How would you describe your previous travel experience? Heather: More limited than I would like, but always incredible. I traveled around Europe during college and enjoyed experiencing different cultures. More recently, I've backpacked through Central America. This was my first solo traveling experience. I loved the different cultures, the adventure travel each country offered (hitting volcanoes in Costa Rica, rapelling in Belize, exploring Mayan ruins in Guatemala, scuba diving in Honduras, and the ultimate flexibility of solo travel. Eve: Hectic, amazing, life-changing. I've lived in England and Spain for extended periods of time, as well as traveled to the Middle East, Central America, South America and Europe. Submerging myself in other cultures taught me many lessons about myself and our American culture, and reminded me how small my existence is.
What is the most stressful aspect of traveling? Heather: Navigating through foreign cities for the first time. Eve: Flying. I have always dreaded getting to wherever I am going--planes, trains, automobiles--but once I am there, I realize it was all worth it.
What is the most important item in your backpack, and why? Heather: Good hiking shoes and socks. Eve: Good socks for dry feet.
Why did you want to be on THE AMAZING RACE? Heather: To enjoy adventure travel while gaining insight into myself and perspective on my place in the world. Eve: I believe that the Race is my personal odyssey. Going to Harvard, I have spent three years in my head; that is where I excel. I am not a physically adventurous person, and the challenges that I will (hope to) face will force me to confront some of my biggest fears.
Have you and your partner traveled together before? If so, what was it like? Heather: Nope! Eve: No, Heather and I have traveled separately, but traveling together will be a new, exciting and scary experience for both of us.
What do you fear most about competing in THE AMAZING RACE? Heather: Getting hopelessly lost while driving through some South American jungle or African desert. Eve: Losing in the first round.
What strengths and weaknesses do you bring to the Team? Heather: Strengths: adrenaline junkie; I love the challenges, and hopefully will pass some of that enthusiasm onto Eve. Weaknesses: poor sense of direction and don't love cities. Eve: I am good at getting things (so far). I can work bureaucracies and DMV people: you know, the kind of person that has power over you for five minutes and uses their power to oppress you for the full time you are in their presence. I am a good talker. On the other hand, I sometimes freeze up during physical challenges. I have a lot of fear.
What strengths and weaknesses does your teammate bring to the Team? Heather: Strengths: negotiating airline tickets; getting free stuff from people; thinking creatively. Weaknesses: fearful of flying and certain physical challenges. Eve: Heather is competent, strong (physically and emotionally), and spontaneous. We have fun together.
What will you miss the most from home (besides your bed)? Heather: Talking to my friends and family on the phone. Eve: My family and friends. I miss them now and we haven't even started yet.
What languages do you speak? Heather: A little French and Spanish. Eve: Spanish, un poco.
What destination are you hoping to visit? Heather: Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, South Africa, Chile Eve: I would love to visit the Far East and Southeast Asia. I have heard that Vietnam is the most amazing country.
What country do you feel best prepared for? Heather: Central America (Costa Rica, Belize, Honduras, Guatemala), Greece, England Eve: Heather and I feel most prepared for Costa Rica and England. We have both spent extended periods of time in these countries, and would kick ass here.
