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!