Here’s another blog for all those future Racers out there. Some days on the Race will be difficult, but I’ve complied a short list of tips, tricks and life-hacks that will hopefully help you get through just a little bit easier.
- You know those awesome blankets you use on the airplane? The ones that everyone takes at the end of their flight? Well apparently they aren’t complimentary items for you to keep. But since you already accidentally stole it, you might as well put it to good use and spice up your wardrobe. Those babies make the best winter scarves.
- There will come a time on the Race where you will have to use a squatty-potty. There is no getting around it. But ladies, it’s really not as bad as you think. You’re biggest worry in there is trying not to get bit on your cheeks by all the dang mosquitos. The key to mastering the squatty is this: “slow and steady wins the race”. Pee slowly and you’ll have make it out mess-free every time.
- Bring clothes on the Race that are basic and/or versatile enough to mix and match. You will get tired of wearing the same outfits after about two months if you don’t. And don’t be afraid to spice up your wardrobe by borrowing clothes from your teammates. I’m 6’1” and share clothes with my 5’3” teammate.
- If you buy a bottle of wine, but fail to locate a corkscrew in order to open said bottle of wine, please proceed as follows (Prep time: 60 minutes):
a) Collect an assortment of sharp and/or narrow objects such as pocketknives, cutlery, screwdrivers, pens, markers etc. Feel free to get creative here.
b) Use the above objects to push the cork down into the bottle as far as possible. Eventually too much pressure will build up in the bottle, physically preventing you from continuing with that action. Warning: frustration may occur.
c) Next, use the sharp objects to begin cutting away at the cork. Continue with this until there is a large enough hole to relieve pressure and allow the wine to flow through.
d) Proceed with pushing the cork down into the bottle.
e) Your wine will probably now be contaminated with bits of cork. Pour the wine through a paper coffee filter into your favorite glass or mug to sift out all debris.
f) Sip and enjoy!
- Bring a handful of key rings on the Race, and use them to lock your backpack and purse. They are the perfect thing to deter pick-pocketers, and they’re way cheaper than travel locks. Also, if you have a purse with a front flap or zipper, always wear your purse backwards and close to your body so it’s more difficult for people with sticky fingers to take your stuff.
- ALWAYS carry toilet paper or wet wipes with you. Most buses and public restrooms do not provide or will be out of TP. And it’s not uncommon to run out of TP at your ministry site. Month one of my Race a girl sat on the toilet in tears for nearly 30 minutes. All she needed was some toilet paper. None of us understood a lick of Spanish so were of no help. We figured it out eventually, but moral of the story, you don’t want to be that girl. Whenever you go out to eat or are served a meal, grab a few extra napkins from the table and stuff them in your purse or pocket. My team laughed at me when I told them I do this, but you don’t even know how many times those napkins have saved me (and them).
- You’ll have to wash your laundry by hand most of the Race. If you ever run out of laundry detergent, using shampoo or body wash works just as well in a pinch. And the same goes for doing the dishes. Out of dish soap? Use a little shampoo. It gets the job done.
- When you’re in Asia don’t be afraid to barter. Vendors mark prices up because they know you are a tourist. Offer a reasonable price for an item, and if they say no, just walk away. They hate losing a customer, so as soon as you walk away they will mark prices down for you. If you go to the markets make sure to get there early. It is considered bad luck for vendors to lose their first customer of the night, so if you get there first they will mark prices down to next to nothing for you just so that you will buy an item.
- Eating on a budget can be a struggle sometimes. There will be times when you want to try a few things on the menu but just can’t afford it. If you go out to eat in a group have everyone or just a couple people each pick a different dish, and then share family style so that everyone can try a little of everything. You’ll get more bang for your buck that way.
- On the Race you have five days of ministry, one rest day and one adventure day each week. First of all, please rest on your rest day. You need it. But for your adventure days, go ham! Do all the things. You’ll probably never be back in these countries again, so explore it as much as you can while you can. If you want to do a fun excursion like bussing 20 hours to see the Bolivian Salt Flats, or travel down to Patagonia, or border hop to a nearby country, or whatever it is… just ask your host. Usually they want you to see their country as much as you do and will help you make it happen. I missed out on some cool adventures this year just because I failed to ask my host if I could do it.
Check out my previus blog titled “Dear Future Racers” for a list of packing do’s and dont’s.
