Ok, so one of the million dollar questions right now is “where all are you going and what are you doing there?” Well, I have no idea what I will be doing, it could be anything from working in an orphanage to physically building a home. I will find out more about what I will actually be doing later on, and I will keep you posted, I promise. However, I DO know where I will be going. At least, I know which countries I will be going to. You see, there will be about 60-70 people who go on this trip with me, and we break down into smaller groups of about 6-8 people. When we get to the first country, the groups disperse throughout the country and do something different. So here is a list, and a few fun facts about each of the places I will be visiting. (If you are anything like me, you have no idea where these countries are, but Google does. So check out the map I’ve attached above).
GUATEMALA
Language: Spanish. The Mayans in Guatemala invented the first chocolate bar. Blue denim was invented here. Largest and most populated country in Central America. The average woman in Guatemala works more than any other woman in the world.
HONDURAS
Language: Spanish. There is a natural phenomenon called fish rain where fish literally fall from the sky. Over 50% of the people fall below the poverty line.
EL SALVADOR
Language: Spanish. Has one of the few democracies in the world and some consider it to be one of the best. Everyday, 3% of the populations attempts to make the trek to the US to help support their family. They once went to war with Honduras over a soccer game.
UKRAINE
Language: Ukrainian. They have the heaviest silver coin in the world. They also have the deepest subway station, and shortest main street. The world’s first Constitution was written by a Ukrainian.
ROMANIA
Language: Romanian. The were the first to see nerve cells under a microscope. Dracula was inspired by a Romanian hero and Romanian folklore. The fountain pen was invented here. Home to the Danube Delta, which I hear is beautiful.
KENYA
Languages: English and Swahili. Kenya is the country I am most looking forward to visiting. Home to the Kalenjin running tribe who, in the last 30 years, have earned 40% of the worlds most prestigious running honors. Also, Kenya is currently undergoing a drought and is all over the news for the severe famine that is taking place.
UGANDA
Languages: English and Swahili. About half of the population lives on less than $1.25 USD per day. Their official motto is “For God and My Country”. They are known for their pineapples.
TANZANIA
Languages: Swahili. Home to Africa’s tallest mountain: Mount Kilimanjaro. One in 10 people have AIDS. The earliest remains of humans were discovered here. Is home to the world’s only tree-climbing lions.
THAILAND
Language: Thai. Bankok is the hottest capital city in the world. Is known as the world’s biggest sex-terrorism hub. Previously known as Siam. Known as the “land of smiles” due to the friendly, inviting population. Every male must become a monk for some period during his life.
CAMBODIA
Language: Khmer. Tarantulas are eaten as a special treat. Half of the population is under the age of 15. One in 236 people are disabled, making Cambodia the most disabled country in the world. Is a collective society which means that the individual always takes second place to the group (family, neighborhood, company, etc).
MALYASIA
Language: Malay. They point with their thumb, not their finger. Home to the Bintagor trees, which are believed to contain properties that could help fight the virus that causes AIDS.
