|
goingeverywhereslow commented about Map to Petit Goave Haiti Hotel, On Friday November 20th, 2009 04:14:41 PM
Andy,
Great fun hearing about your hotel sweep.
Wondering why you didn't go back to the 10 dollar guy in the truly nice building?
After all, your negotiating the price down with all of them, right?
Was it too far from the market action?
Eric
Comment About Map to Petit Goave Haiti Hotel
goingeverywhereslow commented about Go from Les Cayes to Miragoene Haiti, On Monday November 16th, 2009 03:29:40 PM
Andy,
Re: Prices are nutty -
Yeah, especially considering Haiti has the lowest GDP per capita in the western hemisphere.
Eric
Comment About Go from Les Cayes to Miragoene Haiti
goingeverywhereslow commented about Luggage Tag Magic Marker Travel Tip, On Friday November 13th, 2009 11:55:31 AM
Absolute sound advice from the master.
Eric
Comment About Luggage Tag Magic Marker Travel Tip
goingeverywhereslow commented about Travel Improves Social Status of Hobos, On Friday November 13th, 2009 11:52:17 AM
Andy,
This post makes me feel good about my travel tendencies.
I seem to rarely if ever take photos of my travels, as I feel it sometimes alters or possibly ruins the experience and/or flow of the moment(s).
I find myself talking more about life enriching experiences rather than "hey look where I went".
Concerning social status isn't travel a prerequisite for being a hobo?
After all "A Hobo is a person that travels to work."
I suppose it's a matter of perspective and the frequency of travels.
Possibly The more you travel the more you are a traveler and the less you travel the more you are a Hobo? I think Travel in most peoples minds creates an image of greater status than the word Hobo.
Thus "Travel Improves Social Status for Hobos."
And after all, your claim is one of a hobo-traveler not a traveling-hobo.
Not sure that's important though, just a fleeting thought.
It's my mentally ill opinion that all of us living within our current model of civilization are mentally ill, it's only a matter of degree. I won't elaborate on why I think this, as this comment would then turn into a book.
As always, I may be completely wrong and I reserve the right to change my mind at any moment.
I'm enjoying following this Haiti trip.
Eric
Comment About Travel Improves Social Status of Hobos
goingeverywhereslow commented about American Flag Patches Sewn on Backpack, On Monday November 2nd, 2009 06:02:12 AM
Andy,
All good points on the pro side.
To add to the question of
Why not have the flag on the bag?
What comes to mind are those Mumbai terrorist attacks of 2008, where they specifically targeted US and UK passport holders. If you happened to be in a similar unfortunate situation, you may not be able avoid the overall problem, but the flags could cause you to be among the earliest victims.
Buying a little time just might save your skin.
I do like the idea of having it be a place to hide emergency money.
Eric
Comment About American Flag Patches Sewn on Backpack
goingeverywhereslow commented about Plane Ticket to New York 2009, On Tuesday October 27th, 2009 01:08:54 PM
Glenn at Homeless by Choice positive review of 20 dollar NYC Hostel 99 in Harlem...
http://freesleeping.blogspot.com/2009/09/manhattan-for-20night.html
New York City hostels for less than 25 dollars...
http://www.twizi.com/newyorkhostels.htm
Eric
Comment About Plane Ticket to New York 2009
goingeverywhereslow commented about Mating Takes Precedence Over Travel, On Friday October 23rd, 2009 04:03:22 PM
"Away, I'd rather sail away
Like a swan that's here and gone
A man gets tied up to the ground
He gives the world it's saddest sound
It's saddest sound"
- Simon and Garfunkel - from El Condor Pasa (If I Could)
Comment About Mating Takes Precedence Over Travel
goingeverywhereslow commented about Mating Takes Precedence Over Travel, On Friday October 23rd, 2009 11:59:46 AM
Andy,
If you find a woman that shares your addiction for travel, AND avoid having kids, then maybe you wouldn't have to stop. Or... convince and/or convert the woman you have to a never go home trip. That way, mating could take precedence over travel and not be a big lifestyle change. Might even save money if she can earn on the road too.
Saved e of yours I like
"I think people romanticize this travel life,
there is really nothing loving, caring, and
cuddly about being a perpetual traveler.
It is more the proposition of make chaos your friend."
- Andy Graham - hobotraveler
Eric
Comment About Mating Takes Precedence Over Travel
goingeverywhereslow commented about Is Haiti Dangerous in 2009, On Friday October 16th, 2009 10:35:34 AM
Andy,
If Cuba and Haiti end up number 1 and 2, why not visit both since they're right next to each other. Sounds like Cuba might be challenging. Even if you had dual citizenship and two passports and/or avoided the passport stamps with just one,.you still have a popular blog that would be broadcasting the fact (I assume).
Or would you apply for one of those US issued licenses I've read about? Journalism perhaps?
Cuba sanctions page
http://www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/programs/cuba/cuba.shtml
US Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control
http://www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/
Eric
Comment About Is Haiti Dangerous in 2009
goingeverywhereslow commented about No Double Clicking Travel Tip, On Saturday September 26th, 2009 09:45:38 AM
Came across this e, just had to pass it along.
"Travelers, it is late. Life's sun is going to set.
During these brief days that you have strength,
be quick and spare no effort of your wings."
- Mevlana Rumi (1207 - 1273)
Eric
Comment About No Double Clicking Travel Tip
goingeverywhereslow commented about Video of Large Birds in Awasa Ethiopia, On Sunday March 15th, 2009 09:13:00 AM
Andy,
Looks like a Marabou Stork to me.
Eric
Comment About Video of Large Birds in Awasa Ethiopia
goingeverywhereslow commented about Ziway Ethiopia 1650 Meters, On Thursday March 12th, 2009 03:21:00 PM
Andy,
Of possible interest geologically, is that your moving along the west edge of the Great Rift Valley or East African Rift. Which is an area of tectonic & volcanic activity. The Earth plates are moving apart in the area your in and will eventually separate the African plate in two, apparently. Long after we're gone of course.
The American Journal of Human Genetics has in the past published research suggesting that this area is near the cradle/origin of man. UT at Austin and National Geographic have done similar studies.
UT Article
Wondering if your planning a trip to Olduvai?
Eric
Comment About Ziway Ethiopia 1650 Meters
goingeverywhereslow commented about Addis Ababa to Debre Zeyit Mojo Nazret, On Tuesday March 3rd, 2009 07:33:00 AM
Andy,
From satellite imagery the largest of the three cities by far looks to be Nazret (Adama?).
Mojo's population is reported to be around 40,000. Debre Zeyit is somewhere between the two in size.
Looking forward to your reports as you hobo hop southward.
Eric
Comment About Addis Ababa to Debre Zeyit Mojo Nazret
goingeverywhereslow commented about African DMZ of Christian and Islam, On Sunday March 1st, 2009 06:52:00 AM
Andy,
Southern Sudan will be voting for full independence in 2011. As I understand it, it is predominantly a split between the north (muslim) and south (mostly indigenous beliefs & christian).
Southern Sudan
Eric
Comment About African DMZ of Christian and Islam
goingeverywhereslow commented about Travel Channel Mark and Olly, On Monday February 9th, 2009 01:05:00 PM
Andy,
I think these expeditions & how you're documenting them are of high value.
Your building a great frame of reference for attracting the right key people for future exploration as a team. Good because with the right team you'll likely be emboldened to go deeper into the unknown & hopefully eliminate a few variables that hampered the journey somewhat (if).
In such a challenging environment (beyond where you turned back) seeking a team of around 6 as you've mentioned is a good idea for group satisfaction. See Expanding Dunbar's Numbers & Group Satisfaction (scroll);
The Dunbar Number
To me the incentive would be to gain ancient skills from those that live so close to the earth & who have never integrated into "civilization" (the untainted). To have the confidence to know you can survive with not much more than just your bare hands is invaluable, imo.
“In Wildness is the preservation of the world”
- Henry David Thoreau
Eric
Comment About Travel Channel Mark and Olly
goingeverywhereslow commented about Is a Photo of Andy Needed, On Saturday February 7th, 2009 04:34:00 PM
Andy,
If you value your privacy as a priority then don't post your photo.
If you think it hinders your business potential by not having it posted, and that's the priority, and you are willing to subject yourself to the potential negative aspects of having it posted, like being stalked for instance, then post it.
It comes down your priorities. Either way I think is fine.
Should fame really come, you will have your photo taken whether you want it or not. It won't be because you do, or don't have photos online.
Eric
Comment About Is a Photo of Andy Needed
goingeverywhereslow commented about Addicted to Eating Cinnamon, On Friday January 23rd, 2009 03:59:00 PM
Andy,
Yes, apparently you are eating Cinnamon tree bark.
But healthy!
Cinnamon at whfoods.com
Eric
Comment About Addicted to Eating Cinnamon
goingeverywhereslow commented about Why is HoboTraveler.com in Peru, On Monday January 12th, 2009 04:34:00 PM
Andy,
Route idea for getting to Breu.
From where you are in Lima, you could take the so-called low cost GOL airline to São Paulo (Guarulhos) to Manaus (Eduardo Gomes), then by boat upriver on the Amazon to the Jurua tributary. This waterway goes south all the way to the Breu area you show on your map.
Alternatively Tam flies the same Lima - São Paulo - Manaus route.
Also you could get to Manaus via Panama City on Copa, via Quito on Tame, and via Miami on Tam. Wikipedia claims Spirit airlines is going to start flying Fort Lauderdale to Manaus routes pending government approval.
It's the looong way. The river portion would be over 1000 miles and whether it's practical or not I've no clue. Don't know either if it's a cheaper route, just exploring a radical possibility.
Manaus is 2.5 million population and an eco-tourism center for launching expeditions. Could be good to stage the river trip from there.
Amazon Tributaries
Eric
Comment About Why is HoboTraveler.com in Peru
goingeverywhereslow commented about Peru Architecture has a Hole, On Monday January 12th, 2009 12:33:00 PM
Andy,
Some refer to it as a light chase or ventilation chase.
Having a bird-screen at the top might be an improvement.
Eric
Comment About Peru Architecture has a Hole
goingeverywhereslow commented about Peru Food by the Kilo, On Monday January 12th, 2009 11:42:00 AM
Andy,
I like buying food this way. You can control the portion size and as a result control the price to a certain extent.
Instead of getting what you pay for, your paying for what your getting.
I agree, seeing your food prior to consumption is a definite plus.
How much per kilo are they charging there? And are all the items the same price?
Eric
Comment About Peru Food by the Kilo
goingeverywhereslow commented about Ipod Charging in USB Port Travel Tip, On Wednesday January 7th, 2009 10:11:00 AM
Andy,
USB power adapters (chargers).
Several from various manufacturers are available online for under $20 USD. The official Apple usb power adapter made for ipod/iphone is $29 USD. There is also a compact version that was recalled awhile back for breakage issues, not sure if the newer ones are better or not.
Apple USB Power Adapter
Eric
Comment About Ipod Charging in USB Port Travel Tip
goingeverywhereslow commented about Yahoo Messenger Travel Security Risk, On Tuesday December 23rd, 2008 05:18:00 PM
Andy,
Use 7-zip. Free strong AES-256 encryption.
I'd recommend it for any sensitive data you may store ANYWHERE, email, hard drive, backup drives or otherwise.
Chris must not have used a desktop login password. Or was his laptop on?
I have mine lock after X minutes of inactivity.
7-Zip
AES (Advanced Encryption Standard)
Eric
Comment About Yahoo Messenger Travel Security Risk
goingeverywhereslow commented about 196 Pound Gringo in Panajachel Guatemala, On Wednesday December 17th, 2008 10:25:00 AM
Andy,
Your Body Mass Index is 26.5 right now. Even losing 15 pounds puts you in the "normal" BMI range at 24.
BMI Chart
Eric
Comment About 196 Pound Gringo in Panajachel Guatemala
goingeverywhereslow commented about List a few Traveler Countries, On Tuesday December 2nd, 2008 11:24:00 AM
Andy,
The soul of traveler.
I think that term is really the crux of the matter when trying to define who is a qualified experienced traveler.
A few qualities to ponder and add to the discussion. They may all be bogus or some may apply. I'll throw a few out to chew on at the risk of being rejected...
Prefers the journey over the destination.
Prefers immersion over insulation.
Prefers duration over a checklist of conquests.
Prefers raw experience over organized (sanitized) tours.
Prefers inexpensive over illusory comfort.
Others?
Time on the road is important also as a hard number to determine the level of commitment. But I think less important than the soul.
A true traveler soul will always be eager to see what lies around the next turn, over the next hill, and across that next body of water. And thus will cast their eyes upon an ever growing resume of landscapes, naturally. But not before they have relished all that exists in the immediate surrounds. So I agree, they might not accumulate destinations like a country counter.
You had an earlier post about a bus and a bed. The panorama passing outside the bus window and our periodic interaction with points along the way is the real joy for me. Same goes for walking, even cycling.
Beds are a mere oasis to reflect on the trip and refuel for the next panorama. Meantime, exploring every nook and cranny the surrounds have to offer, and earning that next ticket.
The world might be so big that makes removing the “Wonder-of-it-all-Glasses.” impossible. I find cities and the jungle equally fascinating.
I continue to stand in awe of this third rock from the sun.
Eric
Comment About List a few Traveler Countries
goingeverywhereslow commented about Khao San Road Vegetable Fruit Market, On Friday November 14th, 2008 06:44:00 AM
Andy,
For someone like me, this is great heads up information.
A true budget travel tip.
Thanks,
Eric
Comment About Khao San Road Vegetable Fruit Market
goingeverywhereslow commented about Loy Krathong, On Thursday November 13th, 2008 06:36:00 AM
Andy,
Fantastic. Chiang Mai has always been on my list. Now I've yet another reason to visit.
Great photo by the way. Reminds me of iridescent jellyfish in the deep ocean.
Eric
Comment About Loy Krathong
goingeverywhereslow commented about Hobo Goes Home for Thanksgiving, On Monday November 10th, 2008 10:11:00 AM
Andy,
Foreign income exclusion.
I think your safety factor of 5-10 days for emergencies is a prudent idea.
Splitting hairs.
The IRS current publications state that the maximum foreign earned income exclusion is adjusted annually (since 2006) for inflation.
For 2007 tax returns, the maximum exclusion was increased to $85,700, and for 2008 returns it is $87,600.
And the requirement for days abroad is that a U.S. citizen or a U.S. resident alien must be physically present in a foreign country or countries for at least 330 full days during any period of 12 consecutive months.
You can actually be in the USA for 35 days per year but certainly wouldn't want to cut it close.
If my math is right, they would have us believe US inflation is only 2.2 percent annually. The Bureau of Labor Statistics show 4.1 percent inflation for 2007 and I calculate from the Bureau's website that the 2008 inflation is on track to be about 4.5 percent.
As I understand it, they don't include food or energy costs in the calculation. Seems silly as who can get around food and energy costs? As a result many experts seem to agree that real inflation is higher than officially reported in the US.
Hard to complain really as any way you slice it US inflation appears low to moderate by world standards.
The other thing that seems skewed is that they are adjusting the max income exclusion based on USA inflation for people NOT living in the USA. Thus, is it good strategy as a matter of efficiency to spend more time in countries with a combination of lower than US inflation and where purchasing power parity is advantageous?
All this is no big deal for those well under the max exclusion I suppose. But for those hovering near the threshold one tends to analyze a bit more.
Your Flights...
Interesting that both your flights BKK-IND and ORD(assumed)-GUA are right around 12 cents per mile.
Eric
Comment About Hobo Goes Home for Thanksgiving
goingeverywhereslow commented about 2008 October 8 Enter Thailand leave Japan, On Thursday October 9th, 2008 03:20:00 PM
Andy,
Calculators.
I think it's best if they are the dual type; ones that are solar AND have a battery.
I don't use mine that much as I also tend to do currency math in my head. What helps me is knowing the 6 denominational values in advance for instance;
eg...
USD & Argentina
Start with $1...
$1 = 3.23
Move the decimal...
$10 = 32.3 (one right)
$100 = 323. (two right)
Using the above, figuring the rest (rounded) is easy...
$5 = 16 (half 10)
$20 = 64 (double 10)
$50 = 160 ($5 & one right)
You can do that pretty easy in your head and scribble it down on a cheat sheet. If you check it there's only about a 1% margin of error. Course, you could do 6 queries on xe.com.
From the 6 bills you can now estimate any in between numbers fairly quick.
Hoz. Vietnam is definitely tough but would be similar except you'd be also sliding a comma(s). Same basic process.
1 = 14,000 (16,500 now)
10 = 140,000
100 = 1,400,000
5 = 70,000
20 = 280,000
50 = 700,000
For a $500 ATM tap (where possible) take the $50 value and move the decimal one right.
Not anal retentive exact I'll admit but enough to give one a bit of confidence when void of calculator.
Andy, do you ever write info on your arms?
Eric
Comment About 2008 October 8 Enter Thailand leave Japan
goingeverywhereslow commented about Busy is Good and Slow is Bad, On Wednesday September 24th, 2008 05:19:00 PM
Andy,
Coincidence.
Once a year, perhaps even less often, I make a journey to visit a certain bank. I always get an appointment with one and only one particular customer service person. Why? She is a key person (a fixture) and very experienced, in a rather large and extremely busy branch, but her office is a an oasis of calm. Walking through her office door is like entering another dimension.
I made this financial pilgrimage just yesterday. Possibly for the last time.
My point is that the whole place and all the people in the bank are whirling about doing whatever it is they do. As I was sitting in her office many of her workmates would come in and get advice from her, ask questions and she'd always respond in a relaxed and confident tone. Then go back to my business at hand. She has the uncanny ability to not get swept up in the harried environment that surrounds her. She is immune to it.
As I was sitting there I was thinking the very same thing as you've pointed out here. The level of first world busyness is insane.
What I'd like to add to the conversation is that you can condition the mind, body and spirit to be unaffected by this busyness, no matter the intensity, yet still interact with it.
This personal quality or personal control or however you'd like to describe it, is one that I'm most interested in attaining it's attributes. Transport hubs are often in the larger cities and being in an unwavering calm, cool and collected state of mind doesn't waste mental energy on the negative aspects of big city life.
And I'm not from a small town.
Your words... "Enjoy the trip" always haunt me. Any time I'm on the move whether short or long, at some point this phrase pops into my head. I repeat it like a mantra. For this reason I'm continually seeking ways to do just that.
Eric
Comment About Busy is Good and Slow is Bad
goingeverywhereslow commented about Cooking Kit of Andy of HoboTraveler.com, On Wednesday September 10th, 2008 11:03:00 AM
Andy,
Excellent overview of your cooking system. I appreciate that you took the time and did a comprehensive explanation for those of us who it helps to see the entire mobile kitchen.
When I look at all the items it seems like a very inexpensive total kit cost. The payback from food costs savings must be pretty quick.
Eric
Comment About Cooking Kit of Andy of HoboTraveler.com
goingeverywhereslow commented about We Suggest you Carry a Guidebook, On Wednesday August 27th, 2008 09:13:00 AM
Andy,
An idea spawned from previous comments...
Some quarterbacks have a playlist on a wristband with multiple plastic sleeve pages and a velcro seal. Putting guidebook information on something like that in advance of arrival would give you an instant reference on the street level. You couldn't drop it either. Probably only available in US sporting goods stores.
Personally I prefer the torn out guidebook pages method, and computer references as an emergency backup. I try and memorize as much of it as I can prior to entering the city fray. Having batteries at full charge isn't a bad idea either.
Eric
Comment About We Suggest you Carry a Guidebook
goingeverywhereslow commented about , On Wednesday August 13th, 2008 08:45:00 AM
Andy,
Air tickets will certainly double. It could be 3-6 months away, a year or even longer. But in the very near future it's going to happen.
Land border crossings are likely to swell.
The driving forces as I see it are;
1. Fuel supply and demand.
What you describe is a fuel hedge. In addition, most oil industry experts agree that we have burned through roughly half of all the crude oil deposits that exist under the earth. We're at the beginning of the downside of a supply bell curve with world demand continuing to grow. Fuel is a large portion of any airlines budget so price escalation is inevitable. At least until demand destruction occurs anyway. This is a geologic reality.
2. Competition.
The low cost airline business model revolution has forced ticket prices below what they normally would be for traditional carriers. Once all the financially troubled airlines are shaken out, ticket prices are guaranteed to rise. This is a price layer in addition to fuel.
3. Economy.
Your economic point is right on. Cutbacks like you mention will be in lockstep with the general public's inability to pay such high fares. I think they'll use the extra planes for spare parts. That will be a large junkyard eh?
Barring a global depression or all out war, I think air fares may double more than just once.
Eric
Comment About
goingeverywhereslow commented about Meeting with Backpack Factory, On Monday July 28th, 2008 10:06:00 AM
Andy,
Re: 22 x 14 x 9 in.
Several months back I did research on carry on bag size limitations. I looked at most every commercial airline especially including all LCC's based on online information. Not all were published on websites or easily findable at the time so this was not an exhaustive study.
The purpose was to know the lowest common denominators worldwide in the hopes of never being denied because of bag size. Because of this, height, width and depth dimensions were all arrived at independently.
Here's my findings:
H: 48 cm | 18.90 in
W: 34 cm | 13.39 in
D: 20 cm | 07.88 in
You can see this is just slightly smaller than your 22 x 14 x 9 dimensions.
As for weight limitations I came up with the following:
5 kg | 11.02 lbs (a few)
6 kg | 13.22 lbs (several)
7 kg | 15.43 lbs (common)
Obviously weight is more easily adjustable on the fly than physical size, so a bit less important.
It's possible some airlines may have changed their limitations within the last year as well.
Hope this is of some value to the windmill project.
Eric
Comment About Meeting with Backpack Factory
goingeverywhereslow commented about Ultralight Backpacking, On Thursday July 17th, 2008 11:53:00 AM
8. Forget Souvenirs
Comment About Ultralight Backpacking
goingeverywhereslow commented about Best Backpack Design and Quality, On Tuesday July 1st, 2008 06:34:00 AM
Andy,
For wheels, what about a ball in socket type wheel on the corners? Say something similar to a Constant Velocity Joint but without the stems.
They wouldn't protrude much if you recessed the socket, so no need to be removable, and they'd give you the ability to have lateral movement to get around obstacles. I think it could be extremely durable if done right. Basically a socket with many small ball bearings and one big one to roll on.
When using on your back they'd just be hard round corners, more or less. Not sure it would solve the width for good balance issue though.
I can't remember if I've seen them on luggage or not, but it's just an idea while reading this post.
Eric
Comment About Best Backpack Design and Quality
goingeverywhereslow commented about Ultralight Backpacking, On Monday June 30th, 2008 03:13:00 PM
Andy,
I have two pencil containers with a built-in durable medium density padding for shock absorption. The inside is a slightly harder shell. I doubt it's available worldwide, but it keeps contents from beating up other stuff inside well enough. I even have metal items in there too.
I'm pretty sure the idea was spawned by your tips and suggestions from the past to compartmentalize a pack. So a big thanks is in order. It rendered most all those little pockets inside my pack as useless.
I agree that the more gear you have the less expense you will incur. But what are the real expense groups you can hope to cut by carrying more gear?
Here's the main broad expense categories in my mind...
1. Transportation
2. Rooms
3. Food & water
4. Internet
5. Gear
6. Forget tours
7. Forget beer
The guy with just a passport & an ATM card could conceivably spend the same on transport, rooms, and the internet couldn't he? He'd spend anywhere from a bit more to a kings ransom on food depending on the location and choices.
The crux of the matter would be the gear itself. Can the passport/ATM guy find what he needs at a reasonable price, but more importantly WHEN he needs it? Probably not.
If I read you correctly, optimized means ultralight items within the confines of the truly necessary travel gear.
I think "necessary" gear is relative to the individual and where he wanders though. To optimize costs and maximize the extent to which travel is possible one must have all the "needs" at hand. You as a total 100% traveler has everything he owns on his back. No limits on where you can go at reasonable cost.
A serious difference with the passport/ATM guy would be limitations in his destination choices. The mosquito net is a good example here. He ain't planning to go to Sub Saharan Africa in other words.
He might be so restricted to a point where he would not be considered a traveler at all. But more a rover on an invisible leash of sorts.
Where then do we draw the line?
One mans paradise, is another mans hell,
This way we do not all go to the same place. - Andy Hobotraveler"
Some may prefer to stay clear of hell. Some live there and can't leave.
I'd say Andy that you are the white on one end of the spectrum in this regard and a tourist is the black at the other. Most of us (even those considered real travelers) all fall within the various shades of gray.
Great topic as there are times when all we have, is all we have.
Eric
Comment About Ultralight Backpacking
goingeverywhereslow commented about I Am Happy, On Tuesday June 24th, 2008 05:10:00 PM
Andy,
I got to the end. Posts like these are some of my favorites.
"If you don't read the newspaper, you are uninformed; if you do read the newspaper, you are misinformed."
- Mark Twain
Eric
Comment About I Am Happy
goingeverywhereslow commented about Called to Check Airline Bags Weights and Sizes, On Tuesday June 24th, 2008 04:32:00 PM
Andy,
Great point.
If I remember correct, airlines like Alitalia and Malaysia Airlines for instance have a carry on weight restriction of just 5kg (11 pounds).
With the above carriers (and others) I suppose theoretically one could get skinned because of overweight bags both internationally and domestically (coming and/or going) depending on how one has pieced their flight legs together.
While not comprehensive, someone has gotten a start on collecting the baggage allowances on one web page here.
Airline baggage allowances
Eric
Comment About Called to Check Airline Bags Weights and Sizes
goingeverywhereslow commented about Trees Grass and Drinking Water, On Tuesday June 24th, 2008 03:08:00 PM
Andy,
Water...hmm, I drilled around and found this interesting little nugget;
Water Scarcity Map
Can't vouch for the accuracy of it, but maybe it's a candidate for the wayfinding maps.
I guess the question really is;
What type of water information displayed on a map would best suit a travelers purposes?
Eric
Comment About Trees Grass and Drinking Water
goingeverywhereslow commented about Best Value Seat on the Plane, On Tuesday June 24th, 2008 02:23:00 PM
Andy,
I think airline crew typically refer to it as the overwing. So I guess it would be called the overwing aisle seat. ?? I think they also like the people sitting there to be physically capable of opening and operating the exit door in an emergency situation. Not sure if it's true for all airlines. I usually try and sit as far back as I can.
Overwing Exits at Wikipedia
Eric
Comment About Best Value Seat on the Plane
goingeverywhereslow commented about No Batteries No Photos, On Tuesday June 24th, 2008 02:05:00 PM
Andy,
I know lithium is not your mode for travel batteries but here's a blurb about lithium battery restrictions (Since your in the USA currently) from the US TSA website;
"Effective January 1, 2008, the Department of Transportation (DOT) through the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) will no longer allow loose lithium batteries in checked baggage."
"Keep batteries and equipment with you, or in carry-on baggage - not in your checked baggage! In the cabin, flight crew can better monitor conditions, and have access to the batteries or device if a fire does occur."
More information is here...
Safe Travel with Batteries and Devices
Your post jogged my memory from news earlier in the year concerning this. Thought I'd pass it along.
Eric
Comment About No Batteries No Photos
goingeverywhereslow commented about In My Element of Your Element, On Wednesday May 28th, 2008 07:42:00 AM
Andy,
It would be interesting to see how your average web visitor time spent and page view count changes depending on the country your in. Might cost more time tracking it than its worth though. idk.
A few things come to mind.
When you were in Thailand last time I remember some guys were flaming you and you turned comments off for awhile because it got so bad. High traffic but at times the wrong kind of web audience I suppose.
In Africa, based on your tone I'm guessing your web stats went down. Limited web audience. The rough guides guy whom I can't recall his name hasn't posted as often since then. I liked his input however.
I've no evidence for any of this but with the right tracking from location to location, it could be a valuable data set resource for travel bloggers to draw from. Although if your overall web traffic is going up (or down) then its a moving target. hmm.
I'll halfway bet that a countries web audience pull will coincide somewhat with the tourism receipts wayfinding map. Curious to hear how traffic fluctuates from Guatemala to Peru as its a move within Latin America, and not across the pond.
Side note: According to the searchenginewatch website for US based searches, Las Vegas is the most often searched for city. Vegas is a great place for people who are bad at math.
Eric
Comment About In My Element of Your Element
goingeverywhereslow commented about Map of Internet, On Friday May 23rd, 2008 09:22:00 AM
Andy,
Coincidentally I was surfing around this morning and came across a company called Akamai Technologies. Amazing that I've never heard of them before. They have clients including NBA, Adobe, Verizon, Fox interactive, Myspace, US Dept of Defense, NASDAQ, and Logitech etc.
Apparently they serve up as much as 20 percent of all web traffic. I have read news briefs where they own 8,000 servers and floor space allocated at co-location centers in 55 countries around the world.
Their acceleration and hosting services were developed and are the brainchild of guys from MIT and are based in Cambridge.
As I understand it they transparently mirror everything that a clients site serves up, but all the content is served to the web audience from the Akamai servers for performance and reliability purposes.
Not aware of the competition, and not sure either if this equates with your level 1 description (Hobo needs) but thought I'd pass it along anyway.
Eric
Comment About Map of Internet
goingeverywhereslow commented about Bob Mathias on Easy to be Great, On Thursday May 22nd, 2008 10:02:00 AM
Andy,
To be extraordinary takes an "ordinary" person doing the "extra".
Eric
Comment About Bob Mathias on Easy to be Great
goingeverywhereslow commented about Sompopos, On Thursday May 22nd, 2008 09:39:00 AM
Andy,
M m m, cheap protein if you can stomach it. Did ya try it?
Eric
Comment About Sompopos
goingeverywhereslow commented about Snopes.com Stopping Nuts From Talking, On Friday May 9th, 2008 02:22:00 PM
Andy,
The human genetic pool has been continuously weakened since the beginning of what we consider modern medicine, and it is ongoing. It allows some of the infirm, whether mental, physical, psychological, etc. to live that would otherwise be selected out. And when they reproduce and those traits grow (if hereditary), and perhaps exponentially, over time we risk the possibility of a future on this planet where no human is strong as nature would define it.
Essentially, technological advances have wrought larger populations of ever weaker Homo Sapiens. I could be wrong, but there sure seems to be an abundance of evidence staring us right in the face.
This sounds cruel I know. But it just may be the reason why so many idiots are seen as experts as you say.
Eric
Comment About Snopes.com Stopping Nuts From Talking
goingeverywhereslow commented about Multi-City Stopover Plane Air Ticket, On Monday April 28th, 2008 10:37:00 AM
Andy,
While I certainly agree with the thinking of flying the cheapest route no matter the total distance or time, I do have one observation.
$54 USD is the difference in price you mention with a 3 day stop in New York. If you have a reason to be there, great, however I can't imagine 3 days in the big apple costing less than 54 bucks unless you have a friends place to flop.
Just checked Spirit Airlines and Guatemala to Ft Lauderdale to Lima came out to $414 USD (May 13-14).
Eric
Comment About Multi-City Stopover Plane Air Ticket
goingeverywhereslow commented about Mirador Basin Cradle of Mayan Culture, On Friday April 18th, 2008 09:49:00 AM
Andy,
"Remove the tourism, what is real?"
You stuck this question right in the middle of the post and it made my head spin a bit.
If you could remove the tourism from well established tourist destinations, many of the locals may be very confused for a time as to what to do with themselves. I doubt they could ever really return to "real" once tainted with the "visitors".
The more tourism, the less real. I think "real" is prior to any tourism. I could be wrong.
Thus, the only real places are where tourism has never existed. I think most travelers thirst for what is real.
With tourism you get unreal, remove tourism and you'd still get unreal. I think this is partly why Africa calls you, and you continue to mention it in your travel plans. You said once if I remember correctly that there is no map for Africa.
Where is it that nobody goes and isn't a life threatening location?
See the world? All of it? With 148 million square kilometers of land, even taking 40 years would mean you'd have to cover over 10,000 square kilometers each day. thats an area similar to the size of Jamaica or Lebanon. No chance. We must choose our "real" wisely.
Eric
Comment About Mirador Basin Cradle of Mayan Culture
goingeverywhereslow commented about Entrepreneurs are Frustrated Travelers, On Wednesday April 16th, 2008 07:51:00 AM
Andy,
I liked the part where Fred talked about advice on skills; he recommended technical and product skills, and better yet to "Focus on the core offering. Let others worry about the rest". Somehow that line rang true with me, whether related to a traveler, an entrepreneur, or both.
Eric
Comment About Entrepreneurs are Frustrated Travelers
goingeverywhereslow commented about Working Online or Offline, On Tuesday March 25th, 2008 11:30:00 AM
Andy,
You make a couple of good distinctions here with regard to mobile working.
Online or offline is an important consideration for many reasons. If one can pick up packets of work online and go through a task or a project offline without guidance then they can be online for very short periods just to upload/submit the work data.
Short of ubiquitous internet, if work and tasks are purely online then it could serve as a ball and chain and not much different than having a static desk job. Even periodic online needs wouldn't alter the experience much.
The amount of time required to do whatever it is one does to sustain themselves, is really the factor that determines how big the ball and chain is with online work. Even with offline work this applies but with the potential for more flexibility. Probably why you said your quality of life seems better with no connection.
Reality is that almost all of us have to do "something" to keep us going forward whether stationary or on the road. The odd jobs approach without a computer/internet is for those dedicated few who are addicted enough, and disciplined enough to refuse to go home, and more importantly will reduce their expenses to absolute bare minimums if necessary. I think these couple of points alone is why so very few (if any) come anywhere close to a lifestyle such as you Andy the Hobotraveler has.
For those inclined to work the web in one form or another must be connected at certain points along the path. You can't get around it. The skill sets required are less common, yet the addiction, and discipline are no different. The hope lies in developing income streams that are more efficient than getting your hands dirty doing odd jobs (not that I'm opposed to doing so).
Frank's point is well taken; earn higher, live lower. Certain offshore benefits are hard to ignore.
Some I suppose have enough bank and/or residual revenue to not bother working at all, and other combinations of a variety of income streams are possible to be sure. Being diversified isn't a bad idea either, but thats another subject altogether.
Your other point about time zones is another serous consideration. If a mobile worker needs communication in real time in any of it's forms, this is a hurdle one must face. I think the variables to deal with here are many.
Being able to be asynchronous really has much to do with the levels of competence, knowledge, experience, trust earned, and level of professionalism among the players, generally speaking. As you said, less than 10 minutes of instruction/guidance necessary per day is spot on.
If necessary to be synchronous and the two or more parties are on a similar diurnal schedule, somebody has to adjust. The worker(s), the source, or both. If the worker is truly intent on being mobile, they'd be smart to be ultra flexible with the "when of work". Even if the two entities are independent companies it wouldn't change this much.
I doubt most technomads are mobile in a hobo traveler sense, nor wish to have a chaotic sleep schedule. At the other extreme I suppose there are those who are content with a stationary nocturnal existence in a broadband tech cave of sorts with food being slid under the door every so often.
"Drive thy business, let not that drive thee."
- Benjamin Franklin
Eric
Comment About Working Online or Offline
goingeverywhereslow commented about To Enjoy One Luxury, On Thursday March 20th, 2008 09:32:00 AM
Andy,
Digital libraries luxury.
Wiki list of digital library projects
Maybe one day they will all be complete collections and updated regularly.
Eric
Comment About To Enjoy One Luxury
goingeverywhereslow commented about Acapulco Pie de la Cuesta, On Friday March 14th, 2008 03:31:00 PM
Andy,
Tough to make it a real budget base for very long if prices are in that range. $17 is $510 a month.
Found this from a 2004 LP.
Hotel Parador de los Reyes
460-01-31
Calz Pie de la Cuesta 305
US $7
Eric
Comment About Acapulco Pie de la Cuesta
goingeverywhereslow commented about Keep the Fraction Constant Budget, On Thursday March 13th, 2008 03:52:00 PM
Andy,
All this time I never realized that this is where it all started for you. I do remember on a few occasions where you mentioned Mexico as the initial destination that prompted or inspired you to begin the travelers life.
Pie de la Cuesta looks great from a few photos seen online. Sounds like my kind of place too, warm, beach, sunsets over the water and off the main tourist drag (I guess). Also like the fact that a lagoon is immediately behind the beach front to insulate it nicely.
I talk to myself as well and try and avoid any arguments if possible. hehe.
Eric
Comment About Keep the Fraction Constant Budget
goingeverywhereslow commented about Status a way to Group People, On Thursday March 6th, 2008 09:06:00 AM
Andy,
I've heard it said that status is;
People who work all day at a job they hate, to buy things they don't need, to impress people they don't even like.
Seems to me that this group would include a good portion of the developed world.
Eric
Comment About Status a way to Group People
goingeverywhereslow commented about Sleep in a Korean Jjimjilbang, On Monday March 3rd, 2008 08:39:00 AM
Andy,
I followed a link from Wikipedia on the Jjimjilbang page and the article from 2005 said that there were 1,800 Jjimjilbang in Korea at that time.
It also said that most were under 10,000 South Korea Won or 10 US dollars. Another article said some Jjimjilbang even have internet cafes or pc-bangs built in for an additional cost. Apparently not all Jjimjilbang have sleeping facilities.
That sure sounds like a cheap sleep for a country as highly developed as S. Korea.
Once again, thanks for the tip.
Eric
Comment About Sleep in a Korean Jjimjilbang
goingeverywhereslow commented about HoboTraveler.com Spider Travel Method, On Sunday March 2nd, 2008 04:38:00 PM
Andy,
Reminds me of the hub and spoke system that many airlines use. If your bases can somehow coincide with airline hubs for jumps, and ground transport for hops, I imagine the spider method to be a pretty financially efficient way to move around.
To me this is an especially good method to implement when a jump is an international flight and where overland border crossings are more a pain than the savings are worth. It also gives you additional time at the base of the spider to find ever cheaper accommodations.
I guess for small countries you may only need one base. The challenge could be avoiding any backtracking, and if you do, the diagram may end up looking more like flowers.
Eric
Comment About HoboTraveler.com Spider Travel Method
goingeverywhereslow commented about What is Fair Pay for Internet Photos, On Wednesday February 27th, 2008 03:04:00 PM
Andy,
You are more than welcome.
You give us all great travel information and tips for free right here in real time. A few maps for your site is the least I can do to say thanks in return.
I also know this; since we have become online friends, I know I can email you with a travel question and you'd answer without hesitation and without charge. It would also be coming from a source with deep first hand knowledge of world travel and free of any BS as well.
It's a win-win.
I don't rely on making maps for income, but I do understand if a photographer is trying to make a go of it with his/her creative talent. I guess the value of anything is what someone is willing to pay for it.
That photo of the Benin girl is excellent by the way.
Eric
Comment About What is Fair Pay for Internet Photos
goingeverywhereslow commented about I Want a Water Pollution Map, On Wednesday February 20th, 2008 08:10:00 AM
Andy,
I've been looking for a complete data set to build a water pollution map from. So far, it's not been easy to find for free. I'm sure it's out there somewhere. I'm assuming you want a "fresh water pollution map" as it would relate more to a traveler in the form of "drinking tap water considerations". Is this right?
I ask because you do mention the Gulf of Thailand, which may mean that we want all the salt water included as well. That would be a bit of customization, and beyond just countries as we'd have to define where the divisions are for salt water bodies.
What I have found is one good data set but it didn't include enough countries to be of much use for this project. Others I found are related but not specific enough information to be of much use. I'm looking to find a set of at least 150 countries in the sample.
Also found several premade maps as go-by's that are related yet not quite what I need.
Making the maps is the easy part. The research and/or finding the documented research is the real task.
Eric
Comment About I Want a Water Pollution Map
goingeverywhereslow commented about Weather Planning, On Sunday February 10th, 2008 03:28:00 PM
Andy,
Weatherbase looks like a great resource for at-a-glance temperature data. I also like that they include the elevation and precipitation data.
I prefer hot environments as well and actually enjoy the sound of rain. But if it's a very low lying area it might tend to flood easily and hence possibly spell trouble for a would be traveler.
I haven't trained my laptop to swim yet.
Thanks for sharing.
Eric
Comment About Weather Planning
goingeverywhereslow commented about Are There Pyramids in Thailand, On Monday January 14th, 2008 10:09:00 PM
Andy,
Too funny. I was in stitches reading this for some twisted reason. No forgiveness here Andy.
As for the piles of rocks contest...
Giza pyramid in Egypt 138.8m.
Tikal temple 4 in Guate 70m.
Templo Major in Mexico was 60m.
Golden mount in Bangkok 63.6m.
There are pyramids all over the world, even some under the ocean off the Japanese coast, I think.
Of particular curiosity are these piles of rocks in China...
White Pyramid of Xian
Eric
Comment About Are There Pyramids in Thailand
goingeverywhereslow commented about Have I Retired and Gone Traveling, On Monday January 14th, 2008 02:24:00 PM
"In the time of my confession,
in the hour of my deepest need
When the pool of tears beneath my feet
flood every newborn seed
There's a dyin' voice within me
reaching out somewhere,
Toiling in the danger
and in the morals of despair.
Don't have the inclination
to look back on any mistake,
Like Cain, I now behold
this chain of events that I must break.
In the fury of the moment
I can see the Master's hand
In every leaf that trembles,
in every grain of sand.
Oh, the flowers of indulgence
and the weeds of yesteryear,
Like criminals, they have choked
the breath of conscience and good cheer.
The sun beat down upon the steps
of time to light the way
To ease the pain of idleness
and the memory of decay.
I gaze into the doorway
of temptation's angry flame
And every time I pass that way
I always hear my name.
Then onward in my journey
I come to understand
That every hair is numbered
like every grain of sand.
I have gone from rags to riches
in the sorrow of the night
In the violence of a summer's dream,
in the chill of a wintry light,
In the bitter dance of loneliness
fading into space,
In the broken mirror of innocence
on each forgotten face.
I hear the ancient footsteps
like the motion of the sea
Sometimes I turn, there's someone there,
other times it's only me.
I am hanging in the balance
of the reality of man
Like every sparrow falling,
like every grain of sand."
- Bob Dylan - Every Grain of Sand
from Shot of Love - 1981
Comment About Have I Retired and Gone Traveling
goingeverywhereslow commented about Chasing Zippers in Philippines, On Friday January 11th, 2008 07:14:00 AM
Andy,
Glad you have finally tracked down a source for the elusive number 10 hasp slider zipper component.
Will you have two designs as you carry two packs? At least I think you have two. (One day pack for things you never check on a flight, and a larger pack that you might.)
For what it's worth I'm using a day pack that has a combination of rip-stop and military grade ballistic nylon. Light weight (1kg) yet very durable and water repellent. I'm happy with it for my purposes.
After looking up the Spectra and Cordura material details, they seem to be superior in the durability category.
I just wonder about the relative weight. As a confessed lightweight fanatic, I'm always curious as to the weight differential in various materials and products.
I've seen ergonomic studies that show a person should carry a maximum of 15 percent of their body weight if using a backpack. If more, they say it should be on wheels. Your previous post showed you had a 30 kilo lifestyle, and I wonder how much of that is wheeled and how much is on your back (if any).
According to this a 90kg (198lbs) person carrying the max of 15 percent would be 13.5kg (30lbs). I'm in decent shape yet I feel even 10 percent is a lot on my back when walking long distances (which I rather enjoy at times).
It's none of my business, but if I were designing packs I'd take this into consideration when looking at capacities, materials, the likely items it might contain, all the associated weights of such, as well as the intended users.
Slightly off topic, sorry...
Zippers; that's one area I wish I had better security on my pack. I can lock the main compartments, but I think it really only keeps out the amateur thieves.
Wish you well on your backpack project. A custom pack is truly the only way to get exactly what you want/need.
Eric
Comment About Chasing Zippers in Philippines
goingeverywhereslow commented about BanSaen BanSen BanSan Beach Thailand, On Wednesday January 9th, 2008 08:12:00 AM
Andy,
I knew you'd have to get your beach fix eventually. If uncrowded, for me it's always the best place to clear the mind and get some deep therapeutic relaxation.
Finding quality shorelines in close proximity to such an important traveler hub is a good quest. Let us know how this one stacks up next to the other Thai beaches.
Eric
Comment About BanSaen BanSen BanSan Beach Thailand
goingeverywhereslow commented about Starting a Book on Page 300, On Sunday January 6th, 2008 09:14:00 PM
Andy,
Pure opinion here...
First, a blog is not a book.
I think the longer a blog gets the higher the possibility that page 1 possibly contains obsolete information.
Having reverse chronology means the most current content is what is displayed first. For those who follow a blog regularly, it is preferred. IMHO.
As for web design, I try and follow the three click rule; you should be able to get anywhere on a site in no more than three clicks. On a shallow site you should be able to get to any page FROM any page. If these are applied and you started on page 300 it would be no problem to go to page 1 easily and pick up the story at the beginning if desired.
My offer to do the 2006 table of contents still stands. I'll do 2007 if you like as well.
Eric
Comment About Starting a Book on Page 300
goingeverywhereslow commented about Adjusted for Standard Deviation of Culture, On Sunday December 30th, 2007 09:14:00 AM
Andy,
This reminds me of your description of tourist clusters in the past, and I think your guide is a good rule of thumb.
That is; 5 blocks from the tourist center and your in the thick of it, 10 blocks away and there is a 50 percent drop off, and at 20 blocks from the center you get into the normal culture.
This is etched in my mind somehow. What I like is that 20 blocks is always an easy walk for me. So it's quickly avoidable.
Question for me is always to what extent the locals (60 percent as you mentioned) have deviated from normal as a result of significant tourist influx. And where is Khao san rd on that dial?
Eric
Comment About Adjusted for Standard Deviation of Culture
goingeverywhereslow commented about There is land south of Tropic of Capricorn, On Monday December 31st, 2007 04:00:00 PM
Andy,
For kicks, another way to look at it...
Southern Hemisphere
Eric
Comment About There is land south of Tropic of Capricorn
goingeverywhereslow commented about Non English Readers, On Monday December 10th, 2007 09:49:00 AM
Andy,
Your visitor numbers are interesting. And as usual you prompted my curiosity on a subject. So I drilled around to find some info on English speakers and found this blurb on about.com...
"It is estimated that over 1 billion people are currently learning English world wide. According to the British council, as of the year 2,000 there were 750 million English as a Foreign language speakers. In addition, there were 375 million English as a Second Language speakers. The difference between the two groups amounts to English as a Foreign Language speakers using English occasionally for business or pleasure, while English as a Second Language speakers use English on a daily basis."
- Kenneth Beare
Which led me to the British Council report by David Graddol called "English Next" (2006). They are in the business of global education. The report is a 1.88mb PDF and 132 pages.
Highly interesting as it peers into the future prospect of English as a global language and the related challenges. The report claims that English learners will peak at 2 billion in about 10 years then decline thereafter. Heres the PDF link.
English Next Report 2006
Eric
Comment About Non English Readers
goingeverywhereslow commented about Asking Trick Travel Questions, On Monday December 3rd, 2007 08:05:00 AM
Andy,
Kind of reminds me of the third person approach for questioning when you want something. Like asking someone; Where can I find or get X?, or... Do you know anyone that does X?
All the while your target is the person you are asking. They think they are missing out on something and respond by saying. Pick me, pick me, I can get or do that!
More to the post...
You could ask a known patron; Do you know anyone who stayed at hotel X? And I think they'd be more likely to spill the truth about the place than if you directly ask, is this a good hotel?
A good resource for this type of thing is at;
changingminds.org
Eric
Comment About Asking Trick Travel Questions
goingeverywhereslow commented about Philippine Hotel with Internet in Room, On Monday November 26th, 2007 06:22:00 PM
Andy,
Manila's a tough nut. Lots of cheap sleeps but not many online listings with internet mentioned. Not all guides include Manila. Internet cafes? lots in the area(s), in room internet? who knows. I stuck to the criteria. A few other possibles, maybe.
$7 USD
Four Seasons Hometel
111-B Scout Lozano Street
Tomas Morato, Quezon city
Manila, Metro Manila Philippines
Claim free internet 24 hours a day
possible in room internet?
800 PHp/$18.77 USD (cheapest single listed)
Kabayan Hotel-Pasay
2878 Zamora Street corner EDSA Rotonda
(before the MRT/LRT EDSA Station)
Pasay City, Philippines
Reservation Hotline: (+632)891-7878
Telephone: (+632)891-7879
Cellphone: (+63916)574-2978
Email: info@kabayanhotel.com.ph
claim business center internet (cost?)
a few $20+ places...
(I know, over budget)
$25 USD
Iseya Hotel
1241 M.H. Del Pilar St
cor. Padre Faura, Ermita, Manila
about a block away from LA Cafe.
Australian owned.
Tel 63-2-523-8166. Fax 63-2-526-2778.
25 Air-con rooms all with hot and cold running water,
telephone, fridge and cable TV.
Bar & Restaurant Open 24-hrs
Internet Services (cost?)
24-hr Security Guard.
Standard Room Php 1,095.00
$25 USD
Stonehouse Bed & Breakfast
1315 E. Rodriguez Ave.,
Barangay Kristong Hari,
Quezon City, Philippine
Tel. No.: (+632) 7247551, (+632) 7247558, (+632) 7214672
Fax No.: (+632) 4142798
Email: info@stonehouse.ph
Internet via Business center (cost?)
Eric
Comment About Philippine Hotel with Internet in Room
goingeverywhereslow commented about Traveler Diarrhea WARNING, On Wednesday November 21st, 2007 07:25:00 AM
Andy,
Good topic.
I carry an anti-diarrhea product but now you have me asking what for.
I browsed the imodium website and they have a page on Travelers diarrhea that indicates the most common cause is E. Coli (and its many variants) that can be either food or water born. In their how to prevent list there are more food line items than water related, so I think your are spot on with regard to causes. Things like altitude, stress, fatigue etc. appear to be minor causes.
My feeling now is that Ash and your pharmacology friend are onto something that I should pay attention to.
Since the cycle usually completes in a week tops, perhaps it's better to risk embarrassment than toxicity.
Amazing that I've not considered this more in the past. I'd sure like to hear from a few medical professionals on this subject here as well.
Eric
Comment About Traveler Diarrhea WARNING
goingeverywhereslow commented about Photos are Gone Computer Crash, On Monday November 12th, 2007 09:07:00 AM
Mozy
Comment About Photos are Gone Computer Crash
goingeverywhereslow commented about Debit Credit ATM Card Protection, On Monday October 29th, 2007 03:26:00 PM
Andy,
Thanks for this most excellent tip.
I think this type of protective case is most often used as a business card holder, and is probably why it's easier found in an office supply place. And since debit and credit card dimensions are very close to most business card dimensions, it's a perfect solution for keeping a card or cards in good shape on the road.
A critical great idea.
Thanks!
Eric
Comment About Debit Credit ATM Card Protection
goingeverywhereslow commented about Purchased Fuji 18X Finepix 12,800 Baht, On Monday October 29th, 2007 08:44:00 AM
Andy,
Don't know a thing about cameras as I don't carry one, but it looks great to me. Your all AA battery strategy is a good one and I'm glad you stuck with it.
Eric
Comment About Purchased Fuji 18X Finepix 12,800 Baht
goingeverywhereslow commented about Ranong Hot Springs Rain Forest, On Monday October 29th, 2007 08:25:00 AM
Andy,
Glad you've returned to Ranong.
It's a place I've never been, but has always stuck in the back of my mind from your previous travels, and certainly a place I've earmarked for the future.
Your post and photos only reinforce my feelings. Most folks (seemingly) use it to just pass through and/or make visa runs, and move on. I'd be more inclined to bask in the beautiful surrounds for awhile.
The guides I've glanced at indicate there's not much to do there, which is exactly why I'd immerse myself in a place like this.
Thanks for your excellent photos and revealing post.
Eric
Comment About Ranong Hot Springs Rain Forest
goingeverywhereslow commented about No Hollywood Showers, On Tuesday October 16th, 2007 06:26:00 AM
Andy,
I would think hot water has got to be the most cost effective way to disinfect. Although I don't take showers as often as some people, I sure relish a long steamy hot one when I do.
Noticed in another post comment that you mentioned heading to South America in a few months, possibly up the Amazon, True?
Eric
Comment About No Hollywood Showers
goingeverywhereslow commented about Khao San Road WIFI, On Wednesday October 10th, 2007 02:59:00 PM
Andy,
While I've never tried it myself, I understand you can create a wired network using the existing in house power system wiring. A wired yet "no new wires" solution.
One unit plugs into a power outlet near the router, and the other in your room. You'll also need two short Ethernet cables to connect the router and your laptop to each of the units. In addition, you may need two plug adapters depending on location plug type and unit used. Then the two units "find" each other and connect via the power line.
The wireless router will of course need to have a free Ethernet port (wired).
If this works, you could then choose the best room available for a mobile office, and not have to decide among only rooms that are close to the router.
Heres a few related links:
Products:
D-Link DHP-301
Devolo Dlan 200 AV
Netgear HDX101
Solwise Net-PL-200AV
Zyxel PLA-400
Info:
HomePlug Powerline Alliance
Power line communication
PCW Mag article via Solwise (PDF)
Eric
Comment About Khao San Road WIFI
goingeverywhereslow commented about Starting the Snowball, On Wednesday October 3rd, 2007 03:41:00 PM
Andy,
Re: hobohideout.com
I love the fact that you immediately see the room price BEFORE you think of going deeper in the site.
Having a "no mans land" section is also great. Maybe you can dedicate that section to Mehran Karimi Nasseri who was apparently stuck in Charles de Gaulle airport for 18 years.
Wishing your snowball all the best as it rolls.
Eric
Comment About Starting the Snowball
goingeverywhereslow commented about No Territorial Claim in Bangkok, On Wednesday October 3rd, 2007 03:03:00 PM
Andy,
Being tested and challenged like that on a daily basis would wear on me. You did mentioned awhile back that you tried to encourage other traveler friends to join you in the journey through west Africa.
So I have to wonder; did they rely on numbers at times and use the group in an attempt to intimidate? Or were these incidence more of a one on one confrontation?
Eric
Comment About No Territorial Claim in Bangkok
goingeverywhereslow commented about Bamako Mali, On Monday October 1st, 2007 07:01:00 AM
Andy,
Glad to hear you are ok, and hopefully enjoying life in Bangkok my friend.
Eric
Comment About Bamako Mali
goingeverywhereslow commented about Bobo Dioulasso Burkina Faso,, On Wednesday September 12th, 2007 11:23:00 AM
Andy,
Burkina Faso, you say Land of Plenty and everyone calls it poor. I really enjoy it when you paint the real picture of a place.
We have all these world indexes to describe relative country status like Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Gross National Income (GNI), Human Development Index (HDI), Happy Planet Index (HPI), yet they all seem quite inappropriate to me with regards to travel.
Trying to wrap my head around this...
What would be the criteria for a "Happy Travelers Index" (HTI)? As of 9/12/2007 I don't find much online. I keep reflecting on a few posts of yours... ok I found them, you said;
"I am trying to hand off the torch, allow some more Hobo to help to be pure, to be a Traveler, to share, to mark the path. There are people who will not or cannot remember to go home, or maybe those who dream of escaping the 9-5, there is a way, the world is ours for the taking, but we need to stick together, and remember, are dreams are not for sale." - Andy
also the classic;
"One mans paradise, is another mans hell, This way we do not all go to the same place." - Andy
I think you hit on some key elements. Sticking together, marking the path, while all having a differing vision of paradise, seems to me to be a great puzzle to solve for an appropriate HTI.
1. I think a good portion of ultra budget travelers could agree on a common set of criteria for what a travelers paradise is or close to it. Possible?
We could use this info to develop a simple score and include as a major factor in a HTI. I think this would be more than just rooms, food, transport, climate, markets, internet connections etc. But factoring in the locals and their culture, level of self reliance, attitudes, sustainability, personal and ecological health etc etc.
None of the aforementioned indexes rank Burkina Faso (or west Africa) very high for instance, yet it is a land of plenty.
2. Marking the paths between paradises is an essential tool. Here we might include factors for not just ease, costs and distances of routes but also time and energy efficiency perhaps. Others?
3. Travelers sticking together requires distance relationships and a collaborative attitude. These could be physical or virtual (leading to possibly crossing paths). A team of HTI contributors?
I think a real "Happy Travelers Index" could only be done properly with a group of real travelers. I'm pretty sure there is more planet to cover than any one person has time for. The map is closed as they say but a travelers map and associated index would always be in flux. Can it be done with online polls?
Thats enough wrapping for now.
Eric
Comment About Bobo Dioulasso Burkina Faso,
goingeverywhereslow commented about Burkina Faso Hotel Air Conditioning, On Wednesday September 12th, 2007 09:17:00 AM
Hey Andy,
Good photos, and the place looks well kept. What stuck out to me in your post was the clay roofs that collapse when it rains issue. I'm sure it's not a problem in the dryer winters, but knowing this I'd have a hard time sleeping in a heavy rain!
Air Con; I often think innovative ventilation methods can also provide a solution to indoor comfort.
In Gando Village, Burkina Faso theres a school design that won an architecture award in 2004 and utilizes a very interesting roofing technique that allows cooler air to pass under a roof and over the entire ceiling structure. They did use "compressed earth blocks" in the ceiling but with this design the roof would shield the earth blocks from erosion and avoid the roof collapse problem.
The Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2004
Eric
Comment About Burkina Faso Hotel Air Conditioning
goingeverywhereslow commented about Escapades in Nkawkaw Ghana, On Friday August 24th, 2007 05:34:00 AM
Andy,
Thats soo funny. I about fell off my chair when I read this post. Almost like a slapstick comedy.
Now your toothbrush is a multifunction device. Did you salvage the toothbrush, or perhaps it's still stuck in the door?
Thanks for the chuckle.
Eric
Comment About Escapades in Nkawkaw Ghana
goingeverywhereslow commented about Got a Burkina Faso Visa in Accra Ghana, On Tuesday August 21st, 2007 01:43:00 PM
Andy,
Was looking around at xe.com at the currencies and Ghana Cedi had two entries, one for new Cedi and one for old Cedi's.
You must be exchanging in the old Cedi currency which are set to expire at the end of 2007 it seems. The new ones where recently introduced in July at an old to new ratio of 10,000:1.
If your going to be outside Ghana for a while I wouldn't hang on to any of those old bills/coins just in case the changeover sticks.
Are you seeing any of the new currency there in Accra?
Eric
Comment About Got a Burkina Faso Visa in Accra Ghana
goingeverywhereslow commented about Are There World Nomads, On Wednesday August 15th, 2007 09:16:00 AM
Andy,
True world nomad speculation.
I suspect that to walk out with only a passport and be a zero plan world nomad and avoid the money game would require a SERIOUS wilderness AND urban survival skill set. Similar to what Tom Brown teaches at the Tracker school for instance.
In the wild; bush craft, a knife and poncho may be needed. And trade the hostel in for a lean to. In town; sleeping on the hard and scavenging for food.
You'd have to live off the land en route and be fit enough to travel mostly by foot or hitch free rides here and there.
In this scenario, wouldn't crossing borders without money be THE problem? Might one be able to sell wild bounty at markets for a bit of money? Keeping the passport dry might be tough as well.
It sounds pretty difficult to pull off but who knows, I think it's possible, if only for a hardened few. Transitioning from a soft tech-nomad(ish) lifestyle to a true nomad would be a massive step for most.
Eric
Comment About Are There World Nomads
goingeverywhereslow commented about West Africa I Crossed the Line, On Thursday August 9th, 2007 08:57:00 AM
Andy,
Business is for sure finding needs and filling them, plus having income exceed expenses so you can continue.
After reading this post, my impression is that you may need a break from west Africa (or at least Togo). Especially now that you seem on guard with respect to mixing with the locals and how it may be affecting you. I could be wrong.
You've been there awhile, and I think getting away for a bit and returning later may give you a bit of repose, and maybe some valuable perspective concerning the proposed guesthouse.
"it is easy, I can just leave" - Andy
An extended motorcycle trip perhaps? After all, you are a traveler.
Eric
Comment About West Africa I Crossed the Line
goingeverywhereslow commented about Chlorine Used to Wash Dishes, On Wednesday August 8th, 2007 08:19:00 PM
Information from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency website concerning water disinfection and chemical treatment with chlorine. Mostly info is for emergency treatment but I think in principle, still somewhat applies if your in an environment that warrants concern about water quality.
"For chemical disinfection to be effective, the water must be filtered and settled first. Chlorine and iodine are the two chemicals commonly used to treat water. They are somewhat effective in protecting against exposure to Giardia, but may not be effective in controlling more resistant organisms like Cryptosporidium. Chlorine is generally more effective than iodine in controlling Giardia, and both disinfectants work much better in warm water."
"You can use a non-scented, household chlorine bleach that contains a chlorine compound to disinfect water. Do not use non-chlorine bleach to disinfect water. Typically, household chlorine bleaches will be 5.25% available chlorine. Follow the procedure written on the label. When the necessary procedure is not given, find the percentage of available chlorine on the label and use the information in the following table as a guide."
Table excerpt;
1% chlorine use 10 drops per liter of water.
4-6% chlorine use 2 drops per liter of water.
7-10% chlorine use 1 drop per liter of water.
"Mix the treated water thoroughly and allow it to stand, preferably covered, for 30 minutes. The water should have a slight chlorine odor. If not, repeat the dosage and allow the water to stand for an additional 15 minutes. If the treated water has too strong a chlorine taste, allow the water to stand exposed to the air for a few hours or pour it from one clean container to another several times."
I'm not an expert to be sure, but one concern of mine would be that where hot water is not available for cleaning, and chlorine is used, it may be over emphasized as a cleaning agent. Thus possibly resulting in cleaning equipment, dishes, utensils etc. having excessive chlorine residue.
According to Wikipedia; "it reacts with organic material to form trihalomethanes like chloroform, which is a well known carcinogen. Chlorine is a respiratory irritant. It also attacks mucous membranes and burns the skin. As little as 3.5 ppm can be detected as an odor, and 1000 ppm is likely to be fatal after a few deep breaths. Exposure to chlorine should not exceed 0.5 ppm."
Sure, chlorine kills micro organisms and is commonly used, and certainly better than ingesting gray water. But I have to wonder how much chlorine is in that Javel, and how much is Rochele pouring in that bucket?
I completely agree that we should observe the cleaners and cookers if at all possible.
"That which does not kill us makes us stronger.
- Friedrich Nietzsche"
Thanks for the menu photo with prices. Even if it's not available on a daily basis, it gives one a good idea about food costs.
Eric
Comment About Chlorine Used to Wash Dishes
goingeverywhereslow commented about Togo, On Friday August 3rd, 2007 07:29:00 AM
"Genius is nothing but a greater aptitude for patience."
- Benjamin Franklin
Comment About Togo
goingeverywhereslow commented about 20-80 Rule of Travel, On Saturday July 28th, 2007 02:41:00 PM
Andy,
Interestingly, it resembles the "hobo barefoot travel zone" map on your hobotraveler.com home page.
;>)
Speaking of maps, If you look at a Peters World Map which shows countries and continents without size distortion relative to one another, one realizes how BIG all of Africa really is.
I think your displaying a Robinsons projection in the 20-80 map.
From the Peters World Map I have it says...
"Traditional Maps, of which the Mercator's are an example, tended to show countries incorrectly in proportion to one another, to the advantage of the European colonial powers, while the southern continents (Africa, South America, Australia) are shown far too small."
Eric
Comment About 20-80 Rule of Travel
goingeverywhereslow commented about Tearing up a Map, On Saturday July 28th, 2007 02:15:00 PM
Andy,
Great Idea. Reminds me of a set of digital Chilean road and topo maps I have that is broken into nine pieces.
Your totally right, you gotta have paper when your on the road. Provided access to a decent printer is available, I'm a fan of the digital and print method. Quality may suffer a bit when compared to a "real" map, but you can customize digital ones over and over.
The individual Togo map pieces in your photo still look to be a fairly good size. Judging by your foot in the photo they must be around 11x17" ??
Eric
Comment About Tearing up a Map
goingeverywhereslow commented about Learn Ewe Language in Lome Togo, On Friday July 20th, 2007 10:54:00 AM
To add to the maps comment. Here's an example of a site that applies it.
Placial the people's atlas
Eric
Comment About Learn Ewe Language in Lome Togo
goingeverywhereslow commented about Geography and Potted History, On Friday July 20th, 2007 10:23:00 AM
Andy,
You said North, then went south.
Perfect and hilarious to me.
I think your a great travel writer.
Why? All good information with a price tag associated, and a 1.5 hotel seeking budget. Plus you have fun at doing nothing all day. Which is interesting enough in itself to me. You keep me on my toes as a reader. You have a travel experience history that few can match minus the BS. You developed an income on the road and share that freely as well.
I appreciate what you do.
Legacy; anything handed down from the past, as from an ancestor or predecessor.
From "Wherever I May Roam" - (HETFIELD/ULRICH)
...and the road becomes my bride
I have stripped of all but pride
So in her I do confide
And she keeps me satisfied
Gives me all I need
...and with dust in throat I crave
Only knowledge will I save
To the game you stay a slave
Rover wanderer
Nomad vagabond
Call me what you will
But I'll take my time anywhere
Free to speak my mind anywhere
And I'll redefine anywhere
Anywhere I may roam
Where I lay my head is home
...and the earth becomes my throne
I adapt to the unknown
Under wandering stars I've grown
By myself but not alone
I ask no one
...and my ties are severed clean
The less I have the more I gain
Off the beaten path I reign
Rover wanderer
Nomad vagabond
Call me what you will
But I'll take my time anywhere
I'm free to speak my mind anywhere
And I'll never mind anywhere
Anywhere I may roam
Where I lay my head is home
But i'll take my time anywhere
Free to speak my mind
And I'll take my find anywhere
Anywhere I may roam
Where I lay my head is home
Carved upon my stone
My body lie, but still I roam
Wherever I may roam"
Eric
Comment About Geography and Potted History
goingeverywhereslow commented about Learn Ewe Language in Lome Togo, On Friday July 20th, 2007 10:02:00 AM
Andy,
Re: Lack of street names and getting around (slightly off topic).
The Google maps satellite imagery for Lome provides a zoom level that's only one away from the most detail possible. With that and a few GPS coordinates of all the landmarks, someone could make a "My Maps" with Placemarks, print it, and find their way to places like the language school and elsewhere without street names or written descriptions.
A compass might help too.
Taken a step further, you could have custom maps on mobile phones...
Google Maps Mobile
Or.
Put custom maps right on hobotraveler.com...
Google Maps on Your Web Site
I think you can even embed photos in the map placemark bubbles. That would give folks an enhanced visual guide for the landmarks to look for.
I know in the past you've talked about doing a guidebook. If you did, I think something like this combined with your broad knowledge might be a dynamic way that you could have one up on even LP down-loadable chapters (PDF format).
Traffic=Revenue, true?
I'm sure someone will say, use Google Earth!, whatever. Not everybody has a PC thats capable of running that resource hog. And if designing for a world audience, probably best to avoid it. I've no idea how to integrate that into a website anyhow.
Just a thought.
Eric
Comment About Learn Ewe Language in Lome Togo
goingeverywhereslow commented about Togo Mud Hole Season, On Wednesday July 18th, 2007 07:11:00 PM
Andy,
This post really makes me start to think about countries, and how fast change is occurring. A place thats changing at a quick rate will make information obsolete much sooner than in places where the culture, environment, infrastructure, etc. is more static.
It also makes me wonder how much travel information or travel perceptions are outdated in other places besides west Africa.
I'm real interested to hear your take on the places you've revisited and found a considerable amount of change for the time elapsed. What parts of the world you feel are more prone to misinformation?
Eric
Comment About Togo Mud Hole Season
goingeverywhereslow commented about Motorcycle Trip Atakpame to Lome Togo, On Tuesday July 17th, 2007 02:16:00 PM
Andy,
And a great nebulous goal it is. The fascination with the ordinary and everyday! When smiles are attached you just know the people are getting something right, and is a place worth being in. If only for a while.
Free indeed.
Eric
Comment About Motorcycle Trip Atakpame to Lome Togo
goingeverywhereslow commented about Which Comes First Hotel or Destination, On Monday July 16th, 2007 12:10:00 PM
Andy,
For sure pick the neighborhood first before the hotel. For that matter pick the country before the destination city/town. And I suppose even for some, pick the continent before the country.
Which begs another macro-micro related question, sort of. Would you ever consider space travel if it ever became affordable?
Eric
Comment About Which Comes First Hotel or Destination
goingeverywhereslow commented about Putting the Batteries in The GPS Correctly, On Monday July 16th, 2007 11:01:00 AM
Andy,
Permanent markers are a definite carry along. I use mostly the black Sharpie ultra fine point ones. Great for writing on everything except really dark items. For that you need one of the the oil/water based paint markers.
I tend to select gear thats not a bright color to attract minimal attention, but I certainly see your point Ash.
Eric
Comment About Putting the Batteries in The GPS Correctly
goingeverywhereslow commented about Kabye Young Men and Women Travel to Ceremony of Evala in Togo, On Tuesday July 10th, 2007 08:16:00 AM
Andy,
Via Google translate (French to English), not perfect but something;
At home - Brown
Ceremony of evala
Each year in the area will kara it proceed the ceremony of evala .cette ceremony allows to the young boy of emboiter the steps of the adults i.e. it is free to engage a woman in her foyer.quelque days Advent the fight on the ground .le dog is the special animal for the ceremonie.la family of the boy pays him a large dog for the ceremonie.apres the ceremony at the house with the encetre, the day of the fight arrives and all the family of the boy one hope which them boy will embank his adersaire in the contrary case shame returns has famille.cette ceremony proceeds by dances tradditionelle.
Ceremony of akpema
in Area of will kara this ceremony makes it possible the girl to marry i.e. it is mature it is adult, that opens the door with the marriage. Indeed this day it left very naked it leaves the buttocks and the hairs and everyone regarde.les girl which has hairs glorifie and their family are content.la same reason of the ceremony is that one wants to know if this girl which attends the ceremony has to keep well her virginiter i.e. vierge.il takes place there or everyone does not go and it is takes place this which one will vera so reelement the girl is vierge.cela emarque by a diabolic force; i.e. on the blow you uneperte blood will have which will run of your vagina and will stain stone on which one At made assoir. of any At family will have large a honte.c' is large a insulte.de our day depui some year the encetre of the village one to close this part of the ceremony because the girl consist quickly the garcon.les ceremony continues each year but one arrives more takes place this crowns.
Ceremony of condona
This ceremony proceeds in the area of will kara each 5ans apres.c' is a stage sagesse.apres to have made this ceremony that opens the door to you has to decide in a council you can make the company of the old men.
Dance Habie
The dance habie it is a dance of sorcelery if you is not wizard you or clervoyant you cannot take part has this danse.ce day in the sorcerer a individual is capable of prandre the mouth of a dog of a pig of a cat should eat the greunouils pouri; snakes. after the dance it ramenne the mouth of the dog and it takes again its pouche.le same day the sterile woman is capable of meter in the world and in the immediate future swallows this child.
Eric
Comment About Kabye Young Men and Women Travel to Ceremony of Evala in Togo
goingeverywhereslow commented about The Six Languages to Learn, On Friday July 6th, 2007 10:40:00 AM
Andy,
At first glance, I noticed and am sort of surprised that three countries with significant populations and economies are excluded on the UN official languages maps.
Germany (German), Japan (Japanese), & Brazil (Portuguese).
There's a push to make Hindi the seventh language, but not these other three?
World Population Rank:
Brazil #5
Japan #10
Germany #14
GDP Nominal Rank:
Japan #2
Germany #3
Brazil #14
I suppose if I looked real close I'd find others. I also think that those 3 languages don't really span multiple countries quite like the 6 languages shown do, and might be a reason they aren't so "official".
???
Eric
Comment About The Six Languages to Learn
goingeverywhereslow commented about Togo Group Generator for Electricity, On Thursday June 28th, 2007 09:50:00 AM
Andy,
I can't help but think that several of your recent posts might possibly all relate to the Lome travelers rest house you've been speaking of and planning. To me, it's almost like you are starting to outline the essentials and basics for a proper setup. Here's my take.
1. Comparing Danger of USA and Africa; Addressing relative local safety issues.
2. Kpalime Togo; Trip/quest for sound management personnel.
3. Togo Travel Golf or Chess; Local excursions to Kpalime and Atakpame, and associated ground transport costs, time and distances.
4. Togo Africa Wicker Chairs; Furniture for the common areas perhaps?
5. Togo No Nest No Books No Electricity; Generator purchase for a more reliable electricity solution.
6. How Crazy the World has Become; Fear not, travel, come to Togo!
7. Solar Something That Works Works; Off the grid, inexpensive, low energy cooking solution, maybe?
8. I Dream of Safe Drinking Water for Travel; Clean drinking water assurance, obvious but a priority to be sure.
9. Togo Group Generator for Electricity; Generator and fuel cost breakdown and value.
Could be way off here, but interestingly you are also covering most of Maslow's needs towards the bottom of the pyramid.
Eric
Comment About Togo Group Generator for Electricity
goingeverywhereslow commented about Hotel Critics Guidelines, On Saturday June 23rd, 2007 03:24:00 PM
Andy,
To me stars should represent price ranges. Then break down the quality from within the star rating. Like for instance, a 1.5 would be a backpacker budget place that was excellent. A 5.1 would be a very expensive crappy place.
But instead we live with a system that misrepresents and I don't pay much attention to.
Eric
Comment About Hotel Critics Guidelines
goingeverywhereslow commented about Can't Buy Me Love, On Tuesday June 19th, 2007 12:16:00 PM
Andy,
Sounds great. Feels good to find a sweet spot eh?
To my mind, $4 USD is an ideal target price for a travelers room. For those so inclined, I think it fits within an overall $15 USD a day strategy nicely.
Below are what I consider targets for per day costs of essential travel expenses (third world). Certainly cost vary from place to place, guaranteed to have lots of cross allocation, and it is over simplifying a bit. But for me it's important to have an easy way to check myself on a daily basis to stay on track.
$1 ($365 yr) Internet
$2 ($730 yr) Ground, Gear & Misc.
$3 ($1095 yr) Food & Water
$4 ($1460 yr) Room
$5 ($1825 yr) Airfare (15Kmi x .12)
------------------------------
$15 ($5475 yr) Total
Eric
Comment About Can't Buy Me Love
goingeverywhereslow commented about Two Economies of Togo, On Tuesday June 19th, 2007 10:15:00 AM
Andy,
Pantene has a wide range of shampoo products but in the US it ranges from $4 to $7, and most of the bottle sizes range from 8 to 13 oz.
Eric
Comment About Two Economies of Togo
goingeverywhereslow commented about Bodyguards and Secrets, On Monday June 18th, 2007 06:19:00 PM
Good point, and sad but true. I think that in itself is partly why the planet is in debt for 44 trillion.
"Too many people spend money they haven't earned, to buy things they don't want, to impress people they don't like."
- Will Rogers
Eric
Comment About Bodyguards and Secrets
goingeverywhereslow commented about Bodyguards and Secrets, On Monday June 18th, 2007 03:18:00 PM
Andy,
Hiding in plain sight. I love that phrase.
I think of all those animals in nature that blend in so well with their surroundings that you can't see them unless your really looking closely. They're doing what they can to not become a target.
Being worth nothing or appearing to be worth nothing must work likewise for us humans. I'm now inspired to make all my gear look as ugly as possible.
Eric
Comment About Bodyguards and Secrets
goingeverywhereslow commented about Filing Emails, On Tuesday June 12th, 2007 02:54:00 PM
Andy,
Haves and have nots. Makes me wonder about what a hobo is in this context.
In one way a have AND a have not, as you HAVE travel survival skills, a computer, and a lifestyle of world experiences like a have, but you HAVE NOT the burdens of most haves, like a have not.
And in another way, your brand of hobo is neither. You said once that all your stuff was intentionally junk, and if you were robbed it's easily replaceable, so not really what most would consider a have. But, your also able to communicate and work and find your way easily among the haves, so not really a have not.
Searching emails is probably better than filing as long as you remember a phrase or keyword and dial in on it. Certainly less maintenance.
Eric
Comment About Filing Emails
goingeverywhereslow commented about Togo Food Biscuit Kolonto, On Tuesday June 12th, 2007 02:10:00 PM
Andy,
Useful post.
Food information is often described in terms of "cheap" or "a few bucks", but what does that mean? Nothing to me. Budget travelers will certainly value posts with a price, especially the essentials like a roof, transportation, internet and food.
I for one am glad you didn't gloss over the ordinary, normal but real 25 CFA / 5 cent biscuits.
Thanks again.
Eric
Comment About Togo Food Biscuit Kolonto
goingeverywhereslow commented about How to Avoid Being the Ugly American, On Tuesday June 12th, 2007 01:03:00 PM
Andy,
Americans have no monopoly on ugly. Certainly there's nothing to apologize for.
I think it's simply just a stereotype thats been applied, in some cases appropriately, in other cases falsely. However, I find it impossible that any individual from anywhere can be truly defined by a stereotypical description of a population within a geopolitical area, or their government.
With Wikipedias help...
"Sander Gilman PHD, a distinguished professor of the Liberal Arts and Sciences at Emory University argues that stereotypes, by definition, are never accurate representations, but a projection of an individual's fears onto others, regardless of the reality of others."
Interesting that in the 1963 book The Ugly American ...
"... the authors' "good" characters used their skills and resources to make a positive change in the lives of villagers in Southeast Asia and the "bad" characters used their skills and resources for other purposes. For example there is an "ugly" engineer who helps villagers with an irrigation system, and a "handsome" Ambassador who does not care about what happens to the people on the village level."
Connected to your earlier post...
If/when (who knows, maybe never) the entire planet is fully globalized (Planetary Phase of Civilization), whom then will some people project their fears toward and call ugly?
When you point a finger, three are usually pointing back.
Eric
Comment About How to Avoid Being the Ugly American
goingeverywhereslow commented about Spuren-hinterlassen.com, On Wednesday June 6th, 2007 11:51:00 AM
Andy,
I don't see how those vehicles could be very fuel efficient. The route that you mentioned; Germany, France, Spain, Maroc, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Togo is at least a 3,000 mile journey. I'm guessing they're diesel.
At 15 mpg, thats 200 gallons in 6 months. In Europe gas is at least 5 dollars a gal. and I think Africa it's less but I really don't know. If we estimate an average of 4 dollars a gal. on the trip so far, they spent the equivalent of $800 USD in 180 days. If true, that means a daily load of well over 4 dollars added to the budget for fuel alone. To much work to figure in metric and Euros.
Hazy logic...
I think your right, they probably are more concerned about controlling the quality of life than saving. But in a way, could it be considered a combination of transport AND sleep accommodation? Do they sleep in the things?
Those vehicles look pretty cumbersome to me. Not to mention whatever they must have to go through at the borders with those monsters.
I translated the Spuren-hinterlassen.com entry page to English, kinda choppy but it looks like a medical related quest...
"Spuren-hinterlassen.com. One year west Africa with Magirus Expeditionsfahrzeug. The search for the medicine of Africa.
Starting from January 2007 for us two are to be approx. 1 year through Morocco, west Sahara, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo, Ghana, Togo, Benin, the Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal, Guinea until sow, Senegal, the Gambia, Mauritania and Morocco. On our way there we want to become acquainted with the most different medical utility systems, document and in with them to work. A rough goal are the district hospital pc. Francis Xavier in Assin Foso and the G.P.H.A. - Hospital in Takoradi, one of the few AIDS therapy centers of Ghana, where we want to be again some time as “more volunteer” active.
On our way back we will possibly complete our west Africa experience with Algeria, Tunesien and Libya, if the political situation permits it, before then starting from at the beginning of 2008 one of the few “on-road-west-Afika-lectures” will be available from medical view.
Eric
Comment About Spuren-hinterlassen.com
goingeverywhereslow commented about Visa to Ghana Embassy in Togo, On Thursday May 31st, 2007 06:23:00 AM
Andy,
Your recommendation of a five day cushion for getting a visa is a good tip. It's not really an issue a traveler would want to gloss over, but I can't remember hearing that sort of tip elsewhere. Thanks.
I recently came across this for Cambodian visas called an e-visa. Someone posting over at khmer440.com has apparently had good results and say it's a convenient way to apply online.
Cambodian e-Visa
Khmer440 Website
"No Visas today, I am already too tired", thats classic.
I'm wondering, do you bother dressing a bit nicer when you go to an embassy, or do you just wear your everyday attire?
Thanks,
Eric
Comment About Visa to Ghana Embassy in Togo
goingeverywhereslow commented about Lome to Malabo Flight, On Monday May 28th, 2007 08:41:00 PM
Andy,
When you get to Ethiopia, Adam Katz has "A Budget Backpacker's Guide to Addis Ababa" from Feb. 2006. Seems worth a read, and has a map.
Geekeasy - A Budget Backpacker's Guide to Addis Ababa
Eric
Comment About Lome to Malabo Flight
goingeverywhereslow commented about Travel Rug, On Wednesday May 23rd, 2007 09:37:00 AM
Andy,
Re: The guy with the newsletter/joint promo.
What strikes me as odd is that the travel blog from the guys website hasn't had a post since November of 2006. I was sort of expecting someone that writes newsletters to have a more robust blog and more current posts to drive traffic his way.
Just an observation.
Eric
Comment About Travel Rug
goingeverywhereslow commented about Rain Defeats Togo Business, On Tuesday May 22nd, 2007 01:07:00 PM
Togo (your garden of eden) is 44 percent arable land, and among the top ten countries in the world in this category (Permanent crops less than 3 percent). Sure the population density is about twice the world average, but big deal, they are only 93th on a list of 230 countries in population density. You are the man on the ground Andy, and I get a sense that it's perfectly fine there, and not congested. That coupled with plentiful rain and warm weather, and you would think they'd have Maslow's physiological needs completely licked.
Maslow’s physiological needs summary:
* the need to breathe
* the need to drink water
* the need for sleep
* the need to regulate body temp
* the need to regulate homeostasis
* the need to eat
* the need to dispose of bodily wastes
So yeah a good question, why would anyone send money? Or better yet, why would the Togo authorities/people accept it in lieu of developing at their own leisurely pace? Apparently they have an abundant agricultural resource base (soil) to start from.
Interesting related snippets from Wikipedia:
“William Easterly is Professor of Economics at New York University, joint with Africa House, and Co-Director of NYU’s Development Research Institute. Easterly and others argue that aid can often distort incentives in poor countries in various harmful ways. Aid can also involve inflows of money to poor countries that have some similarities to inflows of money from natural resources that provoke the resource curse.”
Resource Curse link on Wikipedia:
Resource Curse or Paradox of Plenty
Eric
Comment About Rain Defeats Togo Business
goingeverywhereslow commented about Low Cost Carriers, On Thursday May 17th, 2007 12:57:00 PM
Andy,
Just came across this while looking at LCC's and had to pass it along. You may already be aware, but Low Cost Carrier Air Asia's Chief Executive Tony Fernandez has recently started the Tune Hotel chain in Kuala Lumpur. More locations are in the works, but prices start at 9.99 Malaysian RM or 3 USD.
It's a no frills deal like the airline, but on the property it has a 24hr food store, a cafe, an ATM, 24hr free internet, and public transport at the curb. The flagship is in a KL central location to boot. Kind of like a ready made Hobo cluster.
Tune Hotels Website
Eric
Comment About Low Cost Carriers
goingeverywhereslow commented about People Will Talk, On Monday April 30th, 2007 07:00:00 AM
Andy,
Hippos ...
I didn't realize until now that only two species remain, with four species recently going extinct.
Wow, better go see them while you still can. Apparently you are in one of the few remaining areas of Africa where they still exist in the wild.
Hippo Distribution
Eric
Comment About People Will Talk
goingeverywhereslow commented about Walk a Mile in my Shoes, On Sunday April 29th, 2007 05:14:00 PM
World rainfall map
Comment About Walk a Mile in my Shoes
goingeverywhereslow commented about Designing Home in Togo, On Sunday April 29th, 2007 04:27:00 PM
Andy,
If I remember right, both Malaria and AIDS kill about 2 or 3 million a year. But I think alot more people get Malaria than AIDS each year. BOTH are apparently the most concentrated in Sub Saharan Africa.
Eric
Comment About Designing Home in Togo
goingeverywhereslow commented about One Dominant Female, On Saturday April 28th, 2007 07:03:00 PM
Andy,
And by responding like you did, maybe that dominant female has now found a little of herself as well. And there's a good chance she doesn't like what she sees. So she keeps busy eating. Possibly till she explodes.
Any culture built on hierarchy and domination has the potential to be an ugly thing. No matter how advanced or backward.
As a traveler you are in a unique place. Sworn to fun, loyal to none.
Eric
Comment About One Dominant Female
goingeverywhereslow commented about Togo Pig Accident, On Wednesday April 25th, 2007 05:46:00 AM
Heal quick Andy. I would think you should have gotten some pork out of the deal at least.
Eric
Comment About Togo Pig Accident
goingeverywhereslow commented about Difficult Mosquito Nets, On Tuesday April 24th, 2007 10:39:00 AM
Andy,
I only found two photos on your site of the mosquito net you use.
HoboTraveler Mosquito Net Photos
What does it look like when packed? I'm curious as to how compact yours is.
I'm going to buy one soon and am leaning towards getting the light free standing ones that you don't have to hang. Untreated.
Thanks
Eric
Comment About Difficult Mosquito Nets
goingeverywhereslow commented about Incredibly Rich West Africa, On Tuesday April 24th, 2007 09:29:00 AM
Andy,
By not going into intensive farming methods probably keeps the soil in good shape in perpetuity.
I like the sound of the environment and people you've been describing recently. By staying at a minimal effort subsistence level they regulate the population somewhat and can maintain this life of leisure. Knowingly or unknowingly.
Bringing in luxury crops might just alter everything. And not necessarily for the good I think.
Your convincing me over the last month or two that this part of the world is a journey certainly worth the doing. With an elementary French prerequisite of course.
Oh, and thanks for the pricing information. 20 US per month room in Lome?
Eric
Comment About Incredibly Rich West Africa
goingeverywhereslow commented about Cultural Stages of Togo Homes, On Tuesday April 24th, 2007 08:22:00 AM
Andy,
Separation of the kitchen and bath buildings from the sleep structure makes sense. Not only to centralize the water usage, clean, gray, or sanitary, etc., but if a fire broke out somehow in the kitchen, the sleeping quarters are at less risk of burning.
I have a friend with a remote mountain cabin that uses a similar principle. He calls the one wall between the kitchen and bath a water wall, where all the locally collected water is funneled and distributed.
Interesting that the rain barrel in the second photo is on the sleep side building. If they collected the water higher they could let gravity do some work when diverting the flow is needed.
Eric
Comment About Cultural Stages of Togo Homes
goingeverywhereslow commented about A Trying Day in Togo, On Wednesday April 18th, 2007 12:13:00 PM
Andy,
Now that you explain it like that, I can understand why you fired the fixer.
I like this one from George Washington's Rules of Civility...
"Let your discourse with men of business be short and comprehensive.
-George Washington's - Rules of Civility #35
Eric
Comment About A Trying Day in Togo
goingeverywhereslow commented about Kametonou Togo, On Tuesday April 17th, 2007 04:44:00 PM
Andy,
A $3 room, mountains, rain, easier sleep, no electricity. Sounds kinda relaxing really. At that negotiated price your fixer must be working out ok. Interesting findings.
I'm wondering what was the road condition between Kpalime and Kametonou?
Eric
Comment About Kametonou Togo
goingeverywhereslow commented about Travel into the Francophone, On Thursday April 12th, 2007 09:49:00 AM
Have you tried this?...
Google Translate
Eric
Comment About Travel into the Francophone
goingeverywhereslow commented about Togo a Militant Hotel Search, On Thursday April 12th, 2007 07:36:00 AM
Militant hotel search... Well, Africa is smack in the middle of the hobo barefoot travel zone after all!
Eric
Comment About Togo a Militant Hotel Search
goingeverywhereslow commented about Togo Cacao Agro Tourism, On Saturday April 7th, 2007 08:05:00 AM
Andy,
Andy and the chocolate factory. If the guys name is Willy, be careful!
Amazingly, Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, the two countries west of Togo produce over half the worlds Cacao.
Eric
Comment About Togo Cacao Agro Tourism
goingeverywhereslow commented about Why Am I Happy, On Friday April 6th, 2007 08:28:00 AM
Andy,
Thanks for the summary. I know the Frankfurt Germany airport is one of the key gate airports in getting around the planet. And so, one would go through from time to time. I'm curious as to what it is about Germany that you like?
Eric
Comment About Why Am I Happy
goingeverywhereslow commented about To Go Togo No Travel Rain Day, On Thursday April 5th, 2007 09:00:00 AM
Andy,
Untouched Togo, excellent.
You probably have checked it out already, but, GPRS/GSM coverage maps indicate that you'll be outside of the coverage area about 5 miles north of Kpalime. The TogoCell coverage zone around Atakpame picks up again just east of Amlame.
Just passing it along.
Eric
Comment About To Go Togo No Travel Rain Day
goingeverywhereslow commented about To Go Togo No Travel Rain Day, On Thursday April 5th, 2007 08:01:00 AM
Andy,
The largest town on that path seems to be Amlame. About 50 miles or so north of Kpalime, a bit above your yellow circle on the red line. Best I can tell it's about half the population of Kpalime.
One guy bicycle toured that area your headed to and has some info online. Practical route info is near the bottom, Agbo Kope sounds attractive, heres the link...
Togo: Bicycle Tour Travel Guide
Eric
Comment About To Go Togo No Travel Rain Day
goingeverywhereslow commented about Popular Blogs, On Wednesday April 4th, 2007 11:43:00 AM
Andy,
Maybe not popular, however, you have a nice niche blog.
I found a site devoted to hobos. I looked on your hobo page but didn't notice it listed there so I'm passing it along.
Fred's Website - freight hopping, hoboes, boxcar art
Eric
Comment About Popular Blogs
goingeverywhereslow commented about Hotel Recommendations Stress, On Wednesday April 4th, 2007 07:22:00 AM
Andy,
I think a conditional recommendation for hotel/hostels is perfectly fine. You could simply have a disclaimer.
If something has changed like the management, then that person assumes all risk. If they b****, then just point to the disclaimer. If you get more complaints than otherwise about the particular hotel/hostel then you might consider dumping the recommendation.
Your right, maybe best avoided on the blog, and better on the other sites. Also, input from a network of trusted travelers would be better than having open comments for a hotel/hostel in MHO.
Eric
Comment About Hotel Recommendations Stress
goingeverywhereslow commented about Kpalime Togo Croix Rouge, On Tuesday April 3rd, 2007 03:07:00 PM
Andy,
Togo has an average lifespan of 57 years, and 6 less than the world average. Wonder if that has anything to do with sanitation methods? I'm sure most will say it's because of aids.
Call me crazy, but having a toilet/outhouse just UPHILL from the main market that has open sewer looking water running through it. Then not bothering to divert it, isn't the greatest of ideas.
Eric
Comment About Kpalime Togo Croix Rouge
goingeverywhereslow commented about Numbers of Groups of People, On Monday April 2nd, 2007 08:41:00 AM
Andy,
Money is a good way to look at it from a traveler perspective. I suppose one could potentially organize their path to minimize the frequency of currency exchanges.
Beside the official currency, shouldn't the currencies accepted and/or currencies most used in transactions also be included to determine group associations?
Eric
Comment About Numbers of Groups of People
goingeverywhereslow commented about Blogging is My Business, On Monday April 2nd, 2007 08:22:00 AM
Andy,
Interesting stuff.
Is your placement of contextual adds optimized as well? Have you moved them around and tested to see if the income fluctuates? I remember seeing web usability studies in the past indicating where readers eyeballs go and where they click most often.
2 years and 5 posts per day would be 730 posts minimum, lets say 1,000 posts. IF a traveler followed your guidelines for those two years, what sort of income could be expected from the 1,000 posts full of unique content?
Do you think it could be done with a text only blog?
Eric
Comment About Blogging is My Business
goingeverywhereslow commented about Travelers Mouthwash, On Monday April 2nd, 2007 07:46:00 AM
Andy,
What is the availability of baking soda around the world I'm wondering? I'm inclined to use that along with hydrogen peroxide as well.
But, brushing 10 times a day Andy? seriously?
Eric
Comment About Travelers Mouthwash
goingeverywhereslow commented about Traveler Denial, On Saturday March 31st, 2007 08:10:00 AM
When they blindly pay more, they unknowingly chain themselves to a system. One that enslaves them and their mind. I think your quest to find ever cheaper solutions while on the road is a desire to never fall victim to the same.
Your post somehow reminds me of this...
"Yet here, Laertes! Aboard, aboard for shame!
The wind sits in the shoulder of your sail,
And you are stay'd for.
There ... my blessing with thee!
And these few precepts in thy memory
Look thou character. Give thy thoughts no tongue,
Nor any unproportion'd thought his act.
Be thou familiar, but by no means vulgar.
Those friends thou hast, and their adoption tried,
Grapple them to thy soul with hoops of steel;
But do not dull thy palm with entertainment
Of each new-hatch'd, unfledg’d comrade. Beware
Of entrance to a quarrel but, being in,
Bear't that th' opposed may beware of thee.
Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice;
Take each man's censure, but reserve thy judgement.
Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy,
But not express'd in fancy; rich, not gaudy;
For the apparel oft proclaims the man;
And they in France of the best rank and station
Are of a most select and generous chief in that.
Neither a borrower, nor a lender be;
For loan oft loses both itself and friend,
And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.
This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
Farewell; my blessing season this in thee!"
- William Shakespeare
Comment About Traveler Denial
goingeverywhereslow commented about Esther Uses Her Head, On Saturday March 31st, 2007 07:27:00 AM
A headpack perhaps?, hmm.
Eric
Comment About Esther Uses Her Head
goingeverywhereslow commented about Togo Hotel Camping, On Saturday March 31st, 2007 07:12:00 AM
Thanks Andy,
Multi-use items for a traveler makes sense for sure. I appreciate your thinking here. As a minimalist I'm more inclined to shed things than acquire them. You easily talked me out the 2 pound single use item.
Eric
Comment About Togo Hotel Camping
goingeverywhereslow commented about Togo Hotel Camping, On Friday March 30th, 2007 04:12:00 PM
Andy,
I've wrestled with the whole camping idea. In parts of the world it makes no sense as the hotels are so cheap. In expensive locations it makes sense but I have difficulty convincing myself to lug the extra weight around.
What's your take on the hennessey hammock? It's very light (less than 2 lbs.) yet could be part of a camping solution that I might can justify carrying.
Link:
Hennessy Hammock Ultralight Backpacking Version
Eric
Comment About Togo Hotel Camping
goingeverywhereslow commented about Old School, On Friday March 30th, 2007 04:01:00 PM
Andy,
You cover alot of ground here.
Appropriate technology use is what I think you describe here. But certainly the old bull has it right.
Personally I use Firefox, mostly in the beginning to get tabbed browsing and a supposed more "secure" browser. Who knows.
According to Worldwatch Institute...
"In 2008, half of the Earth’s population will live in urban areas, marking the first time in history that humans are an urban species."
Does that constitute a lemming like migration by billions of humans?
Human success has a longer history prior to the advent of agriculture that birthed cities, than do cities. Is it possible humans may not recognize the cliff edge they are dancing upon?
A traveler however, is not bound by such things. As you say...
"I am hiding in plain sight, ready to pounce, predatory by nature, survival skills on and ready to go."
What a great traveler mentality.
Eric
Comment About Old School
goingeverywhereslow commented about A Techie with Wisdom, On Friday March 30th, 2007 08:09:00 AM
"No snowflake in an avalanche ever feels responsible."
- Voltaire
Comment About A Techie with Wisdom
goingeverywhereslow commented about WIFI Annoys Me, On Thursday March 29th, 2007 08:34:00 AM
Andy,
Agree, wired is the only way to fly.
WiMAX promises to be the next generation of faster wireless web but I have to wonder if it will ever be truly reliable worldwide.
Eric
Comment About WIFI Annoys Me
goingeverywhereslow commented about Organically Grown Palm Oil, On Thursday March 29th, 2007 08:28:00 AM
Andy,
True. Most people in the "developed" countries are so far removed from the earth (reality) that they don't have a clue where their food comes from. US especially.
Organic is more likely a scam. When or if populations exceed the earths ability to feed them by intensive means, what will they then include to sustain them? Scary.
Those closest to a local mom/pop food source have a distinct advantage I think. 40 percent of the Togo economy is AG based, and is 65 percent of the labor force. I imagine alot of what your eating isn't imported at a distance. Good.
Fresh cooking in front of you equals healthy for sure.
Eric
Comment About Organically Grown Palm Oil
goingeverywhereslow commented about Making Photo Exposé of Hotel, On Wednesday March 28th, 2007 07:47:00 AM
Andy,
Photo expose is an exhaustive list for sure. You must love photography. Personally I don't take photos but appreciate those who do. I imagine organizing it would take maybe even more time than all the photos.
I looked at hobohideout.com and it says you have 5 million + cities listed in 251 countries. Togo alone has 137 pages, 6800+ plus entries. Wow! Do you plan to pare it down to ONLY hobo recommended locations? Or are you thinking to use the search feature to easily find cities, places etc.? Drill through the hierarchy? Just wondering..
I remember going there awhile back and the structure seemed different. I think hobo hideout is a great project idea for budget wanderers and I would love to help out. If there are tasks that match my skills. Your style of travel suits me fine.
Would it also make sense to add closest ATMs', closest markets, internet cafes, and transportation point? This would relate to your cluster concept from posts gone by.
Eric
Comment About Making Photo Exposé of Hotel
goingeverywhereslow commented about ChicaChoo Togo Drink, On Wednesday March 28th, 2007 07:13:00 AM
Excel file sent.
Comment About ChicaChoo Togo Drink
goingeverywhereslow commented about Togo Iron Metalworking, On Tuesday March 27th, 2007 02:43:00 PM
livelihood tourism?
Comment About Togo Iron Metalworking
goingeverywhereslow commented about Talk of Danger, On Tuesday March 27th, 2007 02:37:00 PM
Andy,
Heres a inflation adjusted crude oil price chart from 1947 to 2006 and related conflict time line.
Crude Oil Prices - WTRG Economics
Eric
Comment About Talk of Danger
goingeverywhereslow commented about ChicaChoo Togo Drink, On Tuesday March 27th, 2007 02:24:00 PM
Andy,
Re: Worlds Most Healthy Foods, 3/18/07 post.
This may be a tad off topic but I went through the list you made of the 30 worlds common found foods. I made a data set based on the list, and added the sample amounts from the worlds most healthy food website. Included as nutrients in the data set were all the high end vitamins, protein and fiber as a rough guide. My baseline for the statistics was 2500 calories consumption per day and the 30 items spread out over time. 2500 calories may be high but is what is recommended for active men.
What I found out?
If true, the world common traveler diet is high in Vitamins B and C, protein and fiber. Vitamin C being the highest at 486 percent of daily requirement. Papaya seems to throw the vitamin C numbers high. But the diet is low in vitamins A, D, E and K.
I re-ran the numbers using only the ten #1 most found items you pointed out. The results are very similar except with higher values indicating better diet balance and an adequate amount of vitamin E.
Not sure if your interested, but if you want the excel spreadsheet data I can email it to you.
Eric
Comment About ChicaChoo Togo Drink
goingeverywhereslow commented about West Africa Cheap Hotels, On Tuesday March 27th, 2007 09:23:00 AM
Auberge, boom boom, or not to boom boom...
So long as the room is in other respects up to par and cheap (2-5 USD), then for me a boom boom room is fine. So long as they don't keep me up all night. Can't speak for female travelers.
Andy, the spot you describe sounds really good considering its so close to transport and especially a large market. Add an internet solution and Kpalime becomes a place for me to consider backpacking through.
Maybe after you move on you can serve up the GPS coords for this location? I'd be curious to see where it is on a satellite image relative to the town core.
This reminds me of when surfers find a nice remote spot, and before it attracts the supporting busy-ness. I'll bet the guidebooks have zip on where your at.
It's fun to read when your having fun.
Eric
Comment About West Africa Cheap Hotels
goingeverywhereslow commented about Talk of Danger, On Monday March 26th, 2007 10:51:00 AM
Andy,
Iran...
And what will become of air travel when the mid east powder keg blows. Oil supply disruptions will mean painful prices for fuel and air travel tickets, real or imagined. I suppose in an extreme case were looking at a nuclear scenario and possibly little to NO supply from the region. That would impact the developed countries the most me thinks.
Less developed might be the plan B.
Reminds me of a quote you posted ... "All I want to know is where the fallout goes"
- Mark Boise in Manila December 14, 2006
I hate even thinking about this stuff.
Eric
Comment About Talk of Danger
goingeverywhereslow commented about Alternative Gear, On Monday March 26th, 2007 10:31:00 AM
Andy,
I've never heard that you carry a broom around. But, I'm wondering if you can sweep the floor first before mopping to have less dirt to deal with when you do. And what are substitutes for a broom? I assume it's all concrete floors there in Togo?
And a club you say... You still carry that big knife right? To me the best clubs are little league type baseball bats. Unavailable there I guess, but they're small (24 in.), solid and cheap. Drill a hole and thread a piece of leather through it for a wrist wrap. You can hide it by flipping on the backside of your arm and it wont be above your shoulder. stealth.
I find those one liter plastic bottles good for water as well.
Eric
Comment About Alternative Gear
goingeverywhereslow commented about Kpalime Auberge, On Saturday March 24th, 2007 07:55:00 AM
Andy,
I've never been. But previously, there were only one or two locations in Africa I was remotely interested in going to. And low on the priority list, if ever. As always, your really paving the way for budget travel in Africa.
6 dollar sleeps, now were getting close to the range where I may consider it. And you found a market with fresh produce to boot! Awesome.
Your idea about the people photos for hotels recommendations is a good one.
Thanks again,
Eric
Comment About Kpalime Auberge
goingeverywhereslow commented about All Things Good, On Saturday March 24th, 2007 07:38:00 AM
Andy,
There's a case where a free man has a great morning. I know it was Saturday, but, your not ever stuck in rush hour, or a cubicle, or stressing on some work to be done for a boss he don't like. Or since it's Saturday, yard work. Nope.
Classic and great example of a man choosing how to spend his time because he set his life up so as not to get into a civilized trap. Minimize expenses to maximize the life experience. To me, nothing could be better.
Fresh bread and fresh fruits, a breakfast for all less that a US dollar. Following his instincts and in no hurry. Ideal in my opinion.
It's was fun reading this story Andy.
Eric
Comment About All Things Good
goingeverywhereslow commented about Travel Armamentarium, On Thursday March 22nd, 2007 09:55:00 AM
Andy,
Great post. I'm not PRO, yet.
You said your tips apply 100 percent if you want go budget. That, combined with your 75+ countries, and daily information ON location is great. And thats why your blog is so valuable to types like me that are definitely budget conscious.
Gear is alot easier to spell than Armamentarium.
Eric
Comment About Travel Armamentarium
goingeverywhereslow commented about French Pronunciation Rules, On Thursday March 22nd, 2007 07:58:00 AM
Andy,
So how many languages are you familiar with? I see you know a bit of Spanish and I guess Thai. I'm curious as to what has stuck after 10 years on the road and skipping around alot.
Eric
Comment About French Pronunciation Rules
goingeverywhereslow commented about Togo Drinking Water, On Wednesday March 21st, 2007 05:23:00 PM
Interesting, and thanks for the true story there Andy. A real eye opener concerning the Togo water quality vs. SE Asia.
Just an observation but, I look at a satellite map and notice that Togo is in one of the greener parts of the continent, and about 25 mi. west of you is the fairly large water source Lake Volta (Ghana). Just east is the high point in Togo, so I'm guessing that rainwater/groundwater in general makes its way from east to west through the Kpalime area.
Happy trails.
Eric
Comment About Togo Drinking Water
goingeverywhereslow commented about Kpalime Fromage, On Tuesday March 20th, 2007 07:11:00 AM
I sure hope you find a food solution soon Andy. How is the water supply there?
Eric
Comment About Kpalime Fromage
goingeverywhereslow commented about My Problems in Africa, On Monday March 19th, 2007 12:20:00 PM
Girls, girls, girls. Yet another reason to spend alot of time in the tropics.
Eric
Comment About My Problems in Africa
goingeverywhereslow commented about Worlds Most Healthy Foods, On Sunday March 18th, 2007 08:17:00 AM
Andy,
You show 30 out of 130 foods on the nutrient dense list that are common. I think you just may have done a breakdown of a world travelers optimum diet!
Now I wonder if you eat THAT list of 30 on a regular basis, would a traveler be getting adequate vitamins, minerals, carbs, proteins, fats, calories etc.
Interesting stuff.
Eric
Comment About Worlds Most Healthy Foods
goingeverywhereslow commented about What Time Is It, On Sunday March 18th, 2007 08:02:00 AM
Andy,
I think you may be able to make a custom web page using ClockLink that shows multiple time zones. Not totally sure as I've not udes it. But i've seen it used on other websites where the author wanted to know what time it was back home. Here's the link.
ClockLink
Eric
Comment About What Time Is It
goingeverywhereslow commented about Togo Lemonade 10 Cents, On Saturday March 17th, 2007 10:41:00 PM
Andy,
That's a good example. There's no way to know if anything is really organic unless you work the soil yourself. And no traveler is going to stay long enough to do that!
As for lemons, they are on The George Mateljan Foundation's list of worlds healthiest foods. Nutrient density is what they look for in food and drinks. I think it's good criteria for healthy consumption.
The World's Healthiest Foods
Enjoy the lemonade.
Eric
Comment About Togo Lemonade 10 Cents
goingeverywhereslow commented about I Feel Electrically Helpless, On Friday March 16th, 2007 07:55:00 AM
I looked online at nationmaster and apparently Togo gets their electricity from Ghana next door.
Ghana energy base is 95 percent hydro. Ghana generates just slightly more electricity than it consumes, about a 5 percent margin. Near as I can tell, Togo sucks up about two thirds of all Ghana electric exports. If true, thats quite a dependency.
Comment About I Feel Electrically Helpless
goingeverywhereslow commented about Almost Ok, On Thursday March 15th, 2007 11:31:00 AM
andy,
what are the atm's there? visa/plus or mc/cirrus systems? or perhaps both?
thanks,
eric
Comment About Almost Ok
goingeverywhereslow commented about Languages Learned Naturally, On Thursday March 15th, 2007 11:28:00 AM
from the sound of it your going to move north eventually. the cia factbook says that Kabye (Kabiye)and Dagomba are the two major african languages in the north of togo. the population is less as well, and would be curious to see if french begins to get less dominant as you go that direction.
eric
Comment About Languages Learned Naturally
goingeverywhereslow commented about Computer No No, On Wednesday March 14th, 2007 07:58:00 AM
for sure liquid and computers don't mix. if your laptop get fried...
i've experimented with whats called a live-cd with linux operating systems. you burn an .iso file to cd, make the cd-rom the first in boot sequence and put the cd in, then restart and your whole setup is run from the cd.
this avoids running from the crapped up operating system of an internet cafe computer. on some versions you can save back personal settings, bookmarks, files and more to the live-cd.
you just need a cafe computer with a bootable rom drive. i think it can be done from a flash drive too but i haven't tried it. kinda like a pc in your pocket.
more of a backup plan i guess, for when you spill your coffee.
eric
Comment About Computer No No
goingeverywhereslow commented about Understanding the Cadeau, On Wednesday March 14th, 2007 07:37:00 AM
if you went full on poorer than them looking hobo in rags, would you avoid being asked for this cadeau? do the beggars ask for cadeau among themselves i wonder?
eric
Comment About Understanding the Cadeau
goingeverywhereslow commented about Five Shower Day, On Tuesday March 13th, 2007 03:52:00 PM
andy, you were in nepal recently and i remember you saying the electricity was out or something and you were cold. now your in togo, no juice, and its sweltering. sounds like the electrical reliability along your path has been less than great lately.
five showers, wow. must be a cooker, how much cooler is it near the shoreline?
eric
Comment About Five Shower Day
goingeverywhereslow commented about More Enjoyable Africa Travel, On Monday March 12th, 2007 08:02:00 AM
i agree with louis, great piece andy. sorting through your thoughts and experiences AND laying out practical advice on africa. very nice. then again, your a 10 year pro.
i never cared whether your grammar was good/bad/otherwise because you always have solid candid assessments of a place and it's people. im glad that online income pays enough to keep you going. there are very, very few other travelers out there that are worth reading.
Comment About More Enjoyable Africa Travel
goingeverywhereslow commented about Togo GPRS, On Friday March 9th, 2007 09:34:00 AM
andy, i see the current posts and also 2005 and previous table of contents, but what about all the 2006 blogging? is it just me or is it not accessible?
eric
Comment About Togo GPRS
goingeverywhereslow commented about Michael Crichton Travels, On Friday March 9th, 2007 09:29:00 AM
andy, i love that line.
"The inner journey is done alone, where there is no path."
- Andy the Hobo Traveler
fantastic!
eric
Comment About Michael Crichton Travels
goingeverywhereslow commented about Angels in Africa, On Friday March 9th, 2007 09:26:00 AM
andy, i read all the way through the last time you were in africa. and from here it sounds like your in better spirits and having a more enjoyable travel this time around. or is it my imagination?
im a sort that likes the practical stuff like costing and logistics of getting around etc. but did notice a difference about your posts this time, like the angels in africa for instance.
eric
Comment About Angels in Africa
goingeverywhereslow commented about 80 Liter 80 Pound Backpack, On Friday March 9th, 2007 09:17:00 AM
i truly cant imagine you carry around 80 pounds everywhere. that seems like an enormous weight. i believe you do it, but wow. i realize its your entire 5 star home you have in there. i was thinking maybe its the way that you prepare for carrying around 80 pound women when necessary. hehe!
eric
Comment About 80 Liter 80 Pound Backpack
goingeverywhereslow commented about Africa Travel Budget, On Thursday March 8th, 2007 11:05:00 PM
Your on the edge Andy, and thats whats great. Everyone else is a fool. You have laid out things in a manner that can be followed by anyone.
A budget, ha, most lack the discipline for it for sure. 20 bucks a day in Africa might be a reason to avoid it personally. I sure appreciate the input you present in a place where no travelers roam. Except YOU! thanks for the summary.
Africa, never been, I figured it the dark continent and so, forget it. But your there, and you paint it in a way that makes it real. Screw the news. Thanks for your candid posts more than anything.
2 hours a day trying to learn french, not sure I'd do that. More inclined to immerse in a culture and see what sticks.
goingeverywhereslow
Comment About Africa Travel Budget
|
