South America

Let’s just say this: if you think you’re ready for South America because you’ve spent a couple weekends in Cancun or Mazatlán, you might want to buckle up. There’s a world of difference between sipping piña coladas at a resort and navigating a bustling mercado while trying to ask (in broken Spanish) if that juice has ice made from tap water. I thought I was prepared—after all, I’m pretty adaptable, right? Turns out, this place has a way of humbling you… in the best possible way.