Life Is Just So Daily

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

Things I've learned around the world...

In Paris, I learned that you don't order milk at a restaurant. It's not cold cow's milk. It was warm goat milk. Yuck, and very unexpected.

In Arizona, I learned that the desert scenery is sooooooooooo gorgeous, and I was actually surprised that I found it to be so pretty. For some reason, I just didn't expect to like it. But when you are there in person....the sky seems so much bigger & the red rocks seem wonderful & beautiful. I also learned that Sedona is beautiful, but I don't think I could ever afford to live there. I also learned that it's illegal to pick fruit off the trees if they are not your trees.

In Cairo (or just outside of Cairo), I learned that you don't accept camel rides in the desert from strangers. Yes, this is a true lesson that I received in May 2001. Apparently, in the past, these camel-walking men would offer tourists a ride around the pyramids, and then they'd lead them a bit further out for better photo opportunities. At that point, they "requested" more money to let you down off the camel.

In Vatican City, I learned that it is a damn shame to go out all that way to see Vatican & forget to see the Sistine Chapel. Yes, how do you go there & forget that? My only explanation is that everything was so breathtaking & different than I imagined, so I was just taking it all in....and then I left. Whoops.
Another thing I learned in Vatican City: we've never had a black pope. Um....if you don't know: some of the previous popes are...not "mummified", but preserved & under glass cases. They are on display though. So, um---I turn to my dad & say, "Hey, look there was a black pope....back in....[whatever year was on the display]" My dad just laughed & explained that he was black from being dead & preserved, etc.
Oh.

In Italy in general, I learned that (1) the strawberry gelato is nothing like American strawberry ice cream....it's sooooooo much better & everyone should eat one serving of strawberry gelato daily while in Italy; (2) my dad does not appreciate the Lainey-Paney's need or desire for italian leather shoes. My dad & I went to Rome when I was....going into my Sophomore year in college. I did not have my own money at that time (because I spent it just as fast as I made it!), & my dad would NOT buy me any Italian leather shoes! Ugh. The nerve. [still, a wonderful trip]

In West Hollywood at Chateau Marmont, I learned that if you smell something (a piece of candy coated in powdered sugar) & get powdered sugar on your nose---people will look at you like you've been snorting drugs.

In New Maadi,Egypt I learned that you can have just about anything delivered. This is a suburb of Cairo. You can order from the drugstore, fast food restaurants, grocery store, etc. You can order a pizza, and have them stop & pick up hair dye & bubble gum if you want to....and the delivery guy does it! How cool is that???

In the Dominican Republic, I learned that I feel awkward on a topless beach while wearing a top.

In Utah, I learned that snow tubing looks like a lot of fun in the brochure. And going down the hill really is a lot of fun. But what they don't show are the images of weary tube riders schlepping the tube back up the hill. Even when they have an automated tube line, it only took the tube so far. After that, you still have to drag the tube to the top of the hill.

In Puerto Rico, I learned that peach daiquaries are wonderful. I also learned that I don't really enjoy gambling. My first time in a casino was in Puerto Rico. The first time, I was underage. Then, when we returned to Puerto Rico, I went to a casino with my dad. He gave me $40. Within a few minutes, it was gone. I could not let go of the fact that I could have bought X,Y,Z with that money, but no---instead it was pissed away in minutes, and I had nothing to show for it.

In Canada & St.Louis,MO---I learned that I don't like basements.
In the event of a tornado, I'd probably get over that fear quickly...but in general, they freak me out. Of course, I don't like crawl spaces under houses either, but I don't ever plan on going INTO a crawl space....ever.

In Colorado, I learned that cross country skiing is a lot of work, but it is fun & rewarding.

Biggest thing I've learned: I love to travel.
I want to go somewhere....right now!

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26 Comments:

At 9:04 PM , Blogger Kila said...

I really enjoyed this post. Hopefully someday I'll make it to all those places!

 
At 1:10 AM , Blogger kat said...

Yes, yes, yes...gosh I love to travel and your post was very original what with sharing what lesson you've learned on your travels. Big Sigh...now I want to go away for a week or two.

 
At 4:24 AM , Blogger Dana said...

Wow..you have been a lot of places...and learned a lot of things! Makes me want to travel!

 
At 4:44 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

You've been around lady!

Great post.

 
At 4:58 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow, you've done some traveling! I went to Canada once...

 
At 7:52 AM , Blogger Zephra said...

Basements= scary to me. They remind me of the ghost we grew up with that seemed to dwell down there.

I would love to travel too but all alone. No one with me...the quiet would be so very very very very wonderful.

 
At 8:08 AM , Blogger Alison said...

I love your list. Have you been to all those places?? so jealous

 
At 11:58 AM , Blogger Em said...

I hated Dominican Republic, its the brits who think they are millionaires abroad! All tight wads!

I love italy! Closer to Europe should be your next choice LOL

 
At 12:41 PM , Blogger shoeaddict said...

I learned that you've been all over! That's really awesome.

 
At 3:36 PM , Blogger Tara said...

Wow! I'm jealous. I've never been out of the country, but it's a dream of mine to travel.

The basement one made me laugh. Until I was about 11 or 12 I was convinced that serial killers and murders lived in everyone's basement. :-)

 
At 5:00 PM , Blogger Pregnantly Plump said...

Wow! You've traveled so much! Where do you want to go next? I also learned that I didn't like gambling while traveling. I went on a cruise with my best friend and her parents. They gave me a quarter to gamble on the ship. I put in a slot and won $5. I was so happy and wanted to buy myself a coke (I think they cost about $5 on the ship) but they wouldn't let me! They took my winnings and lost them in a matter of seconds! Grr.

 
At 8:33 PM , Blogger Laura said...

I really like this post - it got me thinking. All good lessons we can all learn from!

Thanks for sharing!

 
At 3:37 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

You have been every where girl! The Italy story was cute. how did you miss the Sistine Chapel? LOL!

Now I want some Strawberry gelato!

 
At 6:04 AM , Blogger Sarah said...

You also shouldn't order a tuna sandwich in England because instead of mayo or Miracle Whip, they're going to slap butter on the bread. Nasty.

 
At 8:46 AM , Blogger Christy said...

Wow! You have been all over the place. Of course, I am completely jealous.

 
At 9:11 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

going places is great!

 
At 1:35 PM , Blogger Jamie said...

You've been all over! I'm jealous.

Enjoy your blog!

 
At 5:23 PM , Blogger Beth said...

Great post. You're one lucky lady to have traveled to so many places.
And, hey, I think you'd like our basement. (I live in Canada.) It's got a great office, a family room and even a baby grand piano! Not dark, damp and dreary at all. If you're ever in Toronto...

 
At 7:22 AM , Blogger zirelda said...

What a fun post! And yes, cross country is a lot of work and a lot of fun. And tubing... no they never show having to go back up the hill do they?

The rest? I've only been to Mexico and do not like Utah. I had a bad experience in Utah.

 
At 7:33 PM , Blogger Ann(ie) said...

OH wow. I really enjoyed reading this. I wish I could say I've traveled this much.....I hope to one day!!! You've been to fabulous places!

 
At 5:38 AM , Blogger hellomelissa said...

great life lessons, lainey!

 
At 12:26 PM , Blogger Pokey Puppy said...

oh my goodness how wonderfull. I want to travel some time to many of the places youve actually been! This renewed my want to someday.. eventually.. go there.

 
At 5:01 AM , Blogger mpotter said...

what a fantastic post!
you have been to very interesting places. i hope it will get to continue now that you're a mom.

i was saying a silent "yay" when i read about arizona..... i STILL can't believe it looks like that, right?? i fell in love with it and still talk about it, even tho i went in 2000. i mean, bugs bunny cartoons don't even depict arizona correctly!
(tho recently on a drive from az to mx, you did see the flatness that i always imagined)

fantastic post--- and even more fantastic memories!!!
from a fellow travel-lover.

 
At 7:02 AM , Blogger Shawna said...

I love this post, and love to travel as well. I haven't been to near as many places as you, but hope to start traveling again soon. There are lessons to be learned everywhere we go.

 
At 1:10 PM , Blogger girlymom said...

I would love to travel to all those places, maybe someday when the kids are all out of the house...*note to self, add more money to retirement/travel fund*

 
At 2:39 PM , Blogger Texasholly said...

I had no idea that I could totally live in New Maadi...I think everything should be drive-thru, but delivery is even better. Thanks for the fun tour.

 

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