What Africa Has Taught Me

I've just been thinking about things I've learned in the past year in Africa. Or maybe these are things that still puzzle me...

- Always give yourself two extra hours to arrive anywhere when travelling. Regardless of how far/close it is or how assured you are that it will only take 15 minutes to get there.
- Hitching is faster, cheaper, and more comfortable than taking public transportation. When you give up on hitching and climb in a slow, crowded taxi is when beautiful, air conditioned cars willing to give you a lift will drive by.
- Events (meetings, celebrations, etc.) will only start on time if you are late; if you are on time, be prepared to wait up to three hours after the scheduled start time for activities to commence.
- Short stories or essays are the best books to have while travelling or waiting for taxis to depart.
- Carrying your groceries for a mile is nothing.
- Lesotho is not a lake in South Africa.
- Personal space exists only on the internet.
- If you think you have it bad, lots of people have it lots worse. Lots.
- Picking your nose in public not only feels good, but is totally acceptable.
- Breasts are great for carrying money, cell phones and anything you might deem valuable.
- Villagers may not be able to speak English, but you can usually communicate with them.
- "I am coming" is often said as someone is leaving.
- Bluntness, while offensive at times, is at the very least honest.
- Clocks can be purely decoration.

That's all I've got for now. I'm sure there will be more to come.
I changed the blog template. Figure it was a new year so it was time for a new look. However if it makes your eyes cringe, let me know.