end of the road: things i learned

Hunter and I visited 12 countries in 16 days before landing in France to celebrate his birthday. The trip was, at varying times, grueling, exhausting and exhilarating. It was completely different from anything I had done before. It was also a ton of fun.

Staying at airbnb’s made us feel a part of the daily life of a place and not quite such tourists. It also gave us a chance to have long chats with local people asking questions about what we should do, the best nearby restaurant, how to work the shower and what they though of the world.

Though our trip was not particularly educational I did manage to learn a few things:

-Always wear a sports bra in a van, no matter where in the world you are they never seem to have adequate suspension

-You see a lot more of the world traveling over ground than through the air

-A big scarf is incredibly versatile; mine was used as a curtain, housecoat, skirt and belt

-The music Hunter listens to uses the f-word, A LOT

-Talking football (soccer in North America) is an instant way to make friends

-I am way too old for this, but it might just keep me young

-And I will never take soft toilet paper for granted again.

I left Hunter in Paris to continue his adventure. He kept ticking countries, succeeding in reaching his goal of 100. He has now qualified for the Traveller’s Century Club. I am quite looking forward to paying the $100 that is required to get him a membership card; it does not appear to confer any other benefits. Not a bad birthday gift for a kid who just turned 20!