I've been on the field for about 10½ months now and I've noticed that over the course of The World Race there are some things that are not considered normal in the United States that become an ordinary part of everyday life in a foreign country, especially when you're miles from any form of civilization. Here, for your reading enjoyment, is a list of 11 such things. A little side note, the countries in parentheses indicate where certain events happened and items with an asterisk have stories that help them make more sense so feel free ask for them the next time that you talk with me.
1. You get excited every time you see another white person who isn't on your squad.
2. You take every opportunity to use a Western toilet.
3. You spend most of your off day/time and money at or around an Internet source.
4. You have mastered the art of slapping mosquitoes in your sleep.
5. *You pass down time by writing a story in song about a poster hanging in your house. (Nicaragua)
6. *You pass down time by doing interpretive shadow puppet shows to old American pop music. (Cambodia)
7. You appreciate any opportunity to eat an apple pie.
8. You know the word for 'white person' in the language of every country you visit.
9. *You are able to make a meal out of cockroaches and maggots. (Thailand)
10. You invent reasons to go to the store so you can get chocolate.
11. *You take a bathroom break by going into the bushes on the side of the road wherever the bus stops. (Uganda)
