So.
Ninety days away from home and we are finally on our way back.
It is probably too soon to draw any firm conclusions as we have more planned, and possibly in more challenging places; but here are some preliminary observations.
People are usually generous and honest. A genuine smile will go along way to resolving a situation but money is often better. Some things are different but most are the same, if you only take the time to realise. Laughter is everywhere. Poor does not mean unhappy. Mopeds crash less often than you would imagine, especially when a thousand of them enter an intersection from different directions.
When you are hungry, everything is tasty. Even breathtaking spectacles lose their shine after a while. The speed at which time seems to pass, is relative. Boredom is a state of mind. Geckos make the sweetest sound of all animals. Heat makes you tired. It is hard to drink enough but easy to eat too much. Guides and waitresses should be tipped as everyone needs a little more.
Think deeply. Talk alot. Try new things. Don't be afraid, if it is not dangerous but don't avoid things just because they are. Buy a good padlock. Don't count money in public. Don't pay over the odds but remember how little you are squabbling over.
The one thing you have plenty of, while travelling, is time. And we have talked at length. Sometimes to learn more about each other; sometimes just to pass the time.
I brought two door stoppers to fill the empty hours of travel but I haven't turned a single page. I bought plenty of music, and have acquired more on the way, and have barely listened to it.
Because travelling is a full time occupation.
Or perhaps, like at home, the task in hand always expands to fill the available time.
Finally, don't eat the food, don't talk to the locals and don't take the advice of other travellers.
Ninety days away from home and we are finally on our way back.
It is probably too soon to draw any firm conclusions as we have more planned, and possibly in more challenging places; but here are some preliminary observations.
People are usually generous and honest. A genuine smile will go along way to resolving a situation but money is often better. Some things are different but most are the same, if you only take the time to realise. Laughter is everywhere. Poor does not mean unhappy. Mopeds crash less often than you would imagine, especially when a thousand of them enter an intersection from different directions.
When you are hungry, everything is tasty. Even breathtaking spectacles lose their shine after a while. The speed at which time seems to pass, is relative. Boredom is a state of mind. Geckos make the sweetest sound of all animals. Heat makes you tired. It is hard to drink enough but easy to eat too much. Guides and waitresses should be tipped as everyone needs a little more.
Think deeply. Talk alot. Try new things. Don't be afraid, if it is not dangerous but don't avoid things just because they are. Buy a good padlock. Don't count money in public. Don't pay over the odds but remember how little you are squabbling over.
The one thing you have plenty of, while travelling, is time. And we have talked at length. Sometimes to learn more about each other; sometimes just to pass the time.
I brought two door stoppers to fill the empty hours of travel but I haven't turned a single page. I bought plenty of music, and have acquired more on the way, and have barely listened to it.
Because travelling is a full time occupation.
Or perhaps, like at home, the task in hand always expands to fill the available time.
Finally, don't eat the food, don't talk to the locals and don't take the advice of other travellers.
What a good set of lessons. I am deeply envious that you have had the opportunity to discover all this. Particularly the thing about the mopeds.
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Excellent!!