Traveling is all about stepping outside your comfort zone, and sometimes that means trying things that seem completely bizarre at first. Over the years, I’ve found myself in situations where I’ve had to embrace the weird, the unusual, and the downright strange. Looking back, these odd experiences are some of my most memorable and have given me stories to tell for years to come.
One of the weirdest things I’ve ever tried was eating balut in the Philippines. For those who aren’t familiar, balut is a fertilized duck egg, with the embryo still inside. As you can imagine, it’s not exactly something you’ll find on a typical menu back home. But when I was offered the chance to try it by a local vendor, I couldn’t resist. The first bite was surprisingly soft, and while the flavor wasn’t unpleasant, the texture—particularly the tiny duckling—was something I’ll never forget. Despite how bizarre it seemed, there was a certain pride in embracing this traditional snack, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for local cuisine.
In Iceland, I tried hakarl, fermented shark, which might just be the oddest thing I’ve ever tasted. Icelanders swear by it as a delicacy, but the strong ammonia smell that hits you as soon as you open the jar is enough to make anyone question their life choices. The texture was chewy, and the taste… let’s just say it’s an acquired one. It was so potent that even the locals warned me to eat it quickly and drink plenty of alcohol to wash it down. Despite my initial hesitation, I was glad I pushed through—it was a moment that truly immersed me in the culture and local traditions, even if my taste buds didn’t entirely appreciate it.
Another weird food I tried was cuy, or roasted guinea pig, in Peru. While guinea pigs are common pets in many parts of the world, in Peru, they’re considered a delicacy. I couldn’t visit the Andes without trying it, so I ordered it at a small local restaurant. The meat was tender, and while it didn’t taste radically different from chicken, the sight of the guinea pig, whole and staring back at me, was hard to ignore. Eating it felt strange, but it was an experience I wouldn’t have had without stepping out of my comfort zone.
It’s not just food that has led to weird experiences, either. In the Sahara Desert, I tried camel riding for the first time. The ride itself wasn’t particularly comfortable—camels have an unsettling, bumpy gait—but the oddity of the experience made it unforgettable. There’s something surreal about crossing vast dunes on a camel, feeling like a character in an adventure movie.
Trying weird things while traveling has been one of the most exciting aspects of my journeys. Sure, they might make me squirm at first or challenge my expectations, but these experiences have expanded my horizons and made me appreciate the beauty of unfamiliarity. Sometimes, it’s the weirdest things that create the most lasting memories.