Never go on an international trip right before Christmas

So I've been back for a few weeks now. I got back Friday morning, Christmas was Monday, and I got hit with a major virus on Tuesday (that I finally feel mostly recovered from). So doing a final blog kind of fell off the radar.

The flight home was much more enjoyable than the flight there. No major turbulence, and I had a whole row to myself so actually got to lay down and sleep (in coach!).

Takeaways from my trip:

1) American food just.... isn't as good. Especially fruit. I have never considered breaking international law but very much thought about trying to sneak mango and pineapple into my suitcase. I also didn't have an issue with acid reflux or headaches like I do here. Like at all. American tomatoes? Avoid like the plague. Kenyan ones? Enjoyed in soup most days and never had any problems. It was fun trying to explain how mangoes are literally not grown in my COUNTRY, let alone where I live, which is why I usually buy them frozen if at all. They know what grocery stores are but they don't really do like...bulk shopping at all. Or Amazon. So that was fun to explain too. It boggled minds when I ordered toilet paper to be delivered to my house before I would even get there, from another continent (or just the concept of ordering online and not physically going to the store).

2) We don't know what poverty is. Do I have "buy a fancy camera money" like I want? No. But I do have "buy groceries" money and "buy/drive a car" money. I never had to share a mattress on the floor with my entire family. I didn't have to wear shoes that literally had holes in them, I bought new shoes just because I wanted new ones, let alone needed them. 

3) Hugs are universal, and should be given freely. A hug doesn't need to speak the same language, but can convey gratitude, care, and friendliness.

I'm sure there's more, but I'm really still processing everything. I wish I could have stayed longer and hope I can manage to go again next year.