I try to avoid walking under coconut palms that are loaded with coconuts, as they will fall to the ground. There is a debate on the internet about whether coconuts are dangerous. Apparently some scientists when discussing some other remote threat have at times made comments that people are more likely to get injured by a falling coconut than whatever else they are talking about.
Some of the internet attention to this subject was prompted by a visit by President Obama to the Ghandi Museum in Mumbai in 2010, when the Indian officials cut all the coconuts off the trees before the President arrived to make sure that none would fall on him.
The consensus of the articles on the internet that I found was that reports of deaths from coconuts falling are an exaggerated myth, not supported by research or other evidence. Nevertheless, why take a chance, as a falling coconut would hurt, even if it is an exceedingly remote hazard.
This week we have photos of Angkor Wat and other temples of Cambodia on our Viva la Voyage travel photo site. If you have not been there, I think you will be fascinated by a quick visit to our website, or a visit in person to Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Have really been enjoying your posts the last several days. I've been aware of the controversy re. coconuts for several years...probably just another urban legend. But, if the coconuts were cut down before Obama's visit, perhaps it's more than just local lore.
ReplyDeleteHave a good week, David!
We read that many of the palm trees on Florida beaches started as coconuts that washed up on shore. So one day we took a coconut and planted it and watered and sure enough, it began to grow into a tree. I think we gave it too much water, though, 'cause it rotted out in its container on our lanai!
ReplyDeleteThat fruit is heavy, it would hurt if one fell on you. I'm with your, walk away from the trees.
ReplyDeleteyour observation is interesting and your photo superb
ReplyDeleteWe have a papaya tree in the back patio area of our condo in Tamarindo and it regularly drops large fruit from a good height. I avoid standing under it so I'm with you, standing under a coconut tree wouldn't be wise..
ReplyDeleteThis is fun to see, Not something I would ever see around here. Your story was fun too. I would never have thought about the dangers of coconuts.
ReplyDeleteAfter seeing all your photos, I think I'm (coco)nuts about Costa Rica. Very cool place.
ReplyDeleteI'm warned then. But I'd still like to OD on them.
ReplyDeleteThis is a knotty concept. Which should I fear more in Costa Rica, walking under palm trees or driving at night?
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