Premonitions

[ecb1221]

Yesterday was tough. While working, my thoughts kept returning to the possibility that I will not return from this journey. The many unstable places on the route, rampant antipathy directed at westerners, especially Americans and the lack of readily available emergency services kept my thoughts dark for many hours. Listening to the BBC world

Comments

Some un-asked-for advice.

[mrsbrewer]

I also have spent some time worrying about your safety on this journey. My hope is that you will stick closely to visiting the Freemason brothers and follow their advice. Hitchhiking will probably be a viable means of transporation in many parts of the world, but if you have other options as a result of the brothers' generosity, you should consider taking them.

Also, many folks traveling abroad choose to tell people they are from Canada, some going as far as to put a Canadian patch on their backpacks. I'm not saying you should just deny your background all the time, but it might be something to keep in mind if you find youself somewhere that it could make a significant difference.

I would just hope that you will remember not to completely jeopardize your safety for the thrill of the adventure. Whether you're riding a bus full of villagers through Argentina or traveling in a private car becasue you have that option, you will be living an experience. I imagine it will be a balancing act.

My love and good thoughts will be with

Re: Some un-asked-for advice.

[ecb1221]

Thank you for your kind advice. There is a joke among Europeans, "How do you tell an American overseas"? His luggage is covered with Canadian flags. No less a sage than pprincenarcissus has recommended Irish as the prefered cover. Apparently the Irish are loved throughout the world, especially France, because their humor, literature and the fact that they are unique in Europe for having suffered imperialism in much the same way that most developing countries have.

I may be reckless and possibly insane, but I'm not stupid. If a brother or other friendly local tells me to stay out, I shall.

[kaysibraden]

Best of luck on your journey. I friended you because I want to get what updates you can post of this fascinating adventure!

Safe journey!

[anonymous]

Little black bird high in the sky
Took a small shit
INd improved my pie

[anonymous]

High as a kite
learning to bike
thank god its a trike