Gear and Such

Internet (and wifi connections) are widespread here (Singapore), but uploading pictures has become somewhat of a challenge. It would be really great to be able to supplement my blog with pictures, but it is really difficult, time consuming, and even impossible on some computers Ive encountered.

Ive taken to blogging via the N800 (nokia). At first I was sort of indifferent to the n800 but Ive started appreciating it more and more. Itś about 5 or 6 inches by 3 inches-very compact. It has definitely been helpful for checking e-mail, websurfing, not getting lost (map capabilities), etc. We bought a small keyboard which connects via USB and makes excessive typing much more pleasant.

The next thing Im impressed with is my travel clothes collection. I got talked into travel shorts and a shirt. As I was washing the shirt for the first time, I found the drying loops. They are little snap loops on the inside for hanging the shirt upside down. I was amused by the fact that the words ´drying loop´´were written on the loops. But then, I was looking at my shorts and found the ´śtow pocket´´also written on the zipper pull. Had it not been marked, I never would have guessed that my shorts folded up and tucked in the back pocket. Then, I found the secret passport pocket. I'm sure it's just because I'm new to 'outdoor' clothes and that no other 'bona fide' traveler/outdoorsy person would ever be so easily amused by her clothing. I have always been a firm believer that the jean skirt was an all situations article of clothing, but now that I have clothing with quick drying capabilities (very valuable when you have limited clothing) I may have to re-think my hypothesis.

I'm also going to mention the chaco's. Man, I should be getting paid for this free advertisement. But, after a few wet-to-dry-to wet treks plus 8 hour+ days of walking around cities, I'd have to say that the chaco's are as functional, hi-tech, and comfortable as they are ugly (they are the least cute shoes I've ever owned).

Last but not least is the iodine solution. This should be a no-brainer. It's cheap, lasts forever, and makes the nastiest water potable. That being said, I am amazed at how many people I see buying huge bottles of water wherever they go. People were even doing that in Australia where the tap water is absolutely fine to drink. I admit that we left our solution at the hostel once and had to buy 2 bottles of water (we were an hour away from our place and pretty dehydrated). But, I'm anticipating not having to buy water for the rest of the trip. Yay for not contributing to unecesary plastic consumption.