When I went to New York City the first time, I wasn’t a big fan. It seemed like too many people and too fast paced. I revisited the city for the final week of my trip and had a blast. It still seems the same but now the cultural diversity is appealing. After living in Buenos Aires, I appreciate some aspects of cities: walking to get whatever you need, public transportation, and being able to blend into the masses at times.
I ran in Central Park in the mornings and spent the evenings seeing the Natural History Museum (best museum) going to musicals (Mama Mia and Shrek, fantastic, I’ve never appreciated them before) and toured around with my Mom when she came to visit for the last 3 days.
Even filled with events, the week went by in slow motion as the culmination of feelings from 6 months living out of a backpack peaked. Finally, the Sunday we arrived and I found Jessica waiting for me in the airport. The past month has been a rush from place to place saying hellos and realizing what makes home, home. In conclusion I’ll make a list of some of the things I learned and others that I want to integrate into my life. Also, I want to say thanks to all of my family and friends who followed along adding comments and emails. So, “Tanks very much” as they say in Ireland. I’ve posted a video compilation below of some photos and videos from my trip.
Things I learned:
Don’t sit on a park bench and read a book around sunset in Vina del Mar, Chile
Don’t take any deal that a Thai offers you in the street
Make a deal with a Laosian if offered
Don’t stand up on the surfboard until you feel the tail end lift up with the wave
Listen to Dad and bring the compact fork/spoon/knife tool
Don’t cook an Italian guys pasta when he is planning to cook his pasta
Never pass up a local delicacy
Never to be afraid of a restaurant where no one speaks english
A haircut can be directed with hand motions
Not to be afraid of not meeting friends, theres always someone
Save money, sleep in airports
The eurail global pass is not good in Slovakia, woops
Get to the opera on time or you might have to watch the first half on a tv in the lobby
Eat before you get to Dubai during Ramadan
Always be exact with your time and place directions for meetups
Trust in myself, god, and luck and everything will work
Talk to strangers
Always carry change in Buenos Aires, for the buses
Check your flight schedule more than 2 days in advance
Plan ahead in Europe, don’t plan ahead in Asia
Never change currency in airports
In SE Asia spend the extra dollar on a sit down meal
Don’t drive the wrong way down a road on a scooter in Laos
Always try to haggle
Wash your clothes when you have the chance
Don’t feed woodland critters in Brazil
Get away from other travelers/tourists
Thing I want to incorporate back into my home life:
Argentinian meals (long and conversational) and sharing (everything is a group purchase/ownership)
Argentinian breakfasts (croissants and dulce de leche) and mate tea
The full Irish breakfast
Little sayings from here and there
Cheers – in as many languages as possible
Surfing
Italian pasta
A taste for different cheeses
Soccer/Futbol
A little Rugby, Hurling, and Aussie Rules Football
Thai cooking
Appreciation for all the things I’m lucky for here
Thai fisherman pants
Brazilian mate com limon and pao do quexo(sp)
Some belgian trappist ales
Music from all over the world
Soap in a bowl next to the sink-…hard to explain
Argentine Tango
Different greetings
A global view
A book in Spanish
A touch of the Italian style of zesty communication
Organization like a German
French fries and mayonnaise
Round the World in 180 Days from Chris Smith on Vimeo.
Thank you everyone! This blog will now continue on as my outlet for thoughts and amusements.
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