Steve and I were leading a team of college students on a 6-week long trip to Turkey. On our first day there, one student asked if it was safe to drink the tap water. Enough of us had been overseas to know to ask that question. I recalled reading about the water in a Turkish travel guide. “Yes, the tap water is totally fine to drink!” I said with certainty.
Several hours later, one of the students started experiencing stomach cramps. Then another. Then another. Nearly everyone ended up sick that day, either throwing up or needing extensive trips to the bathroom. One guy had a vomit emergency while we were outside at a public park, and threw up in a large metal mailbox. I, however, did not get sick at all. We collectively decided to double check the travel guide next time.
It may have been an unfortunate way to begin the trip, but it did build character. And thankfully, the team didn't hold it against me (at least as far as I know).
Several hours later, one of the students started experiencing stomach cramps. Then another. Then another. Nearly everyone ended up sick that day, either throwing up or needing extensive trips to the bathroom. One guy had a vomit emergency while we were outside at a public park, and threw up in a large metal mailbox. I, however, did not get sick at all. We collectively decided to double check the travel guide next time.
It may have been an unfortunate way to begin the trip, but it did build character. And thankfully, the team didn't hold it against me (at least as far as I know).
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