When you’re backpacking, it’s obvious that you make sacrifices to accustomed lifestyle choices and personal luxuries. You need to stay on budget and stay away from Starbucks and your regular morning coffee. But, wait. There is no Starbucks. Nor is there Best Buy, Borders, nor Dasani Water. What is this place?
Even more so is it difficult to adjust to personal natures. Eating late at night at Applebee’s for half priced appetizers. (For those who don´t know it is one of the best chains in the United States) It is completely unheard of in many parts of the world. What about a decent transportation system. (Obviously, New Yorkers such as myself are spoiled with that!) There are the 5 things I absolutely miss from home.
1. Regulated traffic and paved roads
@joiseyshowaa
Although, I don’t drive, I never appreciated the simple traffic light.
I understand the geography of the land is a challenge and there might not be enough resources for paved roads, but the locals seem not to care. Its literally a bumpy ride. If the roads are more dangerous, you would think drivers would take it easy. No, not really.
Then, when you get to a city with somewhat decent roads, you can barely make it alive. Since it’s so hard to cross, you’d think everyone wants to work together to get from point A to B safely.
Not so much. Even in the capital city where there’s a bit of an advancement, no one cares. Cars push through aggressively without any consideration to other vehicles or pedestrians. Red lights don’t mean anything either, nor does the right of way. I can’t count the number of times I thought I’d get hit.
Crossing the streets is a deadly game of Frogger that I don’t want to play anymore.
2. Functioning wireless
@The Media Centre (Huddersfield)
Whether the nature of travel is for work or pleasure, Internet use plays some kind of role. Obviously, there will be places with little or no Internet, granted. Often enough I’ve found it difficult to accomplish anything on the world wide web.
Checking email, which doesn’t take much juice can be a long wait. Facebooking is great to keep in touch, but also not a necessity. But, viewing my bank account or trying to make a Skype call is.
High speed Internet is a blessing back home. To think I complained about slow web pages when I can barely write a post on my personal blog.
3. Supermarkets
@tomms
What I would give to see a Shop Rite ! One stop shopping is really taken for granted. In a fast city like New York, it’s necessary.
It would help in Bolivia, but it does take away the local markets. Imagine having to go to 3 areas in a market to find bar soap, nail polish remover and laundry detergent. Sure, this isn’t a huge problem, but when you’re gasping for air or feeling ill, it can be a hassle.
Sounds simple, right? Unless you’ve actually seen the market, which is comparable to Times Square back home. One time, I was told laundry detergent is sold in a market across town. Don’t forget the hundreds of other locals and backpackers shoving through to make a bargain as well. Grocery shopping can end up taking an entire day.
4. Normal business hours
@funkyroga
New Yorkers are spoiled with late night or even 24/7 business hours. You can eat great late and find toothpaste nearby If needed. We even take regular business hours for granted.
In many countries abroad, they have a siesta, a small time interval mid day where shops close and resume later. Strange, but true, business can even close or open as they please. Too hot to stay open? Local stores may not feel like conducting business without your consent. Make sure if you’re looking for necessities such as water or medicine to do this at a time stores will actually be open so you don’t end up empty handed.
5. Fresh Tap water
@HB Jansson
I am a huge water drinker, with a capital H. I’m not a huge soda or juice drinker. Water is an essential and easy resource back home. Even easier that our tap water is drinkable as well.
In Bolivia, like other countries, tap water is not drinkable. Imagine having to buy a bottle of water every time you were thirsty. And with terrible business hours, make sure you have bottles for backup or you’ll be parched for sure. For a water lover like myself, you can be sure that during my travels, I’ll make sure to accommodate my bag for liters of fresh H20.
