google.com

It reads "Local experts share their favorite places with you" and when you click the link it takes you to a Google Maps Favorite Places pages where you will see some 'experts' (ermmm really?) favorite places in the world.

See here

So here is a sample of some of them:

Al Gore: The Maldives.
With the message: Our grandchildren may never be able to visit the Maldives, an island nation south of India, because it could be submerged by rising sea levels.

Kelly Holmes: OXO Tower in London
With the message: Great food, brilliant location and views.

Ken Livingstone: El Parador
With the message: The garden at El Parador is a great place to eat tapas outdoors in the summer. You'd never know you were near such busystreets

Suggs (front man for Madness): St Johns
With the message: I regularly go out for dinner to St John's. There's always such a jolly atmosphere about it, and the standard of food and the selection of wine are fabulous.

and for the Spanish fans out there

Alejandro Sanz (singer): Paseo de Camoens
With the message: It is a tranquil spot that fills me with peace. It brings back a lot of memories to me from when they held concerts there.

So to summarise, most other people outside the UK choose a destination whereas the English seem to choose a restaurant. Where's the culture gone?