10. Second language
Parque Tayrona, Colombia
Please be able to speak another language other than English. Svenska, Hebrew, Arabic, or whatever. The more exotic, the better. As I am a fan of learning languages, and I am damn good with it, the language that you speak will be my fifth one. Likewise, I will teach you to speak Tagalog, French or Spanish if you want.
9. Strong Stomach
Guatape, Colombia
Santa Marta, Colombia
Coconut
Arepas y Patatas
Please please be hungry for food! Let's not be afraid of taking pictures of them too! You need to have an empty and a strong stomach as we try new types of food and binge on burgers and fried stuff after a drunken night out. Balut, Betamax, Adidas, or Buko Pandan should not be foreign to you, or if they are, do not be afraid of trying them. Never say no just because that oyster just started to move just as you were about to put it in your mouth.
PS. The only thing I would not eat are cute animals like lamb, ducks, dogs, cats or rabbits.
8. Be physically fit
740 meters above ground.
Las Piedras, Colombia
Parque Tayrona, Colombia
Bungee jumping in Monte Verde, Costa Rica
I definitely don't have a six pack, or huge arms but I could run like a horse, thirsty in a desert and I can jump from stone to stone on an obstacle course. I am also quick enough to be able to run away from a gun, and I can swim and float if our boat tumbles. I'm trying this thing called walking harder paths and I should say it won't be easy. If you wanted to catch your breath after fifteen minutes of a hike, or wanted me to carry your bag after a few steps, mehh, you better start training yourself.
7. Innocence
Las Escaleras, Colombia
Parque Tayrona, Colombia
I have been told a million times that I've got a very young personality. For this, please be ready to play cards, slide on a waterfall, take a jumping picture, or pretend you're riding a huge peacock picture. Many a times, I also like feeling smart so please ask your questions. They might sound stupid and I might laugh sometimes, but I promise you, they just add to your charm and I do not mean anything bad.
6. Be a very keen observer.
Guatape, Colombia
Las Escaleras, Colombia
Boquete, Panama
Hint: in each of these pictures, there's a hidden treasure.
Take a minute or two just to look at things around. What is that person wearing? Why is that person looking at us weirdly? Not only that both of our observant selves could possibly save our lives, it is also good for being able to see good things around. Like that $1 shot of tequila, or that hidden restaurant no one knows about. Be able to communicate with just a look.
5. Dancing shoes
Club Pasulto, Cartagena, Colombia
1,2,3, bump. Simple as that. You don't need to know how to break dance or do complicated salsa. Seriously, you just need to know how to 1-2 step and turn and get low. Follow my beat when our song plays, or be confident enough to go in the middle when a dancing circle forms.
4. Secured.
Guatape, Colombia.
(I did not know this lady but she thought I was asking for a picture with her when all I want is for her to take a picture of me.)
Las Escaleras, Colombia
(We did not know the lady and the child on the right.)
I am a very social person. I meet all types of people so you could never be jealous. Please be comfortable with being able to dance with yourself, or the DJ or talking with random strangers. If I want to get a ride with strangers to our destination, I would be able to and you need to be alright with that. If I am talking to a random stranger and I want to fool around, please also be confident that I will meet you at our hostel the next day.
3. Irresistible charm
Panamanian Canal, Panama
(So the building to see the boats closes @ 5pm and the only way to see the boats is if we go eat at a restaurant on the same building. We went to the restaurant pretending we we're going to eat but left after taking pictures without buying anything.)
Did I ever mention that I am also broke? I am a sucker for free things and my bargaining skills definitely got sharpened from trip to trip. From shalosh ve shaloshim, to getting free taxi rides because I am with blonde friends. Be charming enough to be able to bring that price down, and stern enough to save our bank accounts.
2. Fearless
Parque Tayrona, Colombia
Boquete, Panama
Do not freak out when you see a spider hanging out on a ceiling. Maybe a bee chasing us would not hurt either. From insects to the unknown. I must admit that I am not the most courageous person ever. Flying cockroaches, snakes and sharks sneakily trying to harm you while swimming are my worst fears. I want to travel with someone who compliments my fears. Who will be able to push me through my limits. For those times I am slacking and just simply afraid. Be able to tell me everything's going to be okay even though it's quite obvious it's not.
1. Respect
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
Of all things that I value most, respect to people, places and things around is my priority. We did not have to have the same values but please be able to respect mine as much as I respect yours. Respect is the new open mindedness. You could be as close minded as you want but I want to feel that you are able to be compassionate and respect people. Respect over the environment is definitely a must too. Respect for family is probably the best value we could all have.
C'est la vie.
Pura vida
Much love.
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