Blog - Go Backpacking

Hula Girls and Leis Mark My Goodbye at Work

I walked into work Tuesday morning to find a giant "Aloha" banner behind my cubicle, and hula girls bobbing around.

Everyone on my team had a lei on their seat, and they actually got me to wear them for part of the day.

The photo above is with my coworker Adilah.

Another coworker, Russell, baked 4 pies, and brought in hot dogs and chili for lunch (thanks again - it was a nice surprise)!

And thanks to Geoffrey as well for helping to organize and decorate, and everyone else who contributed!

I've been slowly saying goodbye to everyone for the past few days.

It's surreal to be leaving after more than 5 years with the company, however, it also feels empowering to head off on my own terms into the great wide open!

Packing Preview

Liz sent me a question about what I intend to pack, however my e-mail back to her was returned, so I thought I'd share with everyone instead. I will post a more comprehensive packing list before departing.

In the meantime, I can answer your question because I'm decidedly low maintenance (or so I like to think). You can probably get more for your money today than when I got the camera last Christmas and mp3 player over the summer.

$300 cannon sd700 powershot digital camera - 6 megapixels (+ two 2gb memory cards, 2 batteries, wall charger)

$150 creative 8gb mp3 player

$50 universal power adapter/charger (x2 - I got one specific to my mp3 player, meaning the other is for my camera charger)

$40 petzl zipka LED headlamp

I think that's it from the technology end. If I find a cell phone would be helpful, I might get one along the way, however I'm going to start off without one. Lots of people have asked about a laptop - I just don't have the will to lug even a small one around, let alone worry about it.

I've already got the backpack, daypack, North Face khaki cargo shorts/pants (from '98 summer in Europe), socks, boxers, etc. I do think I'm going to buy a new t-shirt or two given I'll be living in them for quite awhile (it'd be nice to start off with something new to wear). I have to put together a little medical kit too, though because I want my pack to be carry-on, I'll have to leave out a bunch of items.

Attending the 2008 Australian Open

My friend Chris joined me for MLS Cup '07. He's a big tennis fan, and we started talking about majors on the metro ride to the match. I remembered the Australian Open is normally very early in the new year, so when I asked where and when it was held, I found out it'd overlap with my final few days in Australia.

This first of four major annual tennis tournaments runs from January 14-27, 2008, in Melbourne, which just so happens to be the city I leave from on my way to Bali (Jan 29). Of course that'd put me there toward the end of the tournament for the men's semifinals and finals, the costliest and potentially most difficult matches to attend. However, Chris did suggest that it'd be cool to just hang out on the grounds, if getting a ticket wasn't feasible.

I'm sure seeking a single ticket would make the process a little easier, so it'd just come down to how much I'd be willing to pay. It is certainly an event I intend to keep in mind going forward.

Men's Singles Semifinal - $132, Men's Singles Final - $219 (USD)

Dan, Stu, or any others down under have thoughts on whether I should try and attend?

Random Updates

CAR - My speedy Jetta is officially in the hands of another person, and I'm going to be truckin' around in my Dad's Ford Escape for the next two weeks (thanks!).

DRINKS - Thursday is my "goodbye" happy hour at work. I've shared this blog address with a few people so far, however I won't be ready to send it to a wider audience of coworkers until I'm literally ready to walk out the door.

MAPS -If you only read these posts through a feed reader, be sure to check out my Maps page from time to time - once I hit the road, I'll start posting "Map Views" which will take you directly to the location on Google Maps, however you won't see the link through the feed.

SOCCER - MLS Cup 2007 is Sunday, and though DC United didn't make it, I'm still excited to see the match in person.

VIDEO - I owe readers a video of me taking a shot of Absinthe next Wednesday, to celebrate my last day of work.

INSURANCE - Trying to collect medical records from various providers to submit to an underwriter who will decide whether the insurance company will cover me SUCKS! I did not leave myself enough time.

MY JOB - I've worked for Lumenos, a start-up health insurance company, for the past 5 years, though 2 of those years were technically after we were bought by behemoth Wellpoint (owner of 14 state BlueCross/Blue Shield plans). Feels good to share my company name, however don't worry, I won't mention it again!

Mission Possible: Couchsurf Tahiti

At first, I thought staying at campground/hostel Chez Nelson on the island of Moorea in French Polynesia was a godsend. It's only $20 the first night, $16 each additional night for a dorm, and several people have recommended it in the BootsnAll forum. Then I checked Couchsurfing on a whim, and was surprised to find 5 results!

I just e-mailed my first couchsurfer from the guest perspective. I'm suddenly even *more* excited to head to the island paradise, if that is possible. While saving a little money would be nice, I'm thinking more about how the experience of staying with a local could enrich my stay. I'll let you know if I get the green light.

Fun Facts About Tahiti from my Lonely Planet guide (as costly as any other with far fewer pages):

birthplace of surfing
lacks malaria (though dengue fever is a risk)
no poisonous snakes
December is the rainy season
I'm going to freakin' Tahiti in 16 days!

Driver Found - VW Sold - Good Times Ahead

Less than a week after posting my car for sale on Craig's List, I've taken a cash deposit based on a sale price in my preferred range, and expect to finalize the sale (upon receipt of a cashier's check) within the next few days.

I've learned a few things about selling a car, and for those who may be doing it soon, here's my advice:

Read and follow the directions given in online "How to's."

Read the selling version AND the buyer's version, so you know what the people coming to buy your car have been looking at as well.

My favorite was Kelley Blue Book's 10 Steps to Selling Your Car.

I also referenced Guide to Selling Your Car and AutoTrader's How to Sell Your Car.

Post, or re-post, your ad on Friday evening.

I posted my ad on Monday (probably the worst day) and started to feel anxious when the inquiries didn't roll in.

I even started to lower my asking price. I thought people would schedule a time to test drive for the weekend, however, I received the majority of inquiries between Friday night and Saturday afternoon.

This might have been because daylight savings time is over so people wouldn't be able to really see the car on the weeknights, or people were simply wrapped up with school/work.

If you're in a major metro area, allow your Craig's List ad to stay up over at least one weekend before shelling out $30+ for an ad on AutoTrader.

All of my leads came from Craig's List (which is free).

Of the 6 people who responded, 5 wanted a test drive.

I accepted the offer made by the first person to test drive it (early bird gets the worm).

I politely canceled the remaining appointments once I accepted a cash deposit and a handwritten note with the "terms" of the deal and both parties' signatures.

If you only have 2.5 weeks before leaving the country on a trip around the world, your car's sale price will make up more than 30% of your budget, and you receive an offer within your range from a friendly man who holds a senior position at your own bank, TAKE IT!

What a relief! I was as transparent as a windshield and didn't negotiate worth a hoot, however, he offered me the exact figure I had in my mind (which was definitely more than I'd get at Carmax), and I felt completely comfortable dealing with him (and his daughter, for whom he is buying the car).

My last hurdle is getting approved for new medical insurance. More on the company/plan I applied for later!

__________

PS - I've always based my savings plan on a conservative value for my car (what I expected to get at Carmax).

Now that I've made a private deal, the difference is like a bonus!

It could buy me an extra few weeks in any country on my list, or perhaps something big like a helicopter ride.

Perhaps a multi-day sail in Australia's Whitsundays, or the more expensive trek in Nepal to Everest Base Camp!

Choosing a Malaria Medication

I wrapped up my final immunizations this week, knocking out my third Hepatitis B shot, meningitis (for all those dorm-style accommodations), and the flu.

Malaria doesn't exist in Tahiti, New Zealand, or Australia, so I won't need to start popping pills until about January 27, 2009 - two days before I fly to Bali.

I'll then be on them until Europe, which is a long time.

After much research online, I settled on Doxycycline (1x/day).

Its side effects are tied to the digestive system, and sun exposure, which I can manage.

It also happens to be the cheapest option (judging by costs in the USA, and we all know we've got the highest in the world), and most widely available (at least from what I could tell on the BootsnAll forums).

My findings on Lariam (Mefloquine, 1x/week) were startling and quite scary.

Side effects include anxiety (I'm already an anxious guy), nightmares, strange, dreams, depression, and many people believe it has lead loved ones to psychotic episodes and even suicide.

The first article/investigation I read was "The Dark Side of Lariam" on CBS's 60 Minutes website (2003).

I continued to read more and found some scary comments left in the Guestbook of To Lariam or not to Lariam.

Below are a few of the more recent ones:

Thanks for the site ... been a year since I have taken Lariam and finally am beginning to feel 100% normal; Can't believe that they prescribe this drug. --- Tim 10/20/07

Suffered similar side effects as described here minus the vomiting and diarrhea. Only took three tablets but the severe effects lasted 5 weeks after the last while dizziness, weakness, memory loss, mood swings and delirium seems to have lasted up to 3 months from last tablet. It was very reassuring to read the story and see somebody else had gone through what I'm experiencing. I felt I was going crazy as the side effects are so weird. My advice to anyone, don't take Lariam when there is safe alternatives such as Malarone or Doxycycline. -- Andy 10/16/07

If you're planning a trip, do a Google search for "Lariam" before picking a malaria medication.

Malarone (1x/day) is a newer drug. However, it is cost-prohibitive for someone like me planning to be away for an extended period, at least based on US costs.

Chloroquine (1x/week) gave me no side effects when I took it on my past two trips to Central America; however, it has been so widely used, malaria has become resistant to it in much of the world.

Driver Wanted - Selling My 2002 VW Jetta 1.8T

I posted my car for sale on Craig's List, AutoTrader (and its affiliates), and VWVortex. My goal is to have a committed buyer in place no later than Thanksgiving (Nov 22), given I leave the DC area on Nov 29.

Destination Tahiti

A few months ago, I had read advice suggesting it's best to wait until about a month before your planned departure to buy airfare, otherwise you'll spend all your time worrying about whether something will derail you from using those expensive tickets.

It made sense to me, and I cut it real close. Last Friday, I bought the following itinerary through the friendly people at AirTreks.com to kick off my world tour:

Nov 30 - New York City to Tahiti (direct, with a short stopover in Los Angeles)
Dec 6 - Tahiti to Auckland, New Zealand
Jan 2 - Christchurch, New Zealand to Brisbane, Australia
Jan 29 - Melbourne, Australia to Bali, Indonesia

To get to NYC, I'll take a $20 bus ride, and then spend my last night in the USA couchsurfing at my friend Kai's/brother's apartment. And before I get to Indonesia, I'll have to buy my next ticket or two so I can show proof of onward travel. The discount Asian airlines seem to have reasonable prices from that point forward. I'll probably hop to Singapore for a few days, and then on to Hong Kong and beyond.

Oh, and if you're wondering how much those 4 flights cost, it came out to $2091 (tax included). Given it will get me to the other side of the world during New Zealand's peak tourism season (summer), I'm fairly satisfied. Once I hit mainland Asia, I plan to rough it overland via trains and buses for awhile.

Moving Day (and Surviving Uhaul)

After a busy final day of packing, an uncomfortable night of sleeping on the floor listening to a domestic dispute at 2 a.m., and a nightmare about large scorpions emerging from under my oven, I awoke to the unpleasant task of picking up my 14' Uhaul truck.

Around 8:15 a.m., I drove to the local Uhaul location. Upon exiting my car, I was surrounded by guys who didn't speak English well and seemed to be looking for work. I walked into the office, where I heard a woman get in a loud dispute with the staff about a dolly (the response she got was rather rude). Luckily, everything was organized for me.

As I got in my truck, the guy who accosted me earlier showed up again. He and another guy put something in the back. Perturbed, I got out, opened the rear, and found a small dolly. I told them I didn't want it and took it out.

I got in again to review my map, and the guy began to adjust my passenger-side mirror. Though I appreciated the help, I'm still unsure why he opened the passenger door. I decided to look at the map elsewhere and left.

My moving day continued when the two movers (hired via emove.com) arrived early and went straight to work. They were about my size and relatively young; they were courteous, friendly, and efficient.

Once my stuff was loaded, I realized I could've gotten by with a 10' truck. Though it would've been tight, I could've gotten by with a 25-square-foot (vs. 50') storage space. I think the reduction of possessions threw me off.

After unloading at the storage unit, we dropped off two pieces of furniture at my friend Phil's basement and made it to my parent's house to unload my TV and clothes with a few minutes to spare (I had hired/paid them for four hours).

I managed to drive the rolling deathtrap back to where I got it and was happy to get into my comfortable VW. I picked up a few things at my apartment, dropped off the keys, returned the cable equipment, and headed back to my parent's house for R&R (and a Guinness).

By 10 p.m., I was utterly exhausted and fell right to sleep-the kind of sleep you deserve after a hard day's work.

Friday - My Everything Day

This might be my busiest day off ever. It began Thursday night with DC United's home playoff game. Sadly, they lost the 2-game series by a goal, and their season is over, however it was not for lack of screaming my lungs off and cursing like a madman. Yes, I was in the crazy Barra Brava section 136 again, inhaling smoke bombs and dripping with beer thrown in the air after DC's two come-from-behind goals in the second half. My friend said his friend saw us on the ESPN2 broadcast, however I accidently deleted my recording of the game!

8am Friday - windshield replaced for $77 less than the previous time, in half the time, and according to the guys, with far better workmanship (the previous replacement sounded like it was a botched surgery to the trained eye)

9am - cancel cable TV/internet and corporate credit card

10am - physical therapy

12pm - sell snowboard bag for $20

12pm - 4pm - pay AirTreks for my first few flights (Dept Nov 30 - NYC to Tahiti to New Zealand to Australia to Bali), get exterior of car detailed, laundry, pack

4pm - photograph exterior of car for advertisements

5pm - 12am - finish packing, drop some stuff off at parent's house

Bedtime - mentally prepare for driving the big-ass 14' Uhaul Saturday to 3 different locations in northern Virginia, and pinch myself to ensure this is all really happening!

Pack It Up, Pack It In

I've got 3 days left in my apartment before I put some select belongings in storage, and move in with my parents (hi Dad!).

Check out the video for a final shot of my bachelor pad.

Resignation Day - Goodbye TPS Reports, Hello World!

Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing. -- Helen Keller

The "Short and Sweet" Version

I did it! I submitted my notice to my boss at work Monday morning. It was hard, though after I got it all out, I felt a HUGE sense of relief. I agreed to stay on a few days longer than initially planned, through November 21 (the day before Thanksgiving). My boss was both surprised and supportive. He said his boss, peer, and the HR VP were all happy for me. "You're only young once," he said. It should start to become public knowledge in the next few days.

The Long "Play by Play" Version

I woke up and went through my normal morning routine. I wrote "Just Do It" on my whiteboard before jumping in the shower. Once in there, I said some affirmations. After getting dressed, I played a few of my favorite Pennywise songs from the DVD I created the night before. I stepped outside of my warm apartment into the chilly 38-degree air. The sky was a brilliant and complete blue - not a cloud in sight (sadly, such morning skies remind me of 9/11).

I continued to listen to Pennywise on the way to work, until I started feeling as though my heart was going to beat through the wall of my chest. I realized mellow music was called for to relax me, and popped on Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds" which put me at ease.

After about 15 minutes of settling into my cubicle as usual, I called my boss and asked if he had time to meet with me. He was available immediately. I tend to be diplomatic, and sometimes take awhile to get to my bottom line message. I chose a different approach for this situation, opening with "This is really hard for me, so I'm going to get straight to it." I then proceeded to tell him about the decision I had made to make a big change in my life, and pursue my passion for travel by embarking on a trip around the world. He responded with surprise, support and curiosity.

When I indicated November 15th as my last day, he suggested a little more time might behoove me given my managerial role and the time of year (we're busier than normal through Thanksgiving). Four extra days before a holiday would be easy enough, so I agreed to make November 21st my last day instead. Glad I hadn't bought a plane ticket yet - I want to leave the company in good standing!

I immediately felt a sense of relief and excitement, updated my good friends and parents, and went about knocking tasks off my pre-trip "to-do" list at lightening speed with a clear mind and a satiated soul.

The Music of Pennywise

My packing is coming along well (glad I started a week in advance) and I've prepped my resignation letter for delivery Monday morning. I've chilled out, and am dubbing my videos on VHS to DVD. It's a small thing, however it'll save a little weight and space in storage. Plus, who owns a VCR anymore?

The first video I popped in was a collection of concert/interview footage from one of my favorite bands, Pennywise (official site). Fast, aggressive new school punk from Hermosa Beach, California. I bought Unknown Road back in 1994, during the start of my freshman year in college. It was inspired by Robert Frost and Thoreau (or was it Emerson?), and mostly written by their late bass player, Jason Thirsk.

Their music has given me some of the strength I'm drawing upon to take this backpacking trip around the world, and I thought I'd share some of my favorite lyrics...

From Living For Today:

you look around what do you see?
I'll tell you what I see is a world belonging to me
take time to find what you may dream
it's all right there within your grasp
just beyond what you can see
we're the ones, the only ones, strong ones, proud ones
we're living for today
those for the past and tomorrow they'll have hell to pay
and if your life is going by to fast
it's time for you to slow down
time for you to make it last
before you trip and slip and you will miss this happy little stepping stone
just before eternal bliss your life goes by before you know
you gotta take time to slow down
better take time to veer off the road enjoy the sights
while you are here there's nothing to fear but fear itself
who knows when the end is near
don't make plans with your hands tied
you'll never know you're missing out
repeatedly on the things that help you grow
you've got to own your soul
you've got to take control
find a one day plan young man get this straight
live for today

From Every Single Day:

I got time on my side twenty four hours in my life
Can't hang on to what's in my past
Full speed ahead hard and fast

From Unknown Road:

"...two roads diverged in a wood, and i - i took the one less traveled by, and
that has made all the difference." Robert Frost

So you're currently content with your surroundings
You possess a vague sense of accomplishment
Did you give all you had to give or did you
give conservative
Do you think that all the years that passed you
by we're all well spent
Pictures of everyday life spark memories
And certain things pull triggers in your mind
What would be different now if you were
there than here.
What passages, what fantasies lie just
beyond the unknown road

Lyrics to all Pennywise albums.

Note To Self: Take A Chill Pill

I'd like to give a shout-out to my mom, who once again helped me put things in perspective. I called her because I spent my Saturday feeling increasingly stressed by all the things I told myself I needed to accomplish.

Just trying to pick the right size and quantity of plastic containers was throwing me for a loop - and don't get me started on the packing supplies that were taunting me in the store. And were the quality of the containers at The Container Store any better or worse than those at Target? And why did Target's parking lot look like the last weekend before Christmas?

So post-conversation with mom, I started to remember this is suppose to be fun! Yes, I've decided to take on a GIGANTIC change in my life's direction, however I'm the one who is in control. Why have I been placing so much pressure on myself? Can I really choose the wrong type of plastic bin to store my stuff? Can stopping in Tahiti instead of Fiji be the end of me?

Saturday night, I drove back to The Container Store, and bought two bins and some packing tape. I decided to start small - packing my pots and pans. If the bins weren't the right size, I'd just return them. As I drove the short distance back home, I passed all the people out and about for the evening. It's the big party night for Halloween, and I couldn't help but think of how I was about to take an off-ramp from American societal norms.

The bins turned out to be the right size - perfect actually. I cut up the heavy plastic bags which I kept from my new mattress/boxspring and used it as wrapping.

Tomorrow, I'm going to show my stack of books who's the boss!

The Final Countdown

I've spent the last few days wrapping up the 6-month leadership training I began back in May. I didn't know what I was getting into back then, however it turned out to be a great experience, and I'm going to miss those few days in Richmond each month.

I ate like there was no tomorrow - danced like no one was watching - and sang a surprise karaoke rendition of Billy Joel's "It's Still Rock 'n Roll To Me."

I have one week left in my Arlington apartment, and it feels like I have so much to do in the next 7 days:

Continue giving away and selling stuff
Draft and deliver my resignation (Monday)
Reserve and buy my first few flights (via AirTreks.com - thus committing to a departure date)
Apply for health insurance (leaning toward IMG Global - probably going to skip travel insurance)
Finalize my MP3 player
Complete final 3 physical therapy visits and get my new orthotics fitted
Attend DC United playoff game #2 (Nov 1)
Get packing supplies and pack (Nov 2), and move (Nov 3)
Get my windshield replaced, car detailed and photographed, and start advertising it online

I think it'll all be downhill once I let the cat out of the bag at work Monday morning. Short of telling them I'm joining the Marines like my brother, I think the message that I'm quitting to travel around the world in 5 weeks is about as shocking a message as I could deliver. Especially coming from someone like me who presents a straight-laced personality in the office!

Introducing "Dare Me!"

I saw that my life was a vast glowing empty page and I could do anything I wanted. "" Jack Kerouac

The Dream -

Traveling around the world has been a dream for me since I was laid off from my first post-college job in March 2002. It has taken me over 5 years to make it happen, and I am at once ridiculously excited about the possibilities, and a bit uneasy about this whole lack of a job and income idea that goes along with it.

Dare Me! Activity -

Dare me to do something funny, embarrassing, strange, adventurous or pedestrian.

Tell me about it by leaving a comment, or sending me a message, along with a suggested donation amount (and web address if you have one). If I accept, then I'll write about it, post pictures and/or video on the blog, and show my thanks by adding you to the Dare Me! page.

Here are a few ideas...

Visit a certain monument (beach, park, etc.)
Eat a strange food (insects, birds, brains, etc.)
Spend a day trying to get the phone number of a Parisian woman (note: this is hard enough when you speak the language!)
Obtain and mail a souvenir
Go 5 days without a shower (warning: this might happen without the dare)

To give you a sense of how fun this could be, check out "Challenge Steve" at the Savage Files. I learned about this site after I had already committed to the premise of using dares as a way to create interactivity with readers (and earn a little $).

Here are a few of Steve's challenges:

Take a photo of you AND Maria drinking a Fanta in front of the house where Freddie Mercury was born in Zanzibar. I just love Zanzibar, and I threw in the Fanta because it's really hot there and you'll be thirsty.
Reward= fifty US dollars
Status= pending...

Challenge for Morocco: Take a photo of you enjoying a glass of mint tea at a local hangout. Reward - US $10
Reward= ten US dollars
Status= COMPLETED!, and the funds have been put towards some hair restoration treatment!

Please note, you can submit your dares any time! Like Steve, I'll simply list them as "pending" until I make it to the appropriate part of the world. If a dare is completed, donations can easily be made via PayPal or credit/debit card using the "Make a Donation" button on the left sidebar.

Plotting A New Life Via Whiteboard

I've been using a whiteboard to schedule my life for about 7 years. I thought I'd share. Exciting isn't it! I'm starting to add things like "find movers," "get travel insurance," and "send AirTrek itineraries."

Lately, it's been ideal for tracking people who are buying or picking up freecycled stuff. Speaking of material possessions, last night I literally sold my computer desk from under my computer, sold my snowboarding gear, and gave away 5 guided meditation tapes.

Each item that leaves my apartment has me feeling a little lighter. The extra cash is nice too. The last two big items are a set of curtains, and a night table. Then the rest is going to my parents or storage.

I have 3 full days of work left before I wrap up my leadership training, and turn in my resignation. Living la vida loca!

PS - for those with eagle eyes, note 10/30 marks the start of "Everest 2" on the Discovery Channel at 10pm. I watched the first Everest about 10 times (all 6 episodes). Check it out if you can!

PSS - looks like I'll also be around to catch the second half of the Man vs. Wild season airing in November (in the USA), featuring 2-hour episodes, including the one where Bear Grylls flies over Everest using a super-powered fan strapped to his back!

I Love eMove.com

As a kid, my family moved to a new state twice. While it made me sad to leave my friends behind each time, I did enjoy unpacking all my stuff in a new home.

As an adult, being responsible for do-it-yourself moves can suck any fun out of moving day. If you've checked out my list of material possessions lately, you've probably noticed it's slowly shrinking as I give away and sell much of it.

The remainder will be divided between my storage space, my friend's basement, and my parent's house. And that's where eMove.com enters the picture.

In my twenties, I managed three separate DIY moves, and after the last one, I told myself I would start paying for help in the future. The future is now, and I'm so glad I learned about eMove. It was purely by happenstance, too.

I picked up a local moving company's business card at my storage location, Google'd them and found a message board with a few positive reviews and a reference to eMove.com.

eMove.com helps you rent moving equipment/supplies and storage space and obtain the labor to haul your stuff. I've rented a Uhaul before, but that's on the back burner compared to locking in the human help.

I entered my zip code and move date and up came a long list of local movers. Each moving company's profile included a ranking (based on five stars), hourly rates, and a list of customer reviews.

When you make a decision, you fill out an online form with details about your move, the estimated number of hours required, and payment information in the form of a credit card.

The company is responsible for approving/declining your request within 24 hours. True to form, within 24 hours, I received an acceptance of my 3-stop moving adventure scheduled for Saturday, November 3.

The family-owned company I chose rated 5 of 5 on the star meter, had 945 (primarily glowing) customer reviews, was on the less expensive end of the scale ($40/hour for two people + $25 flat travel fee), and ironically, was the company whose card I had picked up at the storage place.

Ascertaining their help with the heavy lifting is a huge burden off my back (literally). Now to wrangle me a Uhaul truck! Yee-haw!

Obtaining My Certificate of Title For a Vehicle

It took me six days to obtain the title to my Jetta from VW Credit.

I got a cashier's check from my bank for the remainder of my loan, printed a payoff quote from the website, overnighted them both to VW, and paid extra for them to send the title back via FedEx.

I now have the pleasure of owning the first car I've completely paid for on my own and will bask in this anti-climactic feeling for a full five weeks before I sign it over to a new driver!

I'm completely debt-free at this point, for probably the first time in 13 years.

Saving for my backpacking trip around the world has taught me to be financially disciplined, a trait I hope to carry with me for the rest of my life.

Freecycling My Way to Freedom

Ever since Laura mentioned Freecycling in her comments on my Reserve Storage Space post last week, I've been posting several items per day, and to my surprise, offloading them within 24-48 hours! It's yet another social network I'm glad to have joined. The primary motivation of its members is environmental - to ensure items stay out of landfills. As the instructions indicate, nothing is too small to post.

In less than a week, I've given away:

a plant
watch (with dead battery)
swimming goggles
meditation tapes
books
pictures
scale
clock

Each person has been friendly, grateful, and dependable. I've had a dad and his kids stop by, a young guy just getting started, a guy who works for Amtrak, and some older women. Some people grab and go, while a few have chatted for a bit.

It is a nice, new way to connect with others in the community, as well as meet the people who intend to use my stuff (as opposed to dropping it all off at the Salvation Army as I've done until now). It's working so well, my apartment is starting to feel increasingly empty.

Welcome! The Freecycle Networkâ„¢ is made up of 4,138 groups with 3,948,000 members across the globe. It's a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It's all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills. Each local group is moderated by a local volunteer (them's good people). Membership is free. To sign up, find your community by entering it into the search box above or by clicking on " Browse Groups"? above the search box. Have fun!

Find your community through the Freecycle Network today, and start giving (or taking, if you're in that mode)!

Opening E*Trade Checking and Complete Savings Accounts

The rubber is really hitting the road in October and it feels like I'm taking bigger and bolder steps to lay the groundwork for my impending trip around the world!

Late last week, I applied online for E*Trade Checking and Complete Savings accounts. Ironically, after talking to a representative on the phone who helped me come to a decision, I learned E*Trade is headquartered in none other than my home town of Arlington, Virginia!

I've had Brokerage and Employee Stock Purchase Plan accounts with them for about 7 years, so I'm already a little familiar with their website design.

Below are some deciding factors on E*Trade as my online banking choice for my travels abroad.

Checking Account

Free ATM/VISA debit card
E*TRADE Bank will not charge a fee for withdrawing funds from any institution's ATM nationwide (in the USA) but the owner/operator of the ATM may. These fees will automatically be credited to your account.
E*TRADE Bank does impose a charge equal to 1% of the transaction amount for non-U.S. currency transactions (1% is about as low as I could find)
No monthly account fees
No minimum balance required
Free, unlimited online bill payments
Online access protected by Digital Security ID ("It makes unauthorized login virtually impossible.")
Clear and comprehensive fraud protection

Complete Savings Account

Current APY (interest rate) is 5.05% - This is 0.75% higher than my ING Direct savings account.
No minimum balance required
Ability to do Quick Transfers (i.e. "real-time") with my E*Trade Checking Account
Online access protected by Digital Security ID (only one ID is required to access both accounts)
Clear and comprehensive fraud protection
Downside - "Withdrawal limits apply. Under Federal regulations related to these types of accounts, account holders are allowed up to six withdrawals or transfers (for example, using Quick Transfer) from their account in any calendar month. Inbound Quick Transfers are not subject to any limits."

Two Travel Bloggers Meet At An Irish Pub...

Stacy from Rambling Traveler was visiting a friend in the DC area with her husband Doug this past weekend and suggested we meet up for a drink.

I steered us toward Ireland's Four Courts in Arlington.

We laughed, we ate 7-layer dip and chips, we enjoyed a few beers, we talked about blogs and travel, and they gave me advice about a surly woman from Craig's List who berated me earlier in the day.

Next time I'll be sure to flash my pearly whites for the camera!

Marcel's - French Dining At Its Finest

Did I hear my Dad right? An opportunity to pick any restaurant in the DC area for my 31st birthday dinner? The gauntlet had been thrown down, and I was all too eager to face the challenging task of picking a restaurant to enjoy my last gourmet meal (presumably) before hitting the road.

Marcel's, a French Belgian restaurant in Washington, DC, was ranked #9 on Washingtonian's Top 100 restaurants of 2007. Upon walking into the entrance, I immediately noticed the live piano being played in the bar area to our right. Directly in front of us, up a few stairs, was a view of the kitchen. The host was slightly to our left, and quickly arranged for us to be seated (we were 30 minutes early for our reservation). On the host's table, there were four pairs of spectacles laid out for those who might need a little extra help reading the menu.

We were immediately shown to our table in the dimly lit main dining room, which looked exactly like the photograph on the restaurant's website. The understated interior design was one of the reasons I picked Marcel's. From my seat, I had a slight view of a female chef in the raised kitchen. The ambiance was comfortable, and the service fantastic.

After a round of cocktails, the chef sent out a small treat, an amuse bouche of salmon with capers. I learned about such treats on Bravo's Top Chef. They're usually a one-bite palette cleanser served at the start of a meal. Little surprise dishes "from the chef" are a very good sign of things to come! For my appetizer, I chose an Alaskan Salmon Ravioli. My Mom went with Gratin of Mussels, Roasted Garlic Cream Fondue of Tomatoes, and Baby Spinach. My Dad chose a house specialty, Boudin Blanc with Celery Root Puree Truffle and Red Wine Essence. Boudin Blanc is a creamy mousse of chicken and pheasant shaped in the form of a sausage. It wasn't quite what my Dad had in mind, though I enjoyed it!

I was not shy about using my camera, however I didn't realize the "indoor" setting wasn't appropriate until I was photographing our main courses. Yes, I have no shame, and I'm sure the multiple flashes caught everyone else's attention. It was my birthday though, and I was about to eat a meal I didn't want to soon forget.

I've eaten a lot of filet's, however I'm hard pressed to remember one so perfectly cooked to a medium rare, and seasoned to perfection, as the specimen placed before me during this meal. The foie gras was pure indulgence (my apologies to geese), the asparagus tender with a nice crunch. The sauce was very rich, and I only wanted for a little more of the mashed potatoes.

I always gravitate to chocolate desserts, so I went with the souffle. It was served with a chocolate ice cream, though the exact name of the flavor or brand was something unfamiliar to me. I thought the candle and "Happy Birthday" was playful in a sophisticated way.

Additional Large Photos (links will open in a new window):

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Chef Robert Wiedmaier's Marcel's is located at 2401 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20037. Dinner is served 7 days a week, starting at 5:30pm. Reservations are accepted online through OpenTable.com. Phone: 202-296-1166.

Reserving Storage Space

28 days remain before I vacate my apartment of close to 5 years. I felt a taste of impending freedom when I turned in my last rent check, and after much debate, reserved a storage unit through Extra Space.

Initially, I had settled on a 5'x5' climate-controlled space, however my Dad had recently put the idea in my head that I should keep my queen-size Sealy mattress and box spring (bought new less than 10 months ago). Perhaps it was thinking about whether to keep them, while comfortably laying on them each night, that did me in. At any rate, there was only a $17/month difference between the 5'x5' and 10'x5' units, so after a few quick calculations, I doubled my order to 50 square feet.

The space will cost me $90/month, however by signing a 12-month lease and paying up front, I can get the first 2 months free. Total cost for the first year is then $900.

My friend Phil has graciously agreed to store my kitchen table/chairs (which was a gift from my parents) and leather love seat in his basement. My parent's expressed an interest in my TV (also a gift from them), which makes for one less thing to sell. I put my headboard (sorry mom) up for sale on Craig's List and had 3 responses within the first 30 minutes, so there's certainly a feisty group of shoppers out there. No such luck with my carpet steam cleaner!

Physical Therapy Begins

I feel like a million bucks. After two weeks of solid worrying about how my knee pain may be accompanying and/or limiting me on my trip around the world, I feel as though I've got a plan to tackle it. Actually, my physical therapist has the plan. I'm just going to try and give the therapy 110% over the next 4 weeks.

After filling out some paperwork, the therapist evaluated my knees and gait (how I walk). He pointed out how flat-footed I am, and that new orthotics are definitely in order to correct my biomechanics. Later, when I asked him what was the most effective thing I could do to get better in the next 8 weeks, he immediately mentioned the orthotics again. I'm set to get that process started during tomorrow's visit.

I did 10 minutes of warm-up on a stationary bike, followed by 15 repetitions of 10 new stretching/strengthening exercises. My homework is to do the exercises every day. Then it was on to electrical stimulation of the knees, which is meant to increase blood flow and promote healing. Once the tingly stimulation began, giant bags of ice were dropped on each knee (on top of the 4 electrodes) for about 10 minutes. During this time, I went through a long list of questions from whether to buy new sneakers to the effectiveness of glucosamine/chondroitin supplements.

After seeing two doctors this year, and not really walking away feeling confident, I was glad my new therapist took the time to answer ALL of my questions in a confident and clear manner. By the end of our hour, I told him I felt really optimistic about getting better, and he was upbeat about my potential for improvement as well. Early on, I had made sure to share with him my goal to get better in time for my RTW trip.

Earlier in the day, I had seen my ophthalmologist who said my eyes look great, and I continue to have stable vision 8 years to the month after having LASIK surgery. Looks like I'm still at 20/20! I asked her about whether I could experience any problems at high altitudes, to which she confidently responded "no." I saw my dentist for a final routine cleaning, and was reminded one last time to floss every day.

I feel like a million bucks!

Q3 Savings Update for My Trip Around the World

September 30th marked the end of the third financial quarter of the year, and the end of another purchase period for my company's stock plan.

I wasted no time initiating the sale of stock over the weekend. Once the transaction is complete, I will use the money to open an E*Trade money market account which will be the primary account I access on my trip.

As Mike at Vagabondish recently noted, it offers an extra layer of security (in the form of an RSA token) perfect for those of us on the road using public computers for our online banking.

Unlike the last quarter, I just barely met my savings goal over the past 3 months. You can see the details on my 'Round the World Trip Plan.

To celebrate, I went out for a massage. I also convinced myself this would be therapeutic for my ailing knees!

Clarendon Day 2007 - Arlington's Biggest Festival

The intersection of Clarendon Boulevard and North Highland Street was the epicenter of the annual Clarendon Day street festival this past Saturday, September 29, 2007. This was my third year making an appearance at the event held just a few blocks from my apartment. Each year, it's gotten a little bigger, and a little better.

Bands and musicians play at 4 different stages located around central Clarendon, while local restaurants and artists sell their creations to a diverse crowd of local area residents. Proud dog owners are everywhere, and I was happy to see a skateboard demo by some local kids sponsored by Convoy Skateboards (also locally run). I caught one kid land a nice indie kickflip off a small plywood ramp.

Clarendon Day helps to foster a sense of community in Arlington, which is one of the aspects of the area I enjoy most. Despite the growth and development in this popular part of northern Virginia, it's nice to know you can still find crab cake platters and chocolate covered frozen cheesecakes in the middle of the street each Autumn.

Thoughts Over the Atlantic

Monday, August 31, 1998

Bill and I got up and out at 7 AM, got to the T9 terminal at 8 AM. We found out our tickets were worthless by 9 AM. I went off to book a seat on the United Airlines flight at 10 AM. Searched and found a clean toilet (w/seat) at 11 AM. Met up with Bill (by chance) at a money machine at 12 PM. We sat at Burger King and read newspapers until 2 PM. My flight leaves at 4:50 PM, and arrives at 7:10 PM. Apparently, without the price quote from yesterday, the ticket would have cost $900. But the lady working there was very nice, and gave me the lower price. It took about 15 minutes, but I was patient and content to have a set flight schedule. The time has been going by quick today, considering I've been at the airport for six hours already, and just two and a half more until I'm on the plane. Then, I'll be happy. And I'm just waiting to call home and ask to be picked up!

I checked through everything at 2 PM, and made my way to the boarding gate. Though the first x-ray guy checked all my film (like the guy did in Virginia and Boston), the second (sad and bored looking) guy did not. He made me put 11 roles of film through the x-ray. This nulls my efforts at the other airports. I'm still pissed off about it. And if my film is noticeably damaged, I'll be irate. Of course, I won't be able to do anything about it. Though the airport seemed daunting at first, I've had no problems getting through the system today. I'm waiting to board the plane at 4 PM. Only then will I be truly content. Before going to England, I was noticing some weight loss. But, after a diet of fast food and beer, I'm sure I've gained weight. Luckily, I have a routine at home.

My savings account has dwindled dangerously low. I'm hoping to pick up a little money with Manpower before the holidays. And that will go towards my credit cards. There is so much I look forward to at home: Howard Stern show on Saturday nights, football, baseball and the New York Yankees, TV, news of the declining global economy, my room, a private bathroom, skateboarding, computer games (esp. Dune 2000). I've decided to wait till home to write up my list of good and bad travel tips. Hopefully, this will help me on my next trip, and anyone else. I really smell right now. The person sitting next to me on the plane will surely notice my odor. I threw out my only two pairs of Italian underwear. Going commando isn't that bad when you don't move around a lot. I guess I should mention again that I'm a bit nervous about customs. Worst case scenario is they search my bag and pull out the magazine. I really stink! And I'm sure it will be worse after a 9 hour plane trip.

I got on the plane, a Boeing 777, which I believe is one of the newest models. It's not a jumbo jet though. I got a window seat. The plane is definitely not full. There are in-seat video screens (5") so everyone gets a personal view of the movies. It turns out that I even get a choice of the movies I want to watch. I chose to watch the first half of "Titanic." I also flipped around, caught a bit of "As Good As It Gets." I'm hoping for "Good Will Hunting" later. There is also a map screen which displays our current position, speed, height, and ETA. The service has been great. All drinks are free, but I'm not going to bother drinking. I filled out the US Customs form. I declared my sweater, 2 tapes, 5 CDs, and the 2 Guinness glasses. Hopefully, I won't have a problem. Since I don't have any checked luggage, I should get through quickly!

For dinner (lunch by EST), I got chicken and potatoes. It was very good, and the service has been awesome. There has been a little turbulence so far, but mostly it has been smooth. I have to shit, but I don't want to deal with getting up, etc. We are approaching the southern tip of Greenland at the halfway point. I'm definitely leaving this flight with a great impression of United Airlines. The damn video screens are great! The best part is that technology is only advancing, more personal options are in the future for air travelers (and space, but not in my lifetime, I don't think). Well, I'm ready to start the second part of "Titanic."

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Read more of my exciting adventures Backpacking in Europe, or view my photos on Flickr.

Hosting My Second Couchsurfer

This week I hosted my second couchsurfer, Choony. She received her Master's from Yale University earlier in the year, and is spending the subsequent months traveling around the United States. When not attending Ivy League schools, Choony works for an NGO (non-governmental organization) back in Seoul, South Korea.

We talked for about 4 hours the first night, mostly exchanging perspectives on cultural norms in our respective countries. I found the experience of hosting her to be very enlightening. On her second night, which coincided with my birthday, she offered to take me out to dinner as a "thank you." I happened to have Washingtonian Magazine's list of 100 best restaurants for 2007, and picked out #47 - Thai Square - which was only a few miles from my apartment (and quite a bargain).

I forgot my camera, so you'll just have to picture our tasty meal:

Tom Yum Koong - Shrimp and straw mushrooms simmered in a hot and sour lemon grass broth.
Roasted Duck in Red Curry Sauce - Tender slices of roasted duck in spicy red curry with diced pineapple and basil leaves.
Pad Thai - Thin noodles stir-fried with shrimp, chicken, ground roasted peanuts, scallions, and bean sprouts.

The Wonderful World of Kneecaps

Last month I mentioned my knackered knees were causing me to worry about the pain I might experience on the road. If I think about the last 4 months, I do believe I've experienced some improvement, however an extra 10-12 minute walk in my day will still leave me hurting for several days after (which obviously shouldn't be the case!). A good friend, who listened to my complaints, suggested I see an orthopedist (vs a podiatrist). I picked one near work, and finally got in to see him on my birthday.

The first thing I noticed in the waiting room of the orthopedic clinic was how I was about 20-30 years younger than the other patients. The surgeons at this particular clinic specialize in joint (knee/hip) replacement, and apparently business is booming. A radiologist x-rayed both of my knees, and I patiently awaited the doctor. Before he came into my room, I could hear him in the hall dictating his last patient's visit, noting he/she had opted for double knee replacement surgery.

The doctor introduced himself, and I gave him a brief rundown of my problem/history, and my upcoming plan to backpack around the world. The first thing he pointed out in my x-rays were the shape of my kneecaps. Apparently a normal kneecap is one round piece of bone. My right kneecap had two pieces of bone, and my left three! Given this surprising news, I asked what percentage of the population have knees such as mine. His response was less than 1%. Lucky me!

He felt around my knees, where those little extra pieces of bone were, and as the pain wasn't in those areas, he deemed it unrelated to my freak-of-nature kneecaps. He said this was good news because the treatment would've been to surgically remove the smaller pieces of bone. He then suggested that the pain is consistent with soft tissue problems in the inner knee, and that treatment would be non-surgical in nature (thank god for such a response from a surgeon). He wrote me a prescription for a month's worth of physical therapy, as I had hoped.

Before his assistant brought me the prescription, I could hear the doctor in the hall dictating again, and this time about me. My favorite part was when he mentioned the fact that I intend to go backpacking around the world!

Unfortunately, I'm planning to give my notice at work within the next 1-2 weeks, which is not going to be enough time to see results from the physical therapy. I don't feel like it's enough of a problem to turn back now though, so I'm going to do the physical therapy, follow all their suggestions, and try to get back to normal in the time I have left.

My 31st Birthday Dinner At Delhi Club

September 25th marks my 31st birthday, so to celebrate, a few friends took me out to dinner at Delhi Club, a local Indian restaurant I'd been wanting to try out for a few years.

The dinner was worth the wait. The top photo was my friend Jason's sizzling dish of tandoori lamb, chicken, shrimp, and salmon.

I think it looks even tastier in the photo (the restaurant was dimly lit)!

As for myself, I love curry chicken, and there were plenty of options to choose from on the menu.

I went with malabar curry, which was coconut-based with crushed red pepper and curry leaves. It was rich and delicious, with just the right spicy kick!

Lastly, as seen below, we ordered up a variety of naan (bread).

To wash it all down, I had a couple of authentic, Indian Kingfish beers. Apparently they're the "Budweiser" of India.

Sometimes beer is just beer, and I can't really tell the subtle difference between them, regardless of their country of origin. T

he only beers that disagree with me are the ones with super high (like 10+ percent) alcohol contents.

After dinner, I went to my friend Mark's place and promptly lost $20 in a poker game. I'm not much of a gambler - I always expect to lose, though I did win one hand with a full house.

Special thanks to my friend Phil, who gave me a birthday gift in the form of a donation for my backpacking trip.

Missing My Flight Home

Sunday, August 30, 1998

I woke up ready to go. Unfortunately, I drank some coffee and hot chocolate. Instantly, I felt bowel problems. And since I haven't learned to go to the bathroom at the right times yet (like when I'm on a train, and I wait till the station, even though I know I'll have to pay to use the toilet there). The point is that I couldn't find a decent, clean toilet at the train station or airport. So I decided to wait for the airplane bathroom. Keeping this in mind, I noticed that my flight number wasn't listed in the place it should be. To make a long story short, I missed my flight because I hadn't called the airline number to confirm the flight time. The flight had been moved from 3 PM to 10:15 AM. Even worse, it had been delayed at the airport until 1:30 PM, but I couldn't get on because of security reasons.

I eventually met up with Bill there. I also found six other people that had missed the flight. By this time, I was tired, angry, and mad that everyone was smoking in the (charter) terminal. I gathered unsure information. Bill and I then went to the main terminal. Apparently we had been in T9 the whole time, a terminal for charter flights only. This explained a lot. The best price quote I could get was $600 for a round trip ticket to Washington, DC for tomorrow afternoon on a United Airlines flight. I figured part of the cost would be offset since I wouldn't have to travel from Boston to DC. I knew I was going to have to buy a ticket, but decided to go see if there were any new developments in the morning. We left, unable to find a TransAir office, or any definitive information.

We went back to the Woodstock hostel for the night. Many of the same people were still there. It turned out to be a good night. I got Thai food for the first time. Chicken with peppers, pineapple, and rice. I actually ate some of the red bell peppers, after being convinced that they weren't hot. Bill was out of money. He had traveled to Switzerland, Belgium, and England. He also met a lot of girls. After exchanging experiences, I realized how alone I had been for the second part of my trip. Anyway, I drank some beer and talked with many fine people, including two German guys who were entertaining. It started off when I noticed one of them playing with his fish skeletons (Thai food).

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Read more of my exciting adventures Backpacking in Europe, or view my photos on Flickr.

Ben's Chili Bowl - A Washington, DC Landmark

Ben's Chili Bowl was born in 1958 and Washingtonians have been thankful ever since. Over the past few years, I'd heard it's name associated with stars such as Bill Cosby, and finally decided to see what the buzz was about.

Located in northwest DC, along the U Street corridor, Ben's Chili Bowl has watched the neighborhood around it gentrify and develop in recent years. The Starbucks and metro entrance across the street is a fitting contrast to the historical chili joint which began serving customers when U Street was once known as the "Black Broadway" due to all the jazz clubs. As noted on the history page of Ben's Chili Bowl website:

It was not uncommon to see such luminaries as Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Bessie Smith, Ella Fitzgerald, Cab Calloway, Nat King Cole, Redd Foxx, Dick Gregory, Martin Luther King Jr., or Bill Cosby at " the Bowl."?

Stepping into the Bowl around noon on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, I wondered whether I'd be in for a wait to get my food. The restaurant had clearly marked instructions to line up, order your food, and pay before taking a seat. It only took a few minutes for me to order and pay, despite the place feeling and looking quite busy. I went with Ben's Original Chili Half-Smoke, a side of fries, and a Diet Coke, which totaled $10.

I grabbed a seat at the end of the counter, by the jukebox which was blaring. A college football game was on TV in the corner, above a small sink. There were giant metal canisters around the sink, and before I could give too much thought to whether employees actually use it, I saw one use it, and refill the towel dispenser to boot. I flipped through a copy of Washington's weekly City Paper, and about 5-10 minutes later, one of the servers brought over my meal.

While it's hard to see in the photo above, there is a jumbo hot dog under all that chili, and it was split in half and grilled further, before the addition of mustard and onions. The potato chips and fries were standard fare, though a nice compliment to the main attraction. Next time I'd skip the fries altogether because the serving was too large for one person. The Chili Half-Smoke is served with plastic utensils, however I was easily able to pick up the bun and eat with my hands (though I did manage to spill chili on my shorts).

Americans know how to make a darn good hot dog, and Ben's is no exception. Despite the slathering of delicious and slightly spicy chili, I was able to taste the flavor of the dog beneath it all, and it was one of the best I've ever had. The atmosphere was lively, with a mix of eat-in and take-out customers rotating through the restaurant. The staff were upbeat and friendly. Their menu offers several vegetarian options, including chili and burgers, and the breakfast options are plentiful.

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Ben's Chili Bowl is located at 1213 U Street NW, Washington, DC (between 12th and 13th Streets), across from the U Street/Cardozo metro station. Phone: 202-667-0909. Hours: Mon-Thurs 6am-2am; Fri-Sat 6am-4am; Sun noon-8pm.

Absinthe and My Last Day of Work

And the survey says.....I will be taking a shot of the green fairy on my last day of work! I recently moved the big day up to Thursday, November 8. Thank you to everyone who voted on this serious topic!

Back in 1998, I visited Prague where Absinthe is readily available, though I didn't get a chance to try it. Ironically, it was at a coworker's party a few years ago in northern Virginia that I took my one and only shot. I remember it was very strong, and reminded me of Rumple Minz (100 proof peppermint schnapps).

Still, the prospect of video recording my experience leaves me with a few butterflies, though I'm sure they'll quickly die of alcohol poisoning once I down the liquor!

Which occasion should I celebrate with a shot of Absinthe (140 proof, I will post video)?

Last day of work (~Nov 13) (35%, 8 Votes)
31st birthday (Sept 25) (30%, 7 Votes)
Giving notice to resign at work (Oct 4) (17%, 4 Votes)
Last day in USA (~Nov 27) (17%, 4 Votes)
Last night in apartment (Nov 2) (0%, 0 Votes)

Total Voters: 23

My Last Night in Europe

Saturday, August 29, 1998

Leaving Canterbury for Dover, England

I woke up this morning after some really cool dreams. One involved me and several beautiful women; another was about how the two Japanese students won a major international award. Sometimes dreams feel so real while they are happening (which in reality might only be a few seconds). Often, I'll wake up with a quick lapse of not knowing whether or not it was reality or a dream. The night before I visited the Cliffs of Moher, I had a dream that people were jumping off them (the cliffs). I wanted to join them, but couldn't (too scared). The next day when I went, I saw people walking along the out-of-bounds area, and I overcame my fear of heights, and joined them. Coincidence? Parallels? Psychic dream?

Anyway, I was awoken around 8:30 AM to a full English breakfast cooked by (Karen?) Connolly, the B+B keeper. Sausage, egg, toast, beans, and coffee. It was great! Served in her dining room. She was really nice, and kind of motherly. It seemed like we (her travelers) were surrogate children. It was a nice experience staying there. I'm currently waiting two and a half hours for the hovercraft. I just got an awful tasting cappuccino at the terminal. I can't seem to get a connection (phone) with any of the Paris hostels, so I'll have to call in Calais, France. I'm a little worried that I'm going to have to pay a lot for a room. If that is the case, I might just spend the night at the airport.

It looks like I'll actually be on budget for the first time in two weeks. My most expensive week turned out to be the one full week in Ireland. Second most expensive was the week (and travel) in London. So I was on budget for five of the seven weeks. It also turns out that I will have two full days of travel left on my Eurorail pass. Since I bought that erasable pen, stretching it has been a lot easier. Especially in Ireland, where they don't even punch the ticket. Unfortunately, the train services are not as widespread as in the rest of Europe.

Riding back through Dover, I got a better look at the white cliffs. Perhaps if there weren't a city below, they'd be more impressive. Apparently the channel is more traveled on weekends (which makes sense). Still, I'll be waiting, just as I am now, in Paris to go home.

Returning to Paris, France

I got to Paris after a three and a half hour train ride. I reserved a bed at the Woodstock hostel. The train ride went slowly after a family of six, with four kids, entered my compartment. The kids were just a little too loud for me. It took about ten minutes to get to the hostel via metro, which will be great to use in the morning . When I got there, the Beastie Boys "Hello Nasty" was playing (and right after I had just listened to the whole thing on the train). I emptied my bowels, and washed my face. After I had seen the beer in the common room, I was anxious to drink myself to sleep. I also wanted to see how the draft tolerance I had built up in the United Kingdom would compare against eleven ounce bottled beer.

I'm drinking my first Heineken since Amsterdam (I think), and it isn't as good as I thought. Therefore, I'm changing my official beer to Kilkenny because it was such a nice surprise. It is nice to be back in a hostel filled with young people. Ireland's were nice, but they were more family oriented, with a mostly (all?) no alcohol policy. While I set up to drink myself to bed, I plan on writing in this damn journal. All my thoughts in stream of consciousness form will be put down, regarding my trip. Are you ready?

I'm too busy drinking right now to write. I can say that the 25 cl (like 8 oz.) of beer in the Carlsberg and 1664 bottles really sucks! I had plenty of Francs to spend. There is a black cat here. I petted him for a bit, but when I touched him while he was licking himself, he bit, and then hissed at me! This hostel makes me not want to leave Europe. Both this hostel and the Aloha have gas tank frames in their common room, coincidence? I'm so glad the two people working here are drinking right now!

Since I'm already buzzed, I'm likely to talk about anything (so Dave Lee, in 20 years, I hope you and your wife and maybe your eldest child are entertained by this). One of the guys working here is turning 24 on this Saturday night. This explains why his favorite band, Soul Coughing, is playing and why he is drinking (and why the same song, "The Bug" is on repeat). There is ½ a Volkswagen Bug on the wall, with a couple of black lights in the windows. I just found out that they serve whiskey at another hostel in town, the 3 Ducks.

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Read more of my exciting adventures Backpacking in Europe, or view my photos on Flickr.

National Air Force Memorial

Every day I drive to work or the supermarket, I pass by the new National Air Force Memorial which was constructed last October in Arlington, on a hill just above the Pentagon. The memorial is 270 feet tall, evoking the "bomb burst" maneuver performed by the Air Force Thunderbird Demonstration Team. The three spires also symbolize the values of the Air Force - Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All That Is Done . In an effort to see a little more of my home town, I drove the great distance of 2 miles to check it out up close.

The view of Washington, DC was great - you could see the National Cathedral, Washington Monument, Pentagon, Capital Dome, and planes flying past them all on the way to their landing strip at Reagan Airport. The memorial itself had a somber feel to it - with two opposing granite walls - each with a series of noble quotations from Airmen, and the dates of what I believe were wartime engagements by the Air Force. As I tried to look up the 3 spires, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe, such as a child might have watching airplanes fly. It was amazing how the memorial captured the spirit of flight!

I tried to take artistic photos, however I'm not quite sure I did the memorial justice. I bet professional photographers have a field day with it, especially during sunrise and sunset. Definitely a little out of the way in comparison to all the other monuments on The Mall, however worth the time if you're in the DC area.

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Read more about the memorial at the Air Force Memorial Foundation website.

Petzl Zipka Plus LED Headlamp

Flashlights have gone the way of the Dodo bird when it comes to backpackers' lighting gear of choice.

In May 2006, I came to this realization when I tried to use my trusted Mini Maglite on a pre-dawn hike to the top of Temple IV in Tikal, Guatemala to watch the sunrise over the awakening jungle.

I was staying at the Jaguar Inn, one of the three lodges inside the park...a park that turns off the electricity every night.

I first ran into challenges trying to use the bathroom with just a small flashlight.

The experience was later trumped by having to carry the thing on a 30-minute walk in the dark, followed by a very steep climb of the old, wooden staircase that leads up the temple.

I looked on with envy at my fellow travelers wearing headlamps. I could only use one hand to steady myself on the way up those stairs, while they had both, and far brighter light to boot.

As I continue to gather the few and essential items for my trip around the world, I was excited to purchase an LED headlamp and join the 21st century.

I headed to a local REI store and quickly found plenty of options in the headlamp section.

There were two options by Petzl, which I debated back and forth for 20 minutes. Headband (Tikka Plus), or no headband (Zipka Plus)?

Headband = security (+), adjustable mount (+), $5 cheaper (+), 78 grams/extra weight (-), extra size (-)

No headband (spring-loaded, retractable string) = 65 grams/lighter (+), smaller (+), easily worn on wrist (+), $5 more (-), no adjustable mount (-), questionable durability of retracting mechanism/string prone to fraying (-)

I found it difficult to make a decision, so I fell on the side of less weight is better, and went with the Zipka Plus, which uses a retractable, spring-loaded string to hold the headlamp to one's head, versus a normal stretch headband.

Both headlamps take 3 AAA batteries and are far more efficient than a regular flashlight.

Both models are water-resistant and have 4 settings (maximum - 100 hours life, optimum - 120 hours life, economic - 150 hours life, and strobe).

Below is my not-so-scientific comparison with the Mini Maglite on left, and Petzl Zipka Plus on right:

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REI.com offers the full line of Petzl headlamps and products, including user reviews and detailed expert advice.

The Tikka Plus (headband) retails for $34.95, while the Zipka Plus goes for $39.95.

Sushi and Sashimi Adventures in DC

If I'm going to work my way up to eating tarantula's and snake hearts in Asia, then high-end sushi is a good place to start my training in the bizarre foods arena. Yes, sushi and sashimi are still new territory for me and my palette. Inspired to expand my horizons, I was excited to meet up with some friends last weekend for a delicious meal at Sushi Taro in the Dupont Circle area of Washington, DC.

To really throw caution to the wind, I joined two friends in ordering the $42 Chef's Omakase (selection). We had no idea what was coming! My friends ordered the sashimi version (without rice), while I still felt the need to have my seafood grounded in grains.

Pictured above was my 18-piece entree, which included: sea eel (upper left), shrimp, fatty and medium tuna, sea urchin (upper right), salmon, salmon roe, mackerel, assorted rolls, and a few more fish I can't recall. On my first bite, I was reminded of the nasal-clearing wasabi that is often used as glue between the fish and rice. All in all, I enjoyed most of the fish. The sea urchin's texture was very soft, and dare I say silky. I couldn't bring myself to put the whole thing in my mouth at once though (baby steps). The sea eel was cooked a bit, and not my cup of tea. I was surprised when I found the salmon eggs would individually pop like balloons in my mouth, releasing a salty liquid like a little gift.

My friends' sashimi entrees held the real action - shrimp heads, and a full, fried, palm-sized fish skeleton. One of my friends easily chomped down on the whole fish, while the other couldn't bear to take a bite. As we were wrapping up, I felt it my duty to push my limits, so I took the uneaten fish skeleton and bit the head off of it. Mostly crunchy, it didn't really taste bad, or good. I felt a little bit of squishiness - perhaps the brain or eyeballs, however I found it quite edible!

I may eat these words later, however for now, I'm ready to eat some gnarly cuisine abroad!

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Large photo of my sushi

Large photo of fish skeleton

Backpacking Humor

Special thanks to my Dad for sharing this Zits comic strip with me. Enjoy!

Son: Taa-Daah! My life plan in four steps.

1. Play guitar in high school.

2. Play guitar in college.

3. Backpack around the world for ten years.

4. Retire comfortably.

Father: Um, I don't see anything in here about a career.

Son: It's just an outline. I'll fill in the minor details later.

Canterbury and Returning to Paris

Thursday, August 27, 1998

I woke up and got to the bus stop in time to choose between the Dublin bus and the Galway bus. I chose to go to Galway, and try to catch a train (which would be free w/Eurorail). I ended up missing the train by thirty minutes. I decided to catch the next bus. By now, it had already been a long day of traveling.

I decided to go for London and skip a final night in Dublin. I did get my souvenirs: 1 can of Guinness, 1 can of Kilkenny, 1 can of Carlsberg, a small bottle of Jameson Irish whiskey, 2 Guinness pint glasses, and a few more Irish music CD's and tapes.

I'm on the Stena Ferry now, which doesn't carry buses (like the other one I was on), but is twice as fast. Instead of three hours, it is only one and a half. This one is even more luxurious than the other, with more bars, gambling tables, and even a McDonald's. I just lent my headphones to a guy who said he would be bringing them back soon. It has been about ten to fifteen minutes, and I'm wondering if I'm too complacent to go ask for them back.

Well, I got my headphones back only because I caught the guy before he left the boat. I ended up getting an empty seat next to me for the bus ride to London. Just a little extra room to stretch out. I took my sneakers off for a bit. Wow, the stink was awful. But I don't really care at this point.

Friday, August 28, 1998

It is hard to tell how much sleep I got on the bus, probably three to five hours. I've decided to stay in Canterbury, England for the night and Paris for my final night. I'm really over budget right now. Therefore, I'm looking forward to going home with extra urgency. Spending money to see Ireland is one thing; to spend four days getting home is another. Suffice to say, I had no will power when it came to sticking to a budget. I've been traveling for 23 hours straight! I'm happy to get some sleep this afternoon.

I arrived in Canterbury and called the hostel. There were rooms, but they said that I couldn't make it to the hostel before it closed for the afternoon in ten minutes. This pissed me off. By the time I figured out where the hostel was (I needed to see a map), it was too late. And it turns out that I probably could have made it. I took a rest in a park, and decided to walk around (w/pack).

As I walked toward the hostel (to wait for it to reopen), I came across a $15 bed and breakfast mentioned in "Let's Go." There was no lockout, so I decided to go pay so I could sleep. It was really a nice place. I stayed in a two bunk room with shower and toilet, and a TV. There were two Japanese students there too. I really enjoyed talking to them, as they enjoyed snowboarding, punk music (and the Beastie Boys), and Sony's Playstation. I took a three hour nap, only rising so I could see Canterbury Cathedral (and I didn't want to mess up my internal clock).

I made the mistake of paying to see the ruins of St. Augustine's Abbey. There wasn't much to see, and the hand held audio tour was boring. I went to the cathedral, which turned out to be free after 4:30 PM, so I guess it balanced out. The interior really impressed me, especially the architecture of the sculptures and courtyard. There were also some really amazing stained glass windows. I went back to the room since I was quite tired. As I learned in Doolin, it is hard to enjoy yourself while longing for rest. I watched a few episodes of Cheers, the Cosby Show, and Friends.

I can't believe people leave their trays behind in McDonald's and Burger King (and other fast food restaurants). This means the places have to hire more people just to clean up!

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Read more of my exciting adventures Backpacking in Europe, or view my photos on Flickr.

Caving in Belize's Actun Tunichil Muknal

Mayawalk tour group in front of hourglass-shaped cave opening

For most people, Belize conjures images of crystal clear Caribbean waters and world class diving, however in May 2006, I discovered the interior jungles are filled with mystery and adrenaline-pumping adventures.

The highlight of my two week backpacking trip through this unique country was a 3-hour cave tour of Actun Tunichil Muknal ("ATM"), also known as the Cave of the Stone Sepulcher. The Mayans used the cave over 1,200 years ago for ritual sacrifices.

Ladder we climbed to final chamber in cave

The expedition began with a 45-minute drive from San Ignacio, a city near the western border with Guatemala, to the entrance of the park which contained the cave. Our eight person group hiked for 20 minutes along a jungle trail, wading across three streams, until we arrived at a staging area used by Thomas Miller, the archaeologist who discovered ATM in 1986. It consisted of a campfire site, outhouse, and small roofed area.

We donned our helmets and headlamps, climbed down a small bank, and began to swim upstream into the ominously dark, hourglass-shaped entrance of the cave. After a few minutes, the headlamps were our only source of light, while the cool water being splashed around was the only sound.

Walking single file, my eyes were consistently focused on the foot placement of the person in front of me. Twisting an ankle or falling on the slippery rocks was a real danger. Our guide navigated us through spaces small enough to confound a contortionist.

Eventually, we arrived upon a giant boulder, which we climbed up in order to reach the dry chambers containing ancient Mayan pottery and remains. Due to the sensitive nature of the archaeological site, we were all required to wear socks, which were sopping wet by this point. Great care was given to walk only where our guide walked, as we navigated through the eerie chambers of stalactites and stalagmites.

The ultimate reward for our efforts was the opportunity to climb up a 12-foot ladder to a small chamber containing the full, calcified skeletal remains of a young woman who had been sacrificed to the Mayan Gods.

Calcified sacrificial remains of Mayan woman

This experience left me feeling like Indiana Jones. It was truly one of the greatest adventures of my life. Tour entries into ATM are timed so you rarely run into others. Group size is limited to about 8 people. Many tour companies across Belize offer trips to Actun Tunichil Muknal, however it is easiest to access from the small city of San Ignacio.

I signed up for a tour one day in advance, at a cost of $80, through Mayawalk Tours. The drive and cave guide were both excellent.

See all of my photos from backpacking in Belize on Flickr.

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