One gets to learn a lot of random things when visiting a foreign country. Reading about them on the Internet is not the same as getting to experience them first-hand. The impact is so much stronger onsite. More than that, every little detail is crucial in understanding the intricate puzzle of a different culture.
The random things I learned during my latest trip have added a certain flavour to all of my experiences in South America. They will infuse my stories about my days there with nostalgia.