Travel Tips
To get the most out of travel you have to take good care of your health. I mean, what good does it do to move your body to exciting and intersting new places if it is not going to be well enough to enjoy it? On this trip I have been very carefull to drink only purified water, eat foods that are freshly cooked or fruits that could be peeled to avoid consuming any unwanted bugs. Still there are a few considerations that I overlooked and am now paying the price for. Rather than bore you with complaints of my symptoms, I will list a few tips derived from this trips experience.

1) Wear comfortable sensible shoes. The only pair I brought with me are good sturdy hiking boots with a webbed siding that breathes air. So they easily fit the sensible requirement. The problem is this pair has never quite been broken in, so consequently they are breaking me in, and I am noticing tired feet keep me from having as much fun as I may otherwise.

2) Get plenty of rest and take your vitamins. With all the excitement of a foreign country, not to mention the stress of travel itself, it can be very easy to over do and wear down your immune system. This can lead to the same kind of symptoms on the road as elsewhere. Take it easy, let your trip be fun.

3) Learn as much of the language as you can before you go. Having to struggle with communication for the most basic of needs can take a lot out of your system and add to the hassle and discomfort of travel. Plus being able to speak a little bit can help break the ice with strangers and enhance the travel experience. I have learned only enough Español for the most basic exchanges, which is fine for passing encounters, but everytime I want to find out what is the best bus to take, where I can get a certain thing it is a lot of work. A phrase book helps but invaribly after figuring out and speaking what I need to say, the response is something totally unfamiliar. Don't get me wrong, conversation is happeninig and I am learning more Spanish each day, it is just a lot more work. Next time I'll ...