100 things to learn
Travel

100 Things to Learn via Over Yonderlust in 100 Days

Erica

100 things to learn

I can’t even explain how quickly time has just flown by on our trip. For those of you who have been on a trip of this magnitude, you will agree that it just seemed like yesterday that you said goodbye to all your friends and loved ones. We learned a bit – here are 100 things to learn – that we found helpful over our period of travel in our first 100 days.

In case you haven’t kept up with us over the last 100 days, here is a small breakdown of some stats:

  • Over the past 100 days, we have visited 25 different cities. You can see them all on our Where Are We? page.
  • We have spent more days sick than not sick.
  • Erica has lost some weight and inches, but unfortunately, so has Shaun (see above statement).
  • We have gone to surfing school, horseback rode to Volcan Paricutin, climbed one of the highest pyramids in the world at Teotihuacan, ate a cricket in Cholula, went to the Palenque ruins and Agua Azul, heard howler monkeys in Tikal, Jaime from Breakaway Backpacker convinced us to head into Belize, went snorkeling in a cenote, and we did NOT go to Cuba.
  • We are currently taking Spanish lessons in Xela, Guatemala.
  • Our travel video series, Over Yonder, has a whopping 7 episodes, the most recent being the round up of Mexico: Episode 7 – Momentos: Mexico
  • We have just recently accomplished a Page Rank 3!
  • I have uploaded 546 pictures onto my Flickr account from the trip (this does not count how many pictures did not make it past the post stage).
  • We will be in Honduras in about 2 – 2 1/2 weeks and should be arriving in Costa Rica by early September.

100 things to learn

And now for 100 things we have learned from Mexico/Central America on our trip so far:

  1. Speaking Spanish in a tourist city can freak out the locals.
  2. Just because a bus is about to break down, doesn’t mean it is not used for every day use to transport people around the city.
  3. Wheelchair ramps, when in existence, are quite extreme and could get you some decent air.
  4. Roosters suck, especially 1am wake up calls.
  5. You have to be in REALLY good shape in order to surf.
  6. Street dogs are looked at as vermin.
  7. Hazardous materials; out of sight, out mind.
  8. Canadians are everywhere.
  9. Just because we stopped listening to bad 90s music, doesn’t mean the rest of the world has.
  10. It is best to check if your hostel is near a nightclub. A 2am thumping wake up call is no bueno.
  11. If you don’t want to spend your entire travel budget, keep your wallet at home when going through the artisan markets in Guadalajara.
  12. Apparently the US is behind when it comes to free wifi in parks/zocalos.
  13. Micheladas are awesome.
  14. Stay away from the beaches during Semana Santa unless you REALLY LIKE CROWDS.
  15. Yes, you can rinse off your toothbrush with tap water in Mexico without contracting some weird disease. I’m not saying to drink or gargle with it… but still. You should experience other country’s water before dissing Mexico’s.
  16. There are still quite a few towns in Mexico where people do not speak Spanish.
  17. While Volcan Paricutin is considered a wonder of the world, there is no tourist infrastructure there. There is a shack you can pee in near the volcano.
  18. Wooden saddles suck.
  19. The sun hurts.
  20. Trail horses like to stop and eat flowers.
  21. Air conditioning is a myth.
  22. There really are iguanas everywhere, not just in pet shops.
  23. Dominos Pizza, McDonalds, Subway, Papa John’s, Pizza Hut, Burger King, Walmart, and Wendy’s have taken over the world.
  24. Oxxo is amazing.
  25. People take time to walk in the park here… like, parks are actually used.
  26. Mexico City has one of the most amazing subway systems I have seen. It is only 3 pesos per ride.
  27. It also gets a bad rap – not as scary as you would think.
  28. Tenochitlan – one of the most important Aztec ruins is found in the middle of Mexico City under all infrastructure; also, out of sight, out of mind.
  29. Puebla has over 365 different churches.
  30. It is also the Catholic bastion of Latin America.
  31. Cholula Hot Sauce is NOT made in Cholula, Mexico.
  32. Roasted crickets taste like peanut shells.
  33. The way to show superiority is to build a cathedral on top of a massive set of ruins.
  34. Just because there is a bus system does not mean that there are routes, nor are they advertised.
  35. To stop a bus, one must hope that the bus driver sees you on the side of the road. There really are no bus stops in Mexico.
  36. Oaxaca has awesome food.
  37. Chips brand chips are the most amazing chips in the world.
  38. Couchsurfing is awesome.
  39. You can eat hot dogs and drink a beer at a baseball game in Mexico.
  40. When there is a storm, a whole bunch of seaweed and dead fish float onto the beaches in Veracruz (there is a reason there is no post).
  41. The Gulf beaches suck.
  42. Palenque is mind numbingly hot.
  43. Just because you sit in your bare essentials does not mean it gets any cooler.
  44. Cold showers do not help when it is hot, unless you plan on staying in there.
  45. Tour guides like to rip people off for information.
  46. Just because your colectivo pulls over to pay a nature fee does not mean YOU have to pay it.
  47. Getting a tour to make the water taxi crossing into Guatemala is a fantastic idea.
  48. It is true that most banks will not change your money unless it is in dollars or euros. Spend all your money before crossing borders or expect to get ripped off.
  49. The island in the lake in Flores, Guatemala used to be a dump. Take care when swimming there.
  50. Beer in Guatemala is “expensive”.
  51. Take lots of water to Tikal, the vendors are far and few between.
  52. Howler monkeys are really scary sounding.
  53. Safety precautions have been replaced with a more Darwinistic approach to life.
  54. A motorcycle can seat 4 grown men.
  55. You start to lose track of days about a month in.
  56. It is really weird to hear English after being in a Spanish speaking country for a while.
  57. You can easily lose track of days in Caye Caulker, Belize.
  58. There is a reason it is the 4 Green Lizard CHALLENGE. I only made it to 2. Ask Jaime from Breakaway Backpacker how many he had – I bet he doesn’t remember.
  59. Manatees are amazing and really scary at the same time. They also like Shaun.
  60. Shaun gets seasick.
  61. Tulum can really grow on you.
  62. Mexican food is some of the gasiest on the planet.
  63. Yes, the water really is that blue.
  64. Playa del Carmen makes it really easy to get the the beach.
  65. However, the main tourist street there reminds me of the Rainforest Cafe at Disneyland or something.
  66. Stay off the main street to get the most out of your money when it comes to food and drinks.
  67. Going drunkenly swimming at night on the beach with big waves is a BAD IDEA.
  68. Having one “Playa night” where you come home at 4-5am is good for the soul.
  69. Cancun is ugly.
  70. Getting around in Cuba is kinda expensive.
  71. Eating at your Casa Particular will make you fat with the amount of food they cook you.
  72. Bringing soap/toothpaste into the country for good service is not a bad idea. It is expensive there.
  73. Having good Spanish will save you a crap ton of money if you can convince them you live there.
  74. Heat exhaustion sucks.
  75. Sharing a bathroom between two people when both are sick and things are coming out both ends BLOWS.
  76. Clapping is the normal protocol when you plane lands to/from Cuba.
  77. Just because the A/C system spews out humid air in clouds does not mean you are getting gassed on your flight.
  78. 20 hour bus rides really aren’t that bad if you know how to sleep in odd positions.
  79. Palenque and San Cristobal are both in Chiapas but San Cristobal IS FREAKING COLD.
  80. Remember what time of the year you are traveling in. Rain gear would have helped out one night. We were stuck at home eating Ritz Crackers and peanuts for dinner.
  81. Just because you pay an entrance fee at one border going into Guatemala does not mean you pay it at another border.
  82. Guatemala does not believe in bridges, only windy roads around mountain passes.
  83. It is really hard to dry your clothes when it is cloudy and rainy.
  84. Oh, and apparently most of the world does not use dryers. Washers, yes. Dryers, no.
  85. Remember that some Spanish words have double meanings in different countries.
  86. While you are lucky to have internet at home, you are even luckier to go a few days without power/water outages.
  87. Hot showers are God’s gift to the earth.
  88. Xela, Guatemala is just as cold as San Cristobal, Mexico.
  89. Just because your school schedules a group hike to Santa Maria volcano does not mean it is easy.
  90. 25 hours of Spanish school every week is actually quite intensive.
  91. I never knew I took insulated houses for granted.
  92. Shaun is a fantastic cheerleader when it comes to difficult situations.
  93. Comfortable mattresses are few and far between.
  94. Healthcare is actually affordable in other places.
  95. Paying the use the bathroom sucks when you have no money and really have to go.
  96. Chicken buses are a workout. You try staying on your seat on some of those turns.
  97. Mexican food is MUCH better than Guatemalan food.
  98. I suck at bargaining.
  99. Going on a trip to Latin America really does make you flex your Spanish skills.
  100. 100 days does not feel like 100 days.

And for those of you who actually made it to the end.. congratulations!

We’ve had a blast on our last 100 and here is to 100 more!

Published by Erica

Your resident adventure geek, and travel photographer extraordinaire, Erica likes to keep life interesting. A few of her favorite things to do include Burning Man, Diving, Downhill Mountain Biking, and laying by the beach with a good beer.

52 thoughts on “100 Things to Learn via Over Yonderlust in 100 Days”

  1. phew I never thought I would read 100 points but I just did, well done and yes sharing a bathroom with another exploding person does suck.

    It’s KFC, Macdonalds and Apple taking over this side of the world but 7/11 is putting up a fight by being EVERYWHERE!

    Congrats on the 100 days (I’m not sure what that means haha but people said it to us?? you weren’t ever not going to do 100 days right?)

  3. Love that pic of the two of you at the top of the post! And you’ve made 100 days of travelling seem relatively easy (from a reader’s perspective anyway) so keep up the good work!

  4. I love 67 to ba no mention of doing that naked is an even WORSE idea….lmfao!!!
    I agree with 96 the chicken buses sure are a freaking work out oh & 100 yeah 100 dyas really doesnt seem like 100 days on the road!!!

    CONGRATS ON 100 DAYS!!!

    PS I love the last pic… i wonder who took it…lol!!! Miss yall bunches~ Im in Europe now!!!

  6. Ahhh! I am SO jealous! You guys make me want to pack up, grab Rachel, and get back out there. Way to go!

  8. Here’s to 100 days on the road!! I REALLY liked your list — surprises, the realities of long-term travel, day-to-day experiences, and things you learn about yourselves and one another in new environments 🙂

    BIG HUG to you both.

  9. Read to the end and am glad I did! So many things that I forgot about (Oxxo for example!!) I like #87: Hot showers are God’s gift to the earth. – Get ready for Honduras… we had cold showers there for two weeks straight, bbrrr…. I hope you guys make it to Costa Rica before rainy season starts there, so that you can enjoy the amazing beaches. Looking forward to following you through your next 100 days.

  10. FELICIDADES CHICOS! im kinda sad you guys left Meixico. Brought back all these cool olschool memories! I guess I can start thinkin of goin back sometime soon. Dam i miss the food! So where to now?. you guys gona stick to C America & S America? or are you planning on going to Asia too? You guys would love Asia!

  13. Wow! Its been 100 days already? Seems like the last post I was able to read was about the cave…man time is flying. Surfing does require you to be in shape your entire body will be sore! I could really use that Wifi…Looks like you two are learning a lot.

  14. Great post you guys and congrats on your milestones! You’ve been very busy indeed!! Wishing you hundreds more wonderful days =)

  16. UNFREAKINBELIEVABLE!!! i’m cheering from my bench in the chinook in somewhere, usa having just read all of this. i can’t believe it’s been 100 days and it’s not even ME! and yet, when i read all you’ve done and learned, it seems like a lifetime’s worth (and it’s definitely more than many people will experience in that longer time period even). HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY! well done you two! 😀

  17. @Poi: HAHA! I GOTCHA! I don’t mind the 7-11s but the lack of Slurpees in most abroad make me sad. How else am I supposed to cool down?! As for the 100 days, I think it is just that I’m still in awe that we are out. 😛

  19. @Julia: Thank you! It is my favorite. I think I’m going to get it framed once we have a house one day. HAHA! I think I have left out quite a few frustrating stories – maybe I need to add more to make it seem a little more difficult?

  20. @Jaime: Hey, you didn’t write about it EITHER! <3 <3 <3 I MISSSSSS YOUUUUUU! Have fun in Europe. Try not to spend too much of your budget there!

  21. @Tricia: Thank you! Right now the sick number is getting higher but I hope we finally kick it! I’m tired of being sick.

  22. @Evan: Hey now, you make Shaun jealous with your ability to see awesome Starcraft things as normal day decor!

  23. @Dyanne: Thank you! Yes, please do not ever stay in Cancun. The airport is alright but there are buses there that you can catch to much better places in the Yucatan… like Playa (which is beautiful but touristy) or Tulum (2 hrs away).

  24. @Heather: Hey love! Thank you for your sweet words. I thought 100 things would be hard to list but it went by in a heartbeat. I didn’t even know that I had learned so much. *HUG* Wish you were here!

  25. Yeah, I was wondering if it took a long time, but I guess it’s one of those things were the memories and experiences are so meaningful and fresh that they just pour through the fingers 🙂

  26. @Dani: YAY! I really didn’t expect anyone to reach the end and am pleasantly surprised by the number who did. As for Honduras, good thing we are only staying there to get SCUBA certified. While I’m no stranger to cold showers, I really like the warm ones. CR I’m sure we are reaching in rainy season – which is fine, I will jump in the water in between rain showers?

  27. @MUGS: EEEeeeee! I’ll just call you our #1 fan? 😀 I’m also glad that we left Mexico but it is a wee bit more expensive in comparison to the rest o C/S America. We were hoping to spend $50/day between the both and staying in Mexico knocked off 3 months of our trip since we were averaging $100. I LOVE Mexico.

    As for Asia, I think that is our next big trip. We have been to Japan but want to definitely tackle Thailand and India.

  28. @Terri: Thank you! When you have been on the road for 15+ hours, nothing can calm you like an amazingly hot shower.

  29. @Kirk: Time flies when you’re having fun? But seriously – I’ve learned so much on this trip. Traveling is worth every penny.

  30. @Andrea: Thank you guys! My general theory is that – you have to celebrate milestones! It gives you a point of reference for your successes (even the small ones!)

  31. @Christy: #1: Thank you! It feels REALLY GOOOOOOOOD.
    #2: I don’t think I can be your friend anymore. <3

  32. @Lorna: I think you are the best cheerleader ever by the way. Seriously. Your comments always are uplifting and fantastic.

  33. Ha ha. Gorgeous list. I especially love “Roasted crickets taste like peanut shells.” – but I can’t quite figure out if that’s a good thing or a bad thing, as I’ve never eaten a peanut shell. Something about roasted insects has always appealed to me. Crunchy on the outside, gooey on the inside.

    “Going drunkenly swimming at night on the beach with big waves is a BAD IDEA.” – oh my god.

  34. @Torre: These crickets weren’t too squishy on the inside – mainly just crunchy. I never planned on eating one but apparently I fail when it comes to peer pressure. As for the night swimming comment, I highly suggest reading Jaime’s comment for the “full” story.

  36. But of course you don’t know for sure that getting around in Cuba is expensive because you were NOT there, right? And you are the only one that I would read all 100 posts for.

  39. I enjoyed reading your list. I had a lot of similar experiences backpacking in South America for 5 months in 2010. I hope the days of being sick more often than not changes for you soon!

  41. Love this! YES Roosters do SUCK! I was wondering myself if once I leave SA I will be dreaming of roosters?! Congrats on the PR 3!

    Time flies when you’re having fun! Can’t wait to hear about the next 100 things!

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  47. @Joshy: Long time no see stranger! Thanks for checkin’ in. I love writing lists of random things like this. It comes super easy and cracks me the hell up.

  49. Congratulations guys! Loved the list, made me miss Mexico again! French Polynesia is WAY more expensive (it makes San Francisco Bay prices look cheap…)

    How the heck do you guys find the time to make so many entries? We’ve been hard pressed to do 2 a week… Maybe we’re just slower writers! 🙂

    Hope things are still fantastic!

  50. @Tiffany: The weeks where we do 4+ kill me but I usually get multiple posts up at one time. Not sure how I do it really.

  51. Yeah 25 hours a week of any language is quite intensive, even more so when your in that country. I found myself spending all my free time studying when I was in Japan last, was tiring, though was totally worth it when I could hit on some chicky babes.

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