Future self,
11 countries in 11 months…what a time it has been. We started off with 55 people at Training Camp in August, 2016. Today is April 24th 2017 and our squad has gotten smaller. There are only 46 people traveling to South America. Squad mates have left because of illness, family illness, or for personal reasons. There are only four more countries left. I know that when I get home it will be bittersweet. I will miss my squad mates but also be glad to be home with my family and friends. In preparation of returning home, I have been going through old journal entries. These are some memories that I don’t want to forget.
Moments from India
-I mastered the art of using a squatty potty.?
– I fell off a dump truck.?
– My room flooded because no one learned how to properly wring out laundry before
hanging it in the hallways.?
– I learned how to walk with confidence when crossing busy streets.
?- The game “ice water” is basically freeze tag.?
– Sometimes a layover on a plane is literally staying on the plane while some people get
off and others board.
Moments from Nepal
– When bargaining make sure to cut the starting offer in half
?- Sometimes the best way to carry stuff is on your head.
?- Planting potatoes is hard work?
– Never stop in front of a cow that’s laying down; they’ll get up and chase you
Moments from Vietnam?
– You will learn to love Pho.
?- It rains a lot?
– The rumors are true: rats are huge?
– There is no separation between a shower and sink. Water goes everywhere.
– Always have a taxi put their meter on
Moments from Cambodia?
– You will learn to love fish?
– Eating ants and beef is popular?
– Roosters are annoying?
– Dogs can be very territorial. When running on the street, dogs are more of a threat than motor bikes.
Moments from Botswana
– The best way to love kids is to push them in swings?
– Maize tastes like potatoes. It’s pretty good.
?- There are humongous thorns. Never go barefoot, even in the house.
Moments from South Africa
– No one helps you put your bag on the bus without expecting some kind of compensation
-Net ball is a sport. It’s like basketball but not.
-Don’t automatically assume you know the rules to games or you will look like a fool. ?Someone might even say “don’t do what the Americans did”.
-Museili is granola. If you call it granola, you’ll be pointing out to everyone that you are American. If you eat it without milk or yogurt, you’re looked at
– You have to learn how to dab. It’s for the kids
?Moments from Swaziland
?- Always use your right hand. It’s clean?
– You can buy a wife for 8 cows?
– Baby birds live in your shower. Frogs will live in your shoes. It’s normal
– There’s a bug that can light a match on fire.
?- If you hike a mountain, you can be in both Swaziland and South Africa
– Gogos (grandmothers) are the bosses.
?I have already written blogs about the big moments. These are the details that add to the experience and they will always bring a smile to my face. I don’t want to get so caught up in the big moments that I miss the small ones. I can’t wait to see what the last couple months of the trip will be like so I can add to this list. ?
