Learnings

When Gayle and I travel together internationally we always end by discussing our learnings for next time we travel together. For example, after we went to Italy we said we would pack lighter in the future. We succeeded this time. So much so that we had two different porters comment on how little luggage we had brought. Traveling lighter made it much easier and more enjoyable.

Here are our learnings from this trip. Some of them we already knew but with most learnings we needed to be reminded.

• Bring quick dry clothing.
• Check every car when you get out and every seat when you stand up. Leaving something behind complicates life.
• Hire the right travel agent. It is worth the money when you leave your wallet in your transport to the airport.
• When driving on the left side of the road remember that the windshield wiper control is on your left and the turn signal is on the right.
• If you go on safari be sure to go out at night. The big cats sleep during the day. Night is when the magic happens.
• We lead such privileged lives. Most of the citizens of our planet could not dream of the luxuries we take for granted.
• Always pack a raincoat.
• Stay calm and go with the flow. There will be disappointments when you travel. There will also be unexpected delights.
• Don't turn on the television while you travel.
• If you go to the Chobe in Botswana, take the river boat ride. Skip the Jeep safari.
• Always engage the Uber or taxi drivers about the country you are visiting. They will tell you way more than anyone else.
• Corporations will use anything and everything to sell their stuff.
• Push yourself to try new experiences. If you do you might feel the spray of Victoria Falls while flying above them on a microlight or swim to the edge and peer over or crawl through a cave or get within a few feet of a leopard.
• The right answer is always truth and reconciliation.
• There is something profound about the connections you make with complete strangers when you travel.
• The food on South African Airways is way better than the food on British Airways.
• Build in rest when you travel overseas.
• It is better to make reservations and cancel than try to make them at the last minute.
• Springbok is actually quite good.
• South Africans like their food very salty.
• A birthday celebration with complete strangers and a birthday song you have never heard (accompanied by djembe) will be a highlight.
• If you don't have Global Entry be sure and download the app for Mobile Passport. It will greatly shorten your time going through customs.
• Susan is always right. At least that is what Gayle says right now.
• The world is a beautiful place.