Lets review the lessons

This will be ongoing I've decided. I've been keeping a list of the tidbits I've encountered and I'm going to type it in here so I can keep adding to them.
I was just rereading my blogs from over the summer (its raining here in Valencia, so a perfect day for reflections...and movies and music)
This is a review of what I've learned so far and also what I've done:

• Did a CV~learned how to manage paperwork in foreign country (print etc)
• Job hunted by dock walking, which I hated doing, learned I didn't want the job I'd set out to get...who knew
• saw beautiful villages and beaches in Majorca
• learned that at age 31 I can still be a presence in a room (make an entrance)
• Getting to Basingstoke from Bournemouth I learned I should better read the stations called at screen before I run over a foot bridge to catch the wrong train
• time spent with Tony in Poole was a bonus. Turned out to be a good teacher, really like Tony
• Forgot to ask the specific direction to Cam&Dursley station so struggled at Bristol train station especially when it turned out to be the same train I just got off.
• learned about wwoofing
• learned that I still know how to run away from a bad situation (Dursley run)
• Basingstoke to regroup and BBQ was nice
• Tony's again, yeah!
• Learned the difference between ale, beer, lager etc. Secrets in the sauce
• learned never to wait for the last train to the Southampton airport because it could get cancelled causing you to panic and hustle unnecessarily.
• learned to check hostel location in regard to 2 things. Where are you in relation to train bus station (how long to walk) and where is the nearest supermarket. Very important
• Belfast hostel had none of that going for it and long walk to Tall ships bus was only option
• Learned that "unisex" pj's would help when sharing mixed dorm
• Galway is great, next time pay attention when it says where the bathrooms are in relation to rooms etc
• Dublin again ask for lower floor or working elevator, also consider plug ins
• almost forgot. Charge everything whenever you get a chance as its hard to do in new hostel with no plug ins
• Prepare to not use a plug in (or a mirror to do your hair) since they are not always where you'd like them or working either
• Find the bus stop before you have to run to it to catch your flight
• sailing is fun!!
• Travel towel and sleep sheet are both awesome and essential
• Go to the bathroom before you go into a queue, you may not find one inside and cannot back track
• Eat something, buy a snack BEFORE you go into train/bus/airport stations as its so expensive if it exists at all. Never plan on getting food for free on airlines. Budget means budget.
• travel with silverware in your DAYPACK as buying snacks (when stranded waiting for buses etc) in markets is cheaper, just need a spoon or similar.
• Entrepreneur is the word of the summer~ thinking hostel, Starbucks, lawn maintenance, organic farm, travel writer...hmmm

I came here without clear expectations and expected the obvious thing to appear to me or just happen but it hasn't been that obvious. I certainly don't think any of this was a waste but for setting no expectations I certainly did get what I expected. Interesting how that works. I reread the beginning of my time in Palma, man I could not make up my mind. I wanted to work on yachts, but not as a stewardess, okay as a stewardess after all I needed a job. Then, no after all I don't want to do that, but I do want to sail. Then, okay I'll travel and do that instead and go sailing with Greg. Went sailing with Greg in capacity of travel buddy and chief tea maker and cook (ummm~ isn't that like stewardess?) Loved the whole experience. But in what capacity. I think doing a job like that would totally depend on the crew etc. Greg was totally competent to do the whole thing himself so I was relaxed about the trip. I may not be as lucky next time. Who knows. I am not certain its the route I should take but I won't discount it.

I think I have one month left of traveling here. I may or may not learn some new things from that time. (I'm sure I will!! Travel days are always learning days for me) so we'll see when I get done and can go back across the whole thing and pick out some important pieces from it.

I've been working on organizing my trip through Italy with my brother. I should call it his trip as its his itinerary I'm following, but it should be great fun! Maybe he'll have some good insight as someone who thinks more rationally than I do!