Class 13 Readies for Central America
By Mike Danna
Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation Public Relations Director
I’ve never had a fear of the number 13. In fact, I’ve often called the number out, particularly on Friday the 13th, daring it to mess with me.
Fear of the number 13 dates back a ways. Some say the fear was derived from Judas Iscariot, the 13th apostle to arrive at the Last Supper. We all know how that story ended.
Others say 13 is unlucky because its next door neighbor, 12, is considered by mathematicians to be the perfect number; (12 hours represents half a day; 12 months; 12 is a sublime number, a number that has a perfect number of divisors and the sum of its divisors is also a perfect number.) Looks like the number 11 got a hall pass.
Fear of Friday the 13th is known as paraskevidekatriaphobia. According to the American Society of Architects, more than 80 percent of high-rise buildings in the United States do not have a 13th floor. The vast majority of hotels, hospitals and airports also avoid using the number for rooms and gates, for obvious reasons.
You get the idea. But that’s not why I’m here. Seriously.
In just under a month AgLeadership Class 13, or XIII as it’s known, will head out on its final adventure as the international tour wraps up two years of intensive leadership training. “Outtakes and Observations” is here not only to help you prepare for the trip, but to keep loved ones back home in the loop as we travel to Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua.
During the trip I’ll post daily blogs about our adventures. And trust me, this is my sixth international trip with AgLeadership. It’s always an adventure. Jim Monroe and I have traveled with the program since 2006 photographing, videotaping and documenting our travels.
Each day we’ll post stories, photos and videos so those back home can connect with our travels. As they say, getting there is half the fun. The other half is enjoying it once you arrive. So bookmark my blog for them and have them check it daily. They can also leave comments and messages on it. I’ll relay information to class members who won’t be traveling with a laptop. It’s a great way to keep in touch without the $10 a minute phone and data charges.
First off, some tips about traveling in Central America. I know Dr. Soileau has covered a lot of these things, but some bear repeating. I know he’s adopted the Dr. Mike Futrell “rule” of no whining. Dr. Futrell taught my class (Class 8) and he made us stick to the rule no matter what.
A trip of this nature is all about timing. Don’t be on time, be early. Pack only the necessities. If you don’t think you’ll use it, wear it or need it, don’t pack it. Two pairs of shoes or boots are plenty. Prepare to wear things twice. Six shirts, six pants. (look, it’s lucky 12!) Six pairs of socks (12 total! Score!) Twelve pair of underwear (Again!)
The lighter your luggage the better, particularly as the trip progresses. There are days when you’re going to be a bit tired. The lighter your bag, the better you’ll feel, particularly around day seven.
Aside from the Bible, a U.S. passport is the next most religious icon you’ll possess, especially if you have trouble keeping up with it. You’ll thank God every time you find it if you think you’ve misplaced it. And losing it on an international trip is not an option. I’ve seen several class members who’ve had to stay behind at the first stop, only to spend the remaining 12 days trying to get a new passport just to get back home.
My rule is to keep your passport on your person at all times. If it’s in a backpack or purse that gets stolen, you’re “88 and out the gate,” as they say. I also carry a certified, true, color copy of my passport in my carryon. It might not be an official document, but having it might make things go smoother should you have to acquire a new passport abroad.
Now this next thing is important, especially for the women traveling with us (men too, I suspect). It’s been my experience that there are no washcloths in Central and South American hotels. I don’t know why, but most hotels don’t even carry them, much less provide them.
That’s where that cheap 12-pack of Walmart washcloths saves the day. First, there are 12 of them and they cost about $5. (Again with the 12!) You can use them daily and if they’re not dry before checkout, just leave them behind. Having a throw-away cloth also allows you to wipe mud and grime off your shoes or boots from time to time. I know farmers don’t mind a little mud, but since some of our visits are formal, clean shoes or boots make a much better impression.
The lack of bar soap in these countries is also something of a mystery. A bar of Irish Spring or Dove in a Ziplock will give you a little feeling of home after a rough day. Trust me, the better you feel at the beginning of the day, the better you’ll feel at the end.
And having some of the following in your carry bag or backpack once we land will facilitate ease of travel once we’re on the (sometimes dreaded) bus. (Or “Da Boose,” as they say South of the Border.)
Hand sanitizer
Advil, Tylenol, aspirin
Hard candy (Peppermints, Jolly Ranchers)
Snacks in small packages (trail mix)
Ear buds or small headphones
Soft ear plugs
Band-Aids
Phone charger cord with USB cigarette lighter adapter (the bus always has a cigarette lighter)
Small pen light
Small sewing kit
Extra shoe laces
Ink pen
Small pack of wet wipes
Lip balm
Sun screen
This is going to be a great trip. For some of you this will be your first time traveling abroad. It’s a chance to see and interact with other cultures and their agriculture. It’s also an opportunity to see things many will only ever see on TV or in books.
And don’t sweat the number 13 thing. Class 13 will be traveling for 13 days. No worries though. There are 36 of us traveling to Central America. That’s three groups of 12. What could possibly go wrong?
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