Coreyography

California Uber Alles

I've been here in San Fran since Tuesday - gotten a lot done and had some fun, too.  Logistical goals accomplished: passport acquired (that was giving me some heartburn), banking issues solved (all hail USAA!), daypack dilemma decided (winner, not a fanny pack but a utility waist pack - that's my story and I'm sticking to it), and visa situations somewhat muddled through.  The Thai letter of the law states that you must have a ticket for onward travel when arriving or no visa.  I've read that the Thai border folks rarely ask, but apparently United will not allow you to board a plane without such a ticket.  So I'm headed to Penang in Malaysia on May 22!  Party in Penang on my birthday - who's with me?

And speaking of fun, been having a lot of that here in SF, too.  Anyone who knows my Dad and stepmom knows that they are super into their dogs.  In addition to the Bichons Rufus and Roxanna and the Sheltie Reggie, they also have a new Beardie puppy, Riley, who is equal parts cute and goof.  I would love to see Riley and my friend Michelle's standard Poodle Chili in a Cute/Goof Off.  It would be a competitive match that I, for one, would greatly enjoy.

Dad and I also took a trip to Berkeley, wheretofore I had never been.  Delightful!  Beautiful campus, very nice art museum (small but some interesting pieces and a lovely building) and most especially Chez Panisse!  Which I must confess was the most influential motivator for the trip overall.  We had lunch in the Cafe and it was all I had thought it would be, which is to say fantastic. 

Uncles and family are coming for dinner tonight and I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone.  And then it's on the plane to Thailand tomorrow - take off at 1:30 p.m. and arrive at 4:30 p.m. on Monday in Tokyo.  Not really sure how the whole international date line/time change situation is in play here, but it's safe to day I'm going to be on the plane awhile.  And then Tokyo to Bangkok, arrive 11:05 p.m.  It's all led up to this, so exciting!   

Gearrrrred up

I've been having a wonderful time the past two weeks visiting with friends and loved ones.  Several heartfelt goodbyes on my Farewell Jaunt '07 have solidified for me that it is going to be hard to leave and hard to be gone for as long as I plan. 

I have been making great strides in getting gear purchased - please admire the Corey's-eye-view of my new shoes (one and only pair I'll be wearing for the foreseeable future).  Despite several long walks and at least one short jaunt every day, no blisters!  Auspicious.

I am equally pleased with my new backpack (one and only piece of luggage).  I opted for a travel (as opposed to camping) pack and it is fantastic!  Tons of compartments and plenty of room whilst remaining compact and lightweight.

I've also purchased all my clothes (one pair of pants, one skirt, three short sleeve shirts, one long sleeve shirt) which I spent a long time deliberating about because I wanted everything to coordinate with each other AND with my shoes.  I was kicking myself for not getting the dern black shoes!  All turned out quite well.

My daypack and I are having some adjustment issues with one another - I'll be going back to REI to check on other candidates when I head back to Raleigh tomorrow.  Tomorrow I will also deal with banking issues and perhaps selling my car as well.  I will be making offerings to the Carmax Gods tonight in hopes of big money, no whammies in that department. 

This trip, even though not yet officially underway, has already been a great experience.  It has been really fantastic to be able to spend time with old and new friends and my family.  I highly recommend retirement. 

A Week at the Beach

Today I am wrapping up a glorious week spent with my Mom and friends at Holden Beach.  My move and the sale of my house went through last Tuesday (yee haw!) and I am in full gear-purchasing, plan-making logistics mode for the trip.  Over the next two weeks I am making a mini-tour of the mid Atlantic USA visiting friends before selling my car and heading to Northern California to visit my Dad and various Roots the week of April 16.  The most exciting development is that I now have my ticket to Thailand and will arrive in Bangkok 11:05 PM on Monday April 23.  I will post more about my gear as I acquire stuff.  First up: shoes!  I am in the market for a sport sandal (hiking boot in sandal form?) and I need to start breaking these in ASAP, which means daily walks for me.  Walks will also help me start getting in shape - several weeks of eating out during my move capped off by a week at the beach (always hedonistic in terms of food and drink) have left me feeling a bit sluggish.  Nothing two years on the road with a backpack can't remedy! 

Did You Win the Lottery?

I have been so pleasantly surprised and pleased to hear how excited people are about this trip.  A number of folks have asked how I'm funding my venture and since I think the lottery is horrible public policy I'm pleased to tell you it's another source: my house.  I bought this house in June 2002 and if all goes well with the sale at the end of this month, it will have nearly doubled in value.  After paying off all my debt (student loans, credit card) and buying what I need to go (gear, travel insurance, some gadgets) I will have just over $60 a day for two years.  Several websites indicate that this will be enough to travel frugally in the places I want to go.

Years spent as a worrywart and worst-case-scenario imagineer tell me that there are many things that can go wrong.  My new philosopy is to expect the best - we'll see what happens!

Welcome to Coreyography

So I'm preparing for my big halfway 'round the world and back again trip.  Here is my current itenerary:

Weeks		Arrive	Leave
4	Thailand	4/15/2007	5/13/2007
7	Indonesia	5/13/2007	7/1/2007
4	Viet Nam	7/1/2007	7/29/2007
3	Cambodia	7/29/2007	8/19/2007
2	Myanmar	8/19/2007	9/2/2007
2	Laos	9/2/2007	9/16/2007
6	India/Tibet	9/16/2007	10/28/2007
3	Greece	10/28/2007	11/18/2007
4	Egypt	11/18/2007	12/16/2007
3	Tunisia	12/16/2007	1/6/2008
4	Tanzania	1/6/2008	2/3/2008
2	Morocco	2/3/2008	2/17/2008
4	Turkey	2/17/2008	3/16/2008
2	Portugal	3/16/2008	3/30/2008
5	Spain	3/30/2008	5/4/2008
16	Eastern Europe	5/4/2008	8/24/2008
6	Scandinavia	8/24/2008	10/5/2008
4	Russia	10/5/2008	11/2/2008
25	South America	11/2/2008	4/26/2009
16	Central America	4/26/2009	8/16/2009

This is subject to change, of course, as I add destinations and try to configure the trip such that I won't have to experience cold weather for any length of time.  Please put your travel suggestions/tips/advice in the comments or shoot them to me in an email.  And I am definitely interested in hearing from any friends or loved ones who have local contacts or places to stay.  Thanks!