These are 11 things that Racers (or maybe just me) get dis-proportionally excited about. These things may cause squealing, jumping, giggling, or complete awe when we (I) come across them.
1. American style toilets that you can flush toilet paper in. Seriously though, the 2 questions in every new country are, “Are there toilets or squatties?” and “Is this a flush or no flush country?” Don’t judge.
2. Ethnic food not indigenous (I’m in a big word mood this morning…sorry) to the country you’re in. Example- Chinese food in Guatemala & Zambia; Curry in Malawi. It always feels a little wrong, but a little right. Often, this food must be tested. Ya know…for quality control.
3. Washing machines. I seriously about had a cow last week because I found a laundry service WITH a washing machine. Our water had been out for a couple days & I was desperate. I about had a bigger cow once I got my clothes back. I still haven’t worn my jeans because I’m not ready for them to get dirty again.
4. Clothes dryers. Now this is an even bigger deal. Apparently dryers use too much electricity, so clothes lines it is. I about cried when I pulled my clean, dry, & warm clothes out of a kind friend’s dryer in El Salvador. And that’s the last I’ve seen of a dryer.
5. Good wifi. Let me just include any wifi in this list as well. But GOOD wifi…it’s like….
6. Ice cream. I only occasionally ate ice cream at home. Didn’t really have cravings for ice cream. But since the beginning of the Race, I think I’ve eaten ice cream in every country I’ve been in. Italy, of course, has the best, but El Salvador was pretty good too.
7. Americans &/or English speakers. But let me emphasize Americans. I swear, every time I see an American, I get giddy & excited & almost explode. We ran into some Americans at the Botswana border & I HAD to talk to them. My brain races & I wonder “why are they here?”, “what are their names”, “where are they from”, “can I get them to talk to me?”. So I go on to (usually awkwardly) introduce myself & my team & try to get their story. But really, at this point, any English speaking person is cool in my book. I’m like a 4 year old who’s just caught sight of Mickey Mouse at Disney for the first time. But whatever.
8. Pizza. Ok, I know this list could easily go to all of the foods we could ever miss, but Pizza really is one of those things. I haven’t had pizza in every country, but whenever I see the signs, I’m like, “THEY HAVE THAT HERE?” I thought only Americans (& Italians) did that. Surprise, surprise, we are not the only ones. Also, Bulgaria has AMAZING pizza. And weird pizza with eggs on it. But seriously delicious pizza.
9. American brands. Whether that’s Pringles or M&Ms (really hard to find the peanut-less kind) or Hariboo gummy bears, when we see it, we’re amazed. (See the explanation for #8.) And it touches our (my) heart(s) and makes us miss & think of home. It doesn’t take away the deep longing for family & friends, but it’s a bittersweet reminder that home isn’t that far away.
10. Actual showers WITH hot water. Please don’t see this as a complaint. Bucket showers are incredibly efficient. I’ve come to love them. But when you have a legit shower AND hot water, it’s like you’ve struck gold. Sometimes those showers have a toilet within 2 feet of the shower head, but no biggie. If you’ve got warm to hot water, nothing can rain on your parade.
And finally….
11. Running water. I know this kinda goes under actual showers, but let me tell you how much of a blessing running water is. Working in the medical field, I washed my hands probably, at least, 50 times a day. With soap. In other places, water is in buckets or bottles. And soap isn’t always a thing. It’s a big thing for me, so I make sure it happens, but not so much for other countries. Treasure running water and soap. Because there’s nothing like being able to wash your hands with soap in running water after just using a really…umm….quaint little outdoor squattie in the middle of nowhere. Just saying.
So there are so many other things that bring tears to our (ok, let’s be real, MY) eyes, these are just a few. But I think these are some of the things I’m going to treasure most when I get home. I mean, ya know, besides the people. ;-p
Love you guys!
