Monday, August 2, 2010
Lessons Learned--South America, Part 1
I prefer to hit the high points. A funny story here and there. A couple of tidbits about the people and the places. Photographs that are self-explanatory.
It would be easy for me to sit down and write out a complete summary of everything that happened during each of the fifteen days I was gone. You could decide for yourselves which parts are the most interesting, and which parts to barely glance at.
But, what's the fun in that, right?
So, I thought about it and decided I'm going to split up my South American Adventure into multiple posts. That way, I don't have to get bored writing it, and you don't have to get bored reading it. Because, seriously, what's the fun of travelogues if everyone's just going to be bored, right?
Today, I thought I'd start with some of the lessons I learned. And in a future post, I might even explain the stories behind some of these lessons. If I feel like it, and if you're even interested, of course.
- I understand a lot more Spanish than I give myself credit for.
- The basic process of air travel is pretty much the same in every country. Follow your instincts and you'll most likely end up on the right plane.
- Particle masks are on the Global Village packing list for a reason.
- I have no desire to be a vegetarian.
- Creative trip planning can save you a lot of money at customs.
- Being sick sucks. Being sick 5000 miles from home sucks exponentially worse.
- Kids don't need a lot of stuff to be happy. They just need a safe place to sleep and to know that someone cares about them.
- The world is a very accessible place.
- A lot of people still believe in the American Dream.
- It's deeply gratifying to fall into bed at the end of the night knowing that you have worked hard to earn a good night's sleep.
That's just a quick recap of some of the lessons I learned in Paraguay and Argentina. It was quite the adventure. I met some really great people, saw some amazing things, and worked harder than I've worked in a really long time. I can't say I loved every minute of my trip, but I sure appreciated every minute and I hope I left things a little bit better than I found them. That's all any of us can really hope for anyway.
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I'm interested to hear the stories :)
ReplyDeletethe saying isn't just for kids...for everyone, all we want is a place to sleep and know people love us. :)
ReplyDeleteI gotta say...I'd love to hear some details.
ReplyDeleteThat is a good list. I really like the lesson learned about the American Dream. I learned that when I went to China over 10 years ago.
ReplyDeleteGood post,Karen:-)
ReplyDeleteThese sound like great lessons. I agree about kids not needing a lot of stuff. If they don't know better, they aren't going to want it.
ReplyDeleteOh wow...I'm really interested in why you have no desire to be a vegetarian. Usually after an "experience" people don't ever want to eat meat again!
ReplyDeleteAnd I totally agree with your work ethic. It IS deeply gratifying to go to sleep knowing you worked hard enough to earn it.
It's only been a couple of weeks since our journey began but we are so over the moon excited! I just wanted to drop in and invite you along for the ride - either you're a follower of my OTHER blog or just a sweet person I'd love to come along!
ReplyDeleteHopefully, the secrecy won't last long... www.DefinitelyMaybeBaby.com
Much love, luck, and blessings!!
The *Maybe* Baby Mama
All in all it sounds like a pretty good trip, except the getting sick part. That sounds pretty awful.
ReplyDeleteHey Karen! Left you an award...check it out. www.girlsandsunflowers.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteWell said on the kids bit =)
ReplyDeleteAnd well done on surprising yourself with your knowledge of Spanish.
And I don't believe anybody could be a vegetarian. Meat is too awesome.
I still believe in the American dream, but I'm interested to read more of the story behind that one.
ReplyDelete