Things I learned while traveling

1. Toilet seat covers are truly an American thing.
2. Thailand, you really do have to bring your own toilet paper wherever you go.
3. Beijing’s airport has the world’s cleanest bathrooms...at least right before the Olympics.
4. The toilets really do flush "the other way" in Australia and the stalls in the airport bathrooms are small...very small.
5. Don't drink the tap water...Ever. JUST DON'T DRINK IT! Drink beer instead.
6. Indian food is the national food of the UK. There is just nothing appealing about liver and kidney pie. Nothing!
7. Finland is not a vegetarian paradise.
8. If you order spicy food in Thailand beware it will be spicy. Very spicy.
9. It not unusual to find yourself trying all the different beers your pub has to offer. You will even like some and wonder if you can get it at home.
10. Sometimes the exchange rate sucks...and sometimes it doesn't.
11. The only benefit to checking your luggage is the ability to carry more then 3 ounces of some liquid product.
12. You must take off your shoes, belt and jacket to pass security. If you are smart, you will put your keys and cell phone through the scanner too. Have this ready by the time you get to the scanner and you will go through faster.
13. Of course there will be a moron in front of you who just doesn't get it.
14. The TSA makes exceptions for no one....and I mean NO ONE!
15. Take pictures...lots of pictures. Keep some foreign currency. Buy a souvenir or two, even if it is just a postcard.
16. Don't be afraid to try something new. You may really enjoy bungee jumping after all. Same goes with the food. You are better off trying the food then not. Your host will be grateful you tried it and admit you don't like it then not trying it at all. And you just might be surprised and find you really like it.
17. Please and thank you are universal and you should make sure you say them properly. For example, in Thailand when you say "thank you" you must also put your hands together like you are praying and bow your head.
18. In Europe, when you are clinging glasses and shouting "cheers" (salu, ect.) you should look your table mates in the eye or you will offend them.
19. In Finland, it’s ok to be quite and not talk. There are no awkward silences.
20. Be proud of where you hail from. You may not like the politics or current administration but always be proud of where you come from. You can apploize for your leader(s) and the actions but never apologize for being proud of the country you are from...ever. Remember, men and women died so you can bitch and complain about your country.