Lessons Learned

(so far..)

Despite months, even years of watching You tube what not to pack, and do not pack Justin Cases, we did. Well truthfully not everything was justin cases, some things in our bags were simply duplicated items, or bulky items we struggled to pack, or items acquired along the way. Deciding to send some items back to the UK via DHL, because of their reputation rather than the local Peruvian mail was a mistake. No matter how diligently you translate conversations, list every item, under exaggerate the value of your box contents, when the office staff fail to tell you that your contents will be opened and scrutinised at UK Customs, expect to pay another £70 plus, on top of your already expensive box of mistakes.  Lesson One. Do Not Overpack. When they say you can buy anything you need on the road, you truly can. And so much easier than you can in the UK. There are shops by the thousand everywhere you go. These shops sell absolutely everything you could possibly want, and more besides. I swear that in a 5 block radius of any main town or city we have been in, you could buy everything from items to build and furnish a house, buy a car, maintain it, purchase dog clothes, human clothes, coffins and hospital beds. Every second shop sells food, and every third shop is a pharmacy, as for dentists???? on one street alone I counted 4 practices. Lesson Two. You don`t need to pack shampoo. Many of our hostels have provided such, and for those that don`t, you can buy single sachets from most supermarkets or tourist shops. Shower gel is overrated and unnecessary, ordinary soap and a scrunchy works just as well and is far easier to carry. Lesson Three, get off your high horse, and accept that yes, you really can wash pots in cold water. The washing up `liquid` here in South America, isn`t liquid, but comes in hard soap like substance that works exceptionally well, use it, trust it. By all means boil water for that extra greasy pan, but generally, cold water will suffice. Lesson Four and one that I find so difficult to accept, despite all the horror stories of being scammed or ripped off, people everywhere are for the most part genuinely delighted and willing to help you. Use your wits and common sense, but don`t be afraid. Not everyone is evil, some are desperately poor and will try it on, but be kind and understanding .Lesson Five,  do not walk anywhere anywhere with your nose stuck in your phone! Trust me when I say that the sidewalks/ pavements are littered with holes, raised flags, missing tiles, dogs toilet, overly high kerbstones and other challenging obstacles, use this opportunity to put the thing away, look up (and down) are be aware of your surroundings from your feet upwards. Lesson Six, plugs hang off walls, electrics spark, light switches and plugs can be found in bathrooms, showers are electric, with the wires usually hanging out of the wall just above the shower head, and try not to be overly alarmed when your host tells you that the water is at its warmest when the electric light goes out. It can be nerve wracking, but there are millions of people living like this, so join the club and embrace it.