Things I have learned (or remembered again)

-Alt-64 is the ascii code for the @ symbol when you are faced with a foreign keyboard
-Sidewalks sometimes have gaping holes where grates should be in poor neighbourhoods
-In Central America, the basket beside the toilet is for used toilet paper---same as in China
-Toilet seats are apparently a frill
-There are not nearly as many mosquitoes in Central America as you might expect
-If you need bug screens and/or air conditioning, they are probably available even in budget accomodations
-Rice and beans are apparently the perfect compliment to any meal in the day
-Words are often superfluous for communication -- use lots of hand gestures
-Big hotels have nice air conditioned lobbies with cushy seating -- it may be the only upholstery you see for days and no one every seems to question your right to be there if you are over 50
-I like travelling on buses way more than I thought...as long as they are old school buses in interesting countries
-The internet is everywhere and in poor countries you can get access really easily because not many people have their own PC´s at home
-The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy was bang on when it comes to towels
-You really ought to have a compass when you are trying to follow a map in foriegn cities
-You can´t bring too many changes of underwear
-Hot water for your shower is apparently a frill
-You can only feel truly comfortable when you know where your next bathroom is
-It is easily possible to brush your teeth with one mouthful of bottled water
-Coins are heavy...collect the smallest bill from each country
-Always carry your own supply of toilet paper and hand soap (and sanitizer)
-Central American bus conductors seldom try to rip of tourists (unlike Asia where you are on your own)
-Borders are a pain in the ass
-Earphones take the edge off really bad really loud PA systems on buses (as well as the occasional itenerant preacher)
-I have an almost phobic aversion to taxi drivers all over the world