Reflecting on a Month of Travel

I have been in Montevideo for just over two weeks now. My travel getting here still feels like a dream. I cannot believe on all I did in just 28 days. There are some things I reflect on and wonder, “How in the world did we get through that” and other memories I have a hard time believing are even real because they are so amazing.

Here’s a list of things that happened in our month:

I traveled roughly 6,000 miles

I spent roughly 168 hours on a bus/train/boat/plane

I spent time in 12 different cities

I traveled to/through 6 countries

I spent $2.500

I spent about equal number of nights on a moving vehicle as I did in a bed

I learned most people take 3-12 months to do what we were doing in one

I had more WiFi and contact back home than I ever imagined

I changed plans on a daily basis

I experienced culture shock repeatedly

I missed vegetables more than I ever thought was possible, my 7 year old self would be horrified

I missed fruits more though

I was asked where I was from every time I opened my mouth and spoke Spanish

I traveled to cities I’ve never even heard of before

I took on more reasonability than I’ve ever had

I was reunited with old friends

I made a plethora of new ones

I mountain biked down the world's second largest active volcano

I was able to ride a bus without getting motion sick (yay modern medicine) 

I went an embarrassing long time without showering

I changed clothes fewer times than I showered (gross, I know)

I was robbed of money and clothes

I got lost

I got stranded

I got scammed

I received help around every corner

I shared many laughs with people I barely understood

I was constantly put out of my comfort zone

I had many “first” experiences

I got bit by lots of bugs

I straddled the equator

I simultaneous over packed and under packed

I ate some amazing food

I ate some really questionable food and count my blessings for not getting sick

I struggled with watching a friend get sick and not being able to help

I learned patience

I saw the world's largest salt flats

I didn’t stay in one spot longer than 3 days

I was faced with the possibility having bed bugs

I learned that sometimes the only way to solve a problem is to just go to bed

I got really good at repacking my backpack

I also became a pack mule, at one point; I was carrying 3 backpacks and a plastic bag

I saw the most breathtaking scenery

I went from strangers to friends with two amazing people

I was reminded of God’s impact on my life

I met people that will forever have an impact on my life

I felt more love from back home

I made memories that will last a lifetime