You don’t always use your tent. In fact, you may go months never using it.
Some days your plans change. And change. And change again.
It’s not that we don’t like to shower on The World Race. We really do love smelling clean. It just sometimes it’s very inconvenient, or the water is not at a welcoming temperature. Or there’s no water. Or power. Or both.
Instant coffee is not what it’s cracked up to be. That does not mean you will not drink enormous quantities of it.
It is NOT always hot in Africa.
After days of travel, an office floor is seriously the best bed and night of sleep imagined.
Wet wipes are your best friend.
Just because a woman is grilling corn right on the side of the street does not actually mean she is selling it.
Some dogs you pass on the road may look like they’re dead. Some actually are.
You will need to explain time and time again that just because you are American does not mean you are rich. Or that you personally know Rihanna.
Men might ask you to marry them frequently. They are not joking.
Everyone knows Chicago. Don’t even try to say you’re from Illinois.
What starts as an innocent conversation with a few school children may end up being an angry mob of 75 kids fighting to get your autograph.
They do sell Peanut Butter overseas. And you may or may not develop an addiction to it.
Ethiopian Coffee may be the cheapest, but it is the strongest and freshest.
“Community” takes on a new meaning when you eat spicy and large qualities of Ethiopian food and the toilet is not flushing.
Mastering the squatty potty takes time, patience, concentration, and many failed attempts. Don’t give up.
You may want to name the friendly rodent that runs through the walls and roof at night.
Between the dog conversations all night and the morning prayers over loudspeakers you will be grateful your dad gave you ear plugs.
You begin to stare at white people as much as the locals do because you’re not used to seeing people that look like you.
A free buffet at a nice hotel may move you close to tears. Same with a hot shower.
