10 Things I've learned from T-punk!

1. The world is more beautiful, more mesmerizing, and more inspiring than I ever could have imagined.

2. Regardless of what my mom says, travelling is about as risky as leaving your house in the morning!

3. There are tons of like-minded and helpful people out there who are willing to help in a pinch!!

4. Body language is a beautiful, international means of communication!!

5. A year ago I never thought I'd have the guts to go on my own halfway around the world. I've learned that I'm alot tougher and laid back than I thought I was!

6. How much I appreciate coming home.

7. Everytime I got mistaken for a local in another Country made me feel like I did something right!!

8. Travelling is good for the mind, body, and soul.

9. Not to worry too much, bad things happen but there is always a solution even if I have to be very very VERY patient.

10. How much I love helping out other people the way I've been helped myself.

Thanks for the great work on the boards and helping people get out there and see the world, not from a TV set or book, but by going there themselves. I never would have gone without this messageboard and man, it's made such a difference in my life!

Jenn

Here are my top 5:

5. Meeting people from online is (usually) not all that scary.

4. Smileys are a really fun :pope:

3. Traveling and the internet have one great thing in common - you get to know the most random people.

2. I am not as "crazy" as I though I was, and even if I am there are many people just like me. I have proof.

1. My sense of "community" has greatly changed.

Ditto!! :)

In no particular order I learned:

Being a traveler doesn't mean you can't settle down or that you're a screw up

Community has many different definitions

Web boards can be fun and relaxed

There is always somthing to teach and always somthing to learn.

1. People don't think it's as weird as I thought they would when I talk about meeting "my online friends."

2. Europe is becoming the trendy place people are loving to hate. :lol:

3. Political discussions can go on for five pages without resolve.

4. A lot of people drunk post.

5. That just because you voted for W, you're not necessarily a bad person.

6. That people can be close without actually "knowing" each other.

7. There are more people like me than I ever thought.

8. Not all artists are deadbeats.

Hee hee, these are good!! I need something fun to read while I wait for my last 2 months of work to eek on by!

Jenn

10. The world is much bigger than a theme park, and it'll probably cost less to see the world than go to a theme park for a week.
9. Don't pack what you don't intend to use. Don't leave home without your camera... you'll use that!
8. No feeling is more fullfilling than that moment your flight, train, or car takes off for that first moment of new trip.
7. No feeling is more comforting than setting foot in your own home after coming back from a trip.
6. A smile is the same in any language.
5. Nothing beats a Eurail Pass and a new Rough Guide or Lonely Planet.
4. The best late night eats are to be found where the hostel staff goes to eat after shift.
3. Always carry cigarettes, a lighter, and gum... anyone of those will get you into and out of a conversation.
2. A little stashed emergency cash will make a trip- gone- bad go right again.



1. Nothing beats travelling solo. You can eat when you're hungry. Nap when you're tired. See what you want to see when you want to see it. And you can meet anyone you want by just asking them to take your picture.

10. People can be very weird.

9. Always give into peer pressure (you'll love it when your drunk meet-up pics hit the boards)

8. Flying to Los Angeles for two days is totally worth it.

7. Chicago style pizza is when the cheese is UNDER the sauce. :no: :no:

6. Ray's awesome, in a Jersey kind of way (& Mr. Purrell too). :kisscheek:

5. First impressions aren't always right. :doh:

4. Nothing says lovin' like a bed full of Travelpunks. :smoke:

3. Traveling alone isn't scary, boring, or weird. (At least not all at the same time)

2. Internet friends aren't bad.

1. Tony created a great source of procrastination. :wub:

seriously?!!!! :blink2:

wow I have to agree with a lot of these, especially the fact that people you meet online aren't all crazy pervs...who knew? :doh:

1. I am now a true believer in that old saying that if there is a will, there's a way. So many of you are such an inspiration to me :friends:

2. Never stop dreaming

I dunno what else that hasn't been mentioned...

It's not that scary! It's deep dish - you have the the crust, which is like a pie crust, then it's filled with cheese & toppings, then they put the "sauce" (not like regular sauce) on top. Try it. You'll like it. They all do. :drool:

A lot of people travel alone.

there's a lot of supportive travel enthusiasts available to help.

There's people around the world on this website.

Message boards are really addicting.

People live to travel and that is pretty nice to know.

This is a good place to learn about hostels.

Travel continues to be a driving force after marriage.

How to blog, how others blog from reading theirs.

It's exciting to know about other people's trips.

Smiley's are cool.