62 days to go

MORE PURCHASES

Additional sacks (they impressed me, hence they get more of my money), door stop (for jamming a door shut), very cheap but very compact rain poncho and water purification tablets. [Note for the folks doing the Western European tour - you don't need those. I got those for when I go to more exotic locals.]



CHANGING ADDRESS

I went on line to find a nice template to use in the change of address letters. I have surprisingly few places I need to change my address with. I think four. I found a nice template here but I had to personalize it a bit. Their phrasing just didn't seem right to me.

The original:

Date
Respected Sir/ Madam,

This is with reference to my change of address.

I have recently shifted my residence and I would like you to kindly make note of the change of address in your records. My new address is as mentioned in this letter. I request you to kindly address all your further communication to me at this above mentioned address only.

Thanking You,
Yours Sincerely,
(YOUR NAME)

My change was to replace the word 'kindly' with 'do it or I fucking sick the dogs on you!'



ANOTHER MAP


I do like this one as it shows the understanding Americans have about Europe.

There are some other maps that American students may actually be able to figure out.



WTF IS UP WITH WATER PURIFICATION TABLETS?

Like this but Coleman brand I can't find on Amazon - Walmart is cheaper for this - buy them there instead:


I was reading the instructions. I realize this comes as a deep shock to those who know me well. Anyway, some key phrases that stick with me include:

"Not to be used on a continuous basis." - So, if you're in the desert with nothing but dirty water around and you're trying to get out, you're in trouble.

"Tablets do not have to completely dissolve to be effective." - Later, under 'first aid' "If swallowed: Call a Poison Control Center..."

Other notes:

Two tablets into one quart. Figures I'm leaving one of the only countries that still use that retarded system of measurement. We don't even have one type of quart -
US Quarts (Liquid) to Liters
US Quarts (Dry) to Liters
UK Quarts to Liters
Fortunately, it seems that one liquid quart (US) is about one liter. Silly.

After adding two tablets to a liter, I have to wait five minutes, then shake the container. Then wait for THIRTY minutes before I can drink the water. Awkward. Sit around waiting and waiting and waiting before you can drink it.







READERSHIP

We now have readers from Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Poland, United Kingdom and United States. [Note: I had to look up the Polish stereotypes as the 'stupid pole' went out of fashion when I was a kid. Fortunately, they seem to have a new stereotype as heavy drinkers. I'm looking forward to getting there. For the Czech Republic, they didn't seem to have one listed. This is a dangerous trend. They must correct it immediately. For Germany, sure it was tempting to go with the typical stereotype but they also have the stereotype of being a lot of industrial, punctual, hard working people. Hard to find a good picture representing that. If we are lucky, we'll get more readers from different countries so I can look up their stereotype and have some fun with them.]

This is great but it does show that people all over the world either a) have nothing better to do or occupy them work or b) have a morbid curiosity at just how insane I actually them or c) are wanting to keep track of which country I am headed to so they know when they should abandon their own country and head for 'higher ground' d) guilty pleasure at seeing just how far one person can de-evolve.



READERS COMMENTS

BTW - if you're reading this blog, don't feel shy about making comments or asking questions, even if you've never met me or any of the other people. Failure to do so will cause you to be inflicted with this.