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During last week’s City Sprint, the final four teams raced through Manila while running in heels, searching through Binondo for dancing lions, mixing together horse feed, and testing our musical memory at a rock concert. The core alliance of three came through one final time as Hung and Chee, Maddison and Riley, and us (Will and James), worked together to solidify a spot in the The Amazing Race Finale as Gary and DeAngelo were eliminated from the race.
The final three teams are headed to New Orleans, Louisiana for the final and most important leg of the race. This is it, only one team can win the $1 million and The Amazing Race! Tune in tonight to watch the epic showdown at 8 PM /7C on CBS.
Over the past eleven episodes, we have had the privilege to race around so many different countries. Going into the finale tonight, we can’t help but look back on the incredible places we were able to visit that led us to the final leg. Instead of looking toward the Finish Line in New Orleans, we wanted to take a trip down memory lane highlighting some of our favorite moments throughout The Race.
Being the first group of teams to ever travel to Trinidad and Tobago was a major highlight and the carnival celebration was our favorite moment of this leg. You could feel the energy surrounding you from everyone and it was incredible to be able to dance and party with everyone dressed in elaborate outfits. It’s one of those moments that you can never recreate!
After landing in Bogota, all of the teams made their way to Mina de Sal in search of the yields and a departure time. While this moment was a pivotal moment in the trajectory of the race, it was also a major highlight for us as we had a huge slumber party hundreds of feet down. Getting to know each of the teams and learning more about them outside of the race is something we will always cherish. (Check out our full guide to Episode 2)
It goes without saying that being able to travel to an indigenous tribe’s community was an incredible experience. It’s moments like these that you can only experience on The Amazing Race. From watching Chief Piñon use a blow dart for our next clue to cooking with the village community to help prepare their next meal, each moment of this leg was remarkable. (Read our guide to Episode 3.)
We will never forget the moment we read the clue detailing the double switchback for the bottle dance and the watermelon challenge. As super fans, we had practiced the bottle dance prior to the race, and we were in shock of the odds that this specific task would be something we would have to choose between. It still amazes us how the dancers keep the bottles so steady as they dance, it’s very impressive! (See our full episode guide to Episode 4 here)
This may not have been our favorite leg of the race due to stick shift issues, but it still provided some incredible sights. Walking up to the Chateau de Chantilly, as snow began falling, was a moment straight out of a rom-com. We couldn’t help but take a second to stop, soak up our surroundings, and kiss each other before continuing on to whip up Chantilly Cream Pies. (Check our full guide to Episode 5.)
We wouldn’t say we are the greatest singers, but we definitely know how to perform! Singing and dancing dressed as chickens was so much fun and something we never would voluntarily do. The Race is incredible in that way; you must step out of your comfort zone, and 9 times out of 10 you recognize things aren’t as scary as they may seem. There is so much waiting for you on the other side of fear…even if it’s a chicken costume or a trabant! (Catch it all in our guide to Episode 6.)
To this day, Kazakhstan is our favorite country that we visited while on The Race. Every single challenge we did was so unique and offered a glimpse of what Kazakhstan has to offer travelers. Decorating the yurts for a nomadic village, while freezing our fingers and toes off, was something that money can’t buy. The incredible performers playing instruments, singing, and dancing as we ran to the pit stop was so incredible to see. Kazakhstan is a place that we would love to experience again.
It may have been one of the most exhausting legs of the race, ie. The Mega Leg, however it was also the most rewarding because of how much of Hyderabad we were able to experience. The final challenge of setting the table in Taj Falaknuma Palace was breathtaking. The epic view in front of you from the steps of the palace will always be ingrained into our memories. That entire day we had been having such a great time around Hyderabad and were so humbled by the incredible hospitality of the people there. (Our guide to the first ever Mega Leg is here.)
It goes without saying that riding the boat through the floating villages of Tonle Sap was something we will never forget. The floating houses, floating temple and even the floating gardens that lined the shore is unlike anything you will ever see. These transportation moments allowed us to soak up the places we visited and riding on the river boat was a moment that we really loved. Cambodia is a place that we have plans to visit one day and are considering the idea of a group trip - travel with us! (Read our guide to Episode 9.)
This entire leg was a highlight for us. Having been to the Philippines a few times prior to The Race, we reminisced on the fond memories we had of the country the entire day. The Philippines was the first trip abroad that we took together after we started dating so the Philippines will always hold a special place in our hearts. (Find our full Episode 11 guide here.)
Each country taught us so much about ourselves and our relationship! We hope that by watching The Amazing Race this season that you were able to experience a sense of escapism and wanderlust, that makes you want to travel or step out of your comfort zone. Whether you are interested in the cultural experiences, like Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago, or culinary experiences, like the pies in France, or even the iconic monuments around the world, like the Charminar in Hyderabad, there is so much to see around the world. We are so grateful to have been able to experience it all and can’t believe the journey is coming to an end.
We are headed back to the US for the final leg of the race. New Orleans, Louisiana serves as the backdrop for the final three teams as we race for the title and one million dollars. In a city full of extravagant Mardi Gras parties, phenomenal cuisine, and iconic landmarks, there is no telling what teams will have to do to win the race. Watch the epic battle between Hung and Chee, Maddison and Riley and us, Will and James, unfold TONIGHT at 8 PM/7C on CBS on The Amazing Race Season 32 Finale!
In the meantime, check out this exclusive to Out Traveler sneak peek:
