Hobo TRAVEL TIPS - Duct Tape or Duck Tape for Travelers
Issue 109 Hobotraveler.com - February 20, 2003
https://www.hobotraveler.com
A Hobo trip around the world. Year 5
-------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPORT FREE HOBO NEWSLETTER - SEND 1 DOLLAR
-------------------------------------------------------------
~ HOBO TRAVEL QUOTES
How I feel today...
~ HOBO PHOTO GALLERY
I give 1 link. I be lazy.
~ HOBO STEW (A Dish of Meat and Vegetables)
Location of Hobo and opinions
ON THE PATH
~ HOBOGUIDE.COM (Go this way)
WHY A HOBO?
~ TODAY�S TIP
How to choose a Travel Agent?
~ EXTREME HOBO TRAVEL -
Scott�s Bike Trip Around World
~ TODAY�S TIP FROM THE - �Peanut Gallery�
~ BOOK REVIEWS - NEW
Too lazy this week. But read 2 books.
~ WORLD SCAVENGER HUNT
Making objects and books travel.. hehehe
https://www.hobotraveler.com/scavenger/
~ HOBO QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
A lot of interesting post or question.
Good time to read.
https://www.hobotraveler.com/formlettereditor1.php
~ HOBO GOSSIP and/or Jaded Remarks
-------------------------------------------------------------
Please HELP Newsletter grow
FORWARD to 3 or 4 of your friends or all of them.
~ SUBSCRIBE:
https://www.hobotraveler.com/subscribehobonewsletter.shtml
OR go to
https://www.hobotraveler.com/
~ PAST NEWSLETTERS
https://www.hobotraveler.com/indexhobonewsletter.shtml
-------------------------------------------------------------
~ HOBO TRAVEL QUOTES
How I feel today, or a start down
the proverbial travelers path.
"The gate of heaven is everywhere."
Thomas Merton
"You need to look for heaven
to find heaven. Just another day
in paradise"
Andy the HoboTraveler.com
-------------------------------------------------------------
~ HOBO PHOTO GALLERY
Better to read the stories first.
A great way to look a photos.
JUST SOME NICE PHOTOS I FOUND
http://www.octanecreative.com/merton/index.html
-------------------------------------------------------------
~ HOBO STEW (A Dish of Meat and Vegetables)
ON THE PATH
Hello,
I have returned to the USA from the
other side of the planet. The trip took
about 24 hours of travel, and one jet lag
headache. I will plan my next
escape from this too boring and safe place
to the lands of adventure and danger.
Adventure is an addiction, but so far
I do not need a 12 step program to stop.
I would love to go to Afghanistan.
But I still do not have enough money
for trips like that, but soon maybe.
I always have hope. Got very little else.
I would like to learn the real truth
and not the CNN or BBC truth. I have
been in the countries when they reported
on the country and know they lie, or
so close you cannot tell the difference.
Thanks to all of you that have
sent in a dollar or more to join the
Hobo club and support the newsletter.
Life is good and I am grateful.
FACTS OF LIFE
I have had an alarming number of people
ask me why I have returned to the USA.
I am broke. I have no money.
I have not been able to raise, or earn
enough money with my WebPages to continue
traveling. I need to raise about 3000
dollars USA to resume traveling again.
I am not sure how long that will take.
I will publish the newsletter, write
tips, and take photos as normal. It is
necessary I earn money. I have no choice.
I can work in the other countries, but
there was also the necessity to repair
the WebPages in the USA. It a lot cheaper
in the USA for me to live, and do damage
control, and maintenance on my pages.
THE FUTURE PLAN
Earn 3000 dollars in the USA.
Probably work construction or make
a WebPages or two.
Fix my own WebPages and get organized.
Catch a plane to Europe.
Fly to Jordan, Egypt, or Israel.
Find the Gods everyone is fighting over.
Than off to India and Nepal, Tibet
and hopefully down the Mekong to Laos
and Vietnam. Or maybe I will go to
the fridge.
Today�s go this way is about
WHY A HOBO?
Today tip is about a subject in the
news. Duct tape. Lets you know
I am current and politically correct
or at least politically obnoxious.
10 REASONS TO CARRY DUCT TAPE.
(Note: I did not include the ability
tie up or tape up the hands of someone...
Maybe tape Osama and Saddam together.
This would prove to the American public
there is a need for Duct tape.)
Just another day in Paradise!
PLAN YOUR ESCAPE...
Be a Hobo, and leave your mark.
X Hobotraveler.com was HERE!
Life is good.
The Hobotraveler.com
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Article written by Andy the Hobotraveler.com
On year 5 of Hobo trip around the world.
Budget Travel, Jobs, and Adventure, etc
Subscribe to Free Newsletter at:
https://www.hobotraveler.com/
You may publish this article for Free
on the internet If this box stays attached.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
-------------------------------------------------------------
HOBO ECONOMICS 101
I need only 1 dollar from you per year.
SPONSOR SITE
-------------------------------------------------------------
~ Hoboguide.com GO
THIS WAY!
WHY A HOBO?
I am Homeless.
I travel in the cheapest way possible.
My world is not perfect, and never will be.
I am not liked or respected.
People do not strive to be Hoboes.
There is an adventure in every person
to search for his or her answers.
The world hides their head in the sand
and tries to paint a rosy picture of
their life, and they lie.
I write this newsletter to confuse your
rosy picture of the world, and try to
explain that somewhere in the acceptance
that life is chaos, there is the
answer, that it is OK to be confused.
It is ok to be you.
Or even in as the last resort.
A Hobo.
The rosy picture of reality
is just a picture.
I could sell advertising and get
sponsors easily if I would lie
and tell you the dream trips
and not the real trips.
But I like to hide from the world.
Anonymous to the people I meet.
Making a friend here, and there
and try to discover the real trip.
I write this newsletter so I can earn
money to travel. I like to write the
newsletter, but if I had lots of money.
Maybe I would stop. I travel to travel.
I am a Hobo. I really do not care how
you look at my clothes, or how you make
a judgment on how I live my life.
I be me.
But hopefully one day I will find the
words to explain what happened to me
that made me want to go meet the people
of the world. The normal Joe. The person
in the street. Walking quietly and slowly.
Sitting at home, not causing a fuss.
Just living their lives. Thinking they
are not important enough.
The normal world citizen.
Who do not want noticed.
Quiet and shy. Not wanting attention
drawn to their story, for fear.
Like Hobo
I will not find these people in the
guidebook. I must go search under
a bridge, or a small village, with
a different language, and I find
another person like me.
Just another person walking down
the street. Everyone trying to avoid
looking, or thinking, or talking,
to this person. They are not special.
Then they say,
"Hello."
And they became special.
So, I will hide in my world,
and travel the world to talk to
people like you.
Andy the HoboTraveler.com
Life is good.
Thanx
Just another day in Paradise!
PLAN YOUR ESCAPE...
Be a Hobo, and leave your mark.
X Hobotraveler.com was HERE!
Life is good.
The Hobotraveler.com
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Article written by Andy the Hobotraveler.com
On year 5 of Hobo trip around the world.
Budget Travel, Jobs, and Adventure, etc
Subscribe to Free Newsletter at:
https://www.hobotraveler.com/
You may publish this article for Free
on the internet If this box stays attached.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
-------------------------------------------------------------
~ TODAY�S TRAVEL TIP
BYO - DUCT TAPE
A lot of "HOT AIR."
Duct Tape
An Americanism that is good.
There are parts of culture
that is typically American.
For good or bad. Duct take is
for the most part an American invention
or a way to recognize an American.
(USA) Easy to buy Duct or Duck tape in the
USA but not most of the world.
HISTORY
START QUOTE ---
Duct tape was invented for the U.S. Military
during World War II. The original use was
to keep the moisture out of the ammunition
cases. Because it was waterproof, people
referred to the tape as �Duck Tape.� Also,
the tape was made using cotton duck - similar
to what was used in their cloth medical
tapes. Military personnel quickly discovered
that the tape was very versatile and used
it to fix their guns, jeeps, aircraft, etc.
After the war, the tape was used in the
booming housing industry to connect heating
and air conditioning duct work together.
Soon, the color was changed from Army green
to silver to match the ductwork and people
started to refer to duck tape as �Duct Tape.�
(By the way, "Duck Tape" is now a registered
trademark of Duck� brand
(a division of Henkel Consumer Adhesives)
in Avon, Ohio.
Adhesive tape (specifically masking tape)
was invented in the 1920's by Richard Drew
of Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing,
Co. (3M). Duck tape (the WWII military version)
was first created and manufactured in 1942
(approximate date) by the Johnson and
Johnson Permacel Division. Its closest
predecessor was medical tape. (No specific
person or group of people at Johnson
and Johnson have been named in the
development of duct tape.
Don't ask them... they don't know.)
STOP QUOTE ---
This was taken from an extremely funny and
humorous page.
http://www.octanecreative.com/ducttape/DT101/
Buy the book...
https://www.hobotraveler.com/recommendedandy.shtml
DUCT HISTORY 102 - HOBO VERSION
I have visited about 45 countries.
The gas forced air furnace is not normal.
They all seem to have these gas heaters
that are connected to the wall, or
a wood fire. Sometimes hot water heat.
But the vents with the hot air blowing out.
They do not have.
Therefore... They do not have duct tape.
That is why it is an indication of the
United States culture. I am not real clear.
Maybe the hot air part, or the sticky part.
But nonetheless. You go into a hardware
in another country, and ask for duct tape
and you will get that look. We do not have
anything like that, and why... Are you stupid.
They cannot help themselves on the
"are you stupid look." That is their culture.
But I got to admit. I am not going to elevate
duct tape to the level of profound, but I
am adopting it as another backpack friend
to be carried and protected, and not share
unless I am trying to meet the pretty girl
in the next room.
10 REASONS TO CARRY DUCT TAPE.
Note: Duct tape is very sticky.
Not meant to be removed. If you connect
duct take to duck tape. I will become
almost impossible to remove.
1. KEEP THE BAG CLOSED.
People steal. Duct tape will keep your
bag closed. Removed the temptation of
an air baggage person, bus driver,
or practically anybody. You have to
be motivated to remove duct tape.
Airlines are extremely abusive to baggage.
Almost all my damage to my bag happened
while being on an airplane. This is the
time to use duct tape.
2. KEEP DOOR CLOSED
when I stay in a -1 Star Hotel
on this planet. They often do not have
a lock on the inside. So people can enter
while I sleep and try to kiss me.
Ooops. I guess I hoping about the girl
in the next room. They get drunk and enter
the wrong room. That is more normal.
But sometimes they sneak in and steal
your teddy bear. Duct tape slows them down.
3. SPEAKERS ON BUS
I have been thinking about a cattle prod
or one of them zappers that give a huge
electrical shock to those girls trying to
rape me. I want to kill either the speaker
or the bus driver. I think I could zap a
speaker and kill it.
If you sit on a bus for 24 hours in a
country that just has one level of volume
for the bus speaker.
LOUD
You want to end your misery.
Take a napkin, toilet paper, or something
and cover the speaker. Tape shut with
duct tape.
4 BUS AIR CONDITIONER DUCTS
- Tape them shut.
You all think the buses in other countries
are terrible. I have discovered that
some of the best buses in the world are in
some of the poorest countries.
But what happens with a good bus.
Air Conditioning.
Here I am in the tropics. Hot, sweating
and I get on a bus. The driver is sitting
in the front and the sun is baking him.
He keeps turning up the air conditioning
to get cool. The paying passengers in the
back are freezing. We scream, and holler.
But we are in one of those countries
where life has little value, and we are
cattle, and he is taking us to market.
I defend myself. I sometime just go
threaten him. Works best if you can
speak the language. If you do not speak
the language, and not into to physical
violence. You know a pacifist or self
appointed victim type, than you may
want to USE duct tape. Tape the vents
or ducts shut. This will allow the
cold air to back up in the air conditioning
ducts and maybe reach the driver or
the girl in the bathing suit top in the
seat behind you... Not so bad.
NOTE: I ALWAYS... ALWAYS... ALWAYS
carry a blanket on a bus, train, or
airplane. Any type of transportation.
I am not sure about Camels.
4. HOLD HOTEL CURTAIN CLOSED.
I read this one on some WebPages and stole
the idea. You can tell where they live.
This is a good idea. But if you live in
some of the 3 dollar places. You may use
the tape to make the curtain.
5. IDENTIFY YOUR LUGGAGE.
Put some of the colored duct tape
on your bag. Make a smiley face.
Than that expensive bag you have
that looks like everyone else�s bag
will stop having the identity crisis.
6. WRAP BOTTLES - PLASTIC JARS
I have written a few times about packing
and protecting valuables. I have plastic
coffee jars. Wrap them in duct tape
and they will probably last until the
next airplane flight. Duct tape is like
cloth and flexible. Make a durable and
unbreakable plastic.
I got a fight to pick with them airplane
baggage people. They are the worst.
No wonder those guys advertise luggage where
that gorilla is throwing the luggage.
It really happens. They want you to buy
a hard bag, and I have a soft backpack.
I understand the commercial.
TIPS ON PACKING.
https://www.hobotraveler.com/newstips043.php
PICTURES OF BOTTLES
https://www.hobotraveler.com/alg_belgium13Aug01protectbreakables.htm
8. BLISTER AND BANDAGES
Medical tape is a relative of duct
tape. They both have a cloth feel and
do not break. Duct tape will do the same
job, and probably is a lot cheaper.
But... If you are trying to look nice
for the girl next door. Use the medical
tape.
9. WATERPROOF
I do not know what you want to keep dry.
Film, camera, books, or maybe your
stash of marijuana. Take whatever you
wish to keep dry. Put in plastic bag.
Wrap completely with duct tape.
The tape was originally designed to
protect the bullets or ammunition in
World War Two. So protect your ammunition.
10. HANDLE
You want to make a knife.
Like in prison. A shive.
You need to protect your hand.
Wrap the handle. You can add
a cover or layer to anything.
It will repair you backpack strap
or protect your hand on a camp
skillet.
11. HOLD THE FLASHLIGHT TO READ.
There should be an international law
that say their should be a reading
light in all rooms, and next to the bed.
But if you are in an tent, or -1 star
hotel. There is a light in the middle
of the room ceiling... If your lucky.
So late at night...
I read. I need light. I sometime read
by flashlight, candle, or oil lamps.
For safety and to hold the flashlight
just perfect. I tape it in place.
For those of you with the reading
problem. Here is a tip about that
I wrote a few live back.
HOW TO HAVE LIGHT TO READ
https://www.hobotraveler.com/newstips015.php
HOW TO HOLD A LIGHT
https://www.hobotraveler.com/alg_arequipalighthang.shtml
12. TAPE UP A COVER OF BOOK
I have to repair a lot of books.
I like clear tape. But if I was
rich, and wanted to reduce the intrinsic
value or my ability to sell or trade the book to 0.
I would tape it with duct tape.
Note, for those of you that try to
be macho and say you do not need a guidebook.
Tape up that Lonely Planet and no one
will know carry one.
"You are a closet guidebook reader."
You may need a 12 step program.
13. ALTERNATIVE TO ELECTRICAL TAPE.
I carry electrical tape with me.
I can wrap a bottle, or the cap on
the top of shaving cream. I normally
use electrical tape. It is easier to
remove, and can be used again and again.
While duct tape. Just is too sticky.
14 HOLE THAT LET IN ANIMALS
I had an Iguana come in my window in
Managua, Nicaragua and eat my bag of
bread. Truly a scary experience.
Sometimes there are small holes
that need to be kept closed, or covered.
Most of the problems are cockroaches,
ants, and rats. But in the end mostly bugs.
I have a bounty on them all.
15. ROPE.. Use as a rope.
Fold the tape lengthwise, or against
itself, and you have a rope.
I said 10. But... I gave you more.
But it sounds better if I say 10.
For some more humor on duct tape
Read the Artoftravel.com 10 reasons
to carry duct tape. He did the Goa thing.
I think.
http://www.artoftravel.com/ducttape.htm
Really excited about duct tape.
Go buy a book about duck tape.
https://www.hobotraveler.com/recommendedandy.shtml
Just another day in Paradise!
PLAN YOUR ESCAPE...
Be a Hobo, and leave your mark.
X Hobotraveler.com was HERE!
Life is good.
The Hobotraveler.com
As always, these are suggestions. Please realize I am
giving guidance, and there are always other opinions.
�One mans paradise, is another mans hell�
This way we do not all go to the same place.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Article written by Andy the Hobotraveler.com
On year 5 of Hobo trip around the world.
Budget Travel, Jobs, and Adventure, etc
Subscribe to Free Newsletter at:
https://www.hobotraveler.com/
You may publish this article for Free
on the internet If this box stays attached.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
-------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPORT HOBO
I need only 1 dollar from you per year to
support the newsletter and webpages.
-------------------------------------------------------------
~ EXTREME HOBO TRAVEL
SCOTTS BIKE TRIP AROUND THE WORLD
Archives of Scott�s Story
http://theargonauts.com/around-the-world-by-bicycle/
Off to Nepal...
-------------------------------------------------------------
TODAY�S TIP FROM THE
�Peanut Gallery�
Fun tips - Here's a little tip from me, to you,
as an experienced traveler.
Play hard to get.
Some British girl advised me on relationships.
She said,
�You got to be mean, to keep them keen.�
--------------------------------------------------
~ BOOK REVIEWS - NEW
Got a headache from Jet lag...
Next week.
4 Stars in a 5 Star World.
--------------------------------------------------
~ WORLD SCAVENGER HUNT
Making objects and books travel.. hehehe
https://www.hobotraveler.com/scavenger
THAILAND:
BANGKOK: Lonely Planet Southeast Asia is
in the Peachy guesthouse or was.
CHANG SAEN, JS Guesthouse in Chang Saen.
The Lonely Planet, Thailand
Ranong - Spring Guesthouse - and Umbrella hidden
in the Air Conditioner Unit
KOH PHA NGAN: Gave THE SOURCE by James Michener
to Steve on the way to India.
The Bear and the Dragon in Black and White
Bungalows.
LAOS:
LUANG PRABANG - The book the "The Beach"
Given to Max on the way to Bangkok.
Traded 2 books with the place that has movies.
- The Certainty of Doing Evil & The magic Bullet
1 Jeffery Archer book in the place
where you pay 5000 Kip and one book to trade.
- To cut a long story short
PERU:
IQUITOS - Ask for Wally - An electric hot plate
--------------------------------------------------
~ HOBO QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Lots and lots of comments on the gossip board.
OR a better name... LETTER TO THE EDITORS
Take a look.
VERY GOOD READ
https://www.hobotraveler.com/formlettereditor1.php
-------------------------------------------------------------
~ HOBO GOSSIP and/or Jaded Remarks
Everyone is happy...
As long as the other person agrees with them.
Freedom can be gauged by the number of complainers.
The more complainers more freedom in a country.
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Thank you, Lord, for thinkin'
'bout me. I'm alive and doin' fine."
I�m alive and doing fine.�
Song by: Five Man Electrical Band
CONTACTING THE EDITOR a.k.a. Andy
Write HoboTraveler.com or use this link:
It will get published for sure if you put in
the form of this link. Otherwise... Who knows?
https://www.hobotraveler.com/formlettereditor1.php
NOTICE: Letter to Andy are considered public.
Any letter written to Andy is considered
property of Andy and could be published in
entirety to the internet.