To think they used to only save you from starting a family.
Which is why today Hungry and Thursday turns its attentions to those magic boxes, vending machines.
And a big thanks to my Japanophile friends who have set me off on this latest ramble.
Where’s the larvae?
Canned bees and wasp larvae, Japan: To sip down the coke.
Bees and wasps larvae are harvested from their nests.
And they are cooked in sugar and soy sauce to make the delicacy of Hachinoko… and yes, it’s crumbly.
Stock up on it in Inokashira Park, Tokyo and nibble away on your Three Star Road route.
Start out in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, and trace an arcing line through the mountains to Ishikawa Prefecture.
The best bar none
Gold, Abu Dhabi: As you never know when you’ll put your hand in your pocket and realise that you’re down to your last bar!
The five-star Emirates Palace Hotel installed the first bullion ATM in its lobby.
Bubbles
Champagne, Selfridge’s, London: If you’re having to slum it without your comp champagne which is changed daily with the laundry at Sandals in Barbados.
And you’re in the vicinity of Selfridge’s in London then you won’t be able to get through the day without your bottle of bubbly.
Hair today
Hair extension, Philadelphia: OK, so it might be too late for me but there was a time when I tried a pony tail.
Although it met with a putdown from my old late pal Gadge who maintained that ponytails should only ever be on ponies.
These tails belong in Phabulous Philadelphia, Freedom City, so that’s all right by me.
The cat’s whiskers
Stray cat and dog feeder, Istanbul: I can’t say I saw these when I visited the Bosphorus.
In fact the kitties are well looked after judging by how they’re pampered in the Grand Bazaar.
But if you do want to spoil the cats and dogs of Istanbul.
Then slot in a plastic bottle into the machine and then pop out come the goodies before poop…