It's Becoming Reality (Someone Broke My Rose-colored Glasses)

I got an email about an hour ago from the program coordinator in Bali where I'll be doing my internship.  The subject of the email was "Tips and Usual Info."   So I start reading through this list which is seven pages long!  As I'm reading this list, it hit me a little bit like a ton of bricks!  This isn't just a dream anymore, a talk about planning something in the so-distant future that you can't really see it.  It's happening in 5 months!  

Topics on this list include: 
Before your flight
Upon Arrival
Setting Up Your Room
Helpful information for transportation, money, health, safety, shopping, internet, fitness, wellness... the list goes on.  

A couple things that were the heaviest "bricks" to hit me were regarding the need for an International Driving Permit and clean water.  So over the next couple weeks I'll be getting paperwork filled out and passport pictures taken to apply for the international drivers permit.  I'll also be investing in backpacking-sized water filtration and disinfection stuff so that I don't have to continually buy bottled water.  All these things I'll need make me concerned about fitting it all in my two backpacks.  :-/  I'll have to be extremely conservative with the amount that I pack.  I'm sure it will take a few rounds of condensing and combing through and getting my gear down to the absolute essentials.  It won't be easy.  

As I read this list, I felt a slight tinge of nerves.  I usually have this big bravado and courage;  I haven't felt at all nervous to head out and travel and explore.... but golly, what is going on!!  I think this list just made it very real.  It's very exciting, but I just want to make sure I'm ready.  If I am prepared, then I can usually handle almost anything.  If I'm not prepared, then it won't be good.  

Take a look at this list!!  :) I've uploaded 3 of the 7 pages.  Hopefully you can read the pictures.  Let me know if you can't (PLEASE would someone leave a comment!!) and I'll try something else. 

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One last thing to add... I was helping my roommate with a garage sale this weekend and one of the last people to stop in was a man from Africa who had married an American woman and was in the US.  He had worked in Africa and Europe in the oil and gas industry.  From what I gathered from our conversation, he provided training in health and safety for the industry and even though he was "in the height of his career" abroad, he was finding it extremely challenging to find a job in his field here in the US; he'd need to take additional courses.  Honestly, I'm sure there are differences in the way we do things here but I would imagine that the standards of the oil/gas industry in Europe are equivalent or even higher in Europe than they are here.   He was one of the nicest people I've met and it's people like him that make me excited to meet more new people outside the US.  I should have given him my business card.  I don't know what good that would do, but hey... networking is networking.  You never know!  

Have a good night folks.  

The countdown: 5 weeks and 5 days.  

Progress is Slow

Good evening all!

Well, between about the end of April and end of last week, work has been flat out, work-as-fast-as-possible-for-as-long-as-possible to meet tough deadlines.  But now, the project I'm on is about 85% finished (I think; that's just an estimate).  

So, that means the following: 

- I haven't been to the gym, at all, since at least sometime in March or early April.  

- I've gained back all the weight I've lost since college - very mad about that.  Not to say that I've been thin(ner) since college - my weight is a roller coaster - up and down, up and down... grrrrr.  Basically, I weight what I did when I graduated senior year.  Not a good thing!

- Ragnar Relay was hot and brutal.

- Didn't compete in the triathlon because I was exhausted and sick.... and;

- I didn't make any progress on my vaccinations (supposed to be accomplished in May) or visas (supposed to be started in June).  Granted, I still have time, but I really don't like to wait till last minute to get things like this under way.    

So, now it's sort of down to crunch time. Ok, well crunch time might be a little strong... but I don't have time to waste.  So, Friday I had a physical.  Tomorrow (Thursday), I'll be going to the NJ Travel Clinic to get a consult on exactly which vaccinations I need (which, from my physical last week, I'm pretty sure I'm going to need most), which is going to cost quite a bit because insurance doesn't cover it.  I also plan to get the vaccinations done two or three at a time.  Too many at once I don't think is smart.  So, that process should hopefully be done in no more than two weeks.  After that, it's visa time.  

So, this week, I did make some progress.  I have paid off the first two months of my international travels.  I got my travel insurance set through STA Travel (only ~$200 for a whole year because I'm younger than 30!!), and my flights are set for that two month period with the exception of a departure flight from Bali. Need to get that flight.  

The doctor I saw last week gave me the number to two travel clinics.  One, the Enlightened Traveler in Paramus, I called twice, both times got an "answering service" and, at least to this point, have not received a return phone call.  So, I called the NJ Travel Clinic and ended up going online to schedule an appointment. Thankfully, they had a spot open tomorrow at 10AM, so I nabbed it.  I'll figure out what the damages (financially) will be tomorrow.  Oh, but I need to remember to look at getting some of the vaccinations potentially at the county health department.  I did that back in 2011 when I went to India.  So, hopefully that could help save some $$.  

While I've been writing this, I have American Ninja Warrior and Spartan Ultimate Team Challenge playing in the background.  Can I just say - those people are so inspiring!!  Makes me want to join a team and train hard.  Team challenges are so much more fun than individual competition.  It's cooperative, it's supportive, it's positive reinforcement, it's encouragement and building each other up... not tearing each other down.  It's supporting each person on the team no matter how strong or weak because they are part of the team. The stories of what these folks have overcome is just mind blowing sometimes.  You never really know what someone is struggling with to overcome their obstacles to prove to themselves first, and others second, what they're capable of.  

That's pretty much all I had to say for today.  Below are some touched up pictures showing preparations accomplished... 

6 weeks and 1 day until I'm done with work.... 

~7.5 weeks until I head out west to visit national parks...

So that means about 17 weeks until I leave the US to travel internationally for hopefully an extended period of time.  

The excitement is building!  

Flights are settled!

Woot Woot!!! 30-day tour voucher!!  That means I'm all paid up!

Travel insurance set!  If you're under 30, you can get 1-year of travel insurance for ~$200... it's a deal!

Added some details to my travel check-list on the Global Nomadic intern site.  I am so excited for this internship. 

Watching from the Sidelines...

May 20th - the day of the Harryman Triathlon at Harriman State Park.  I had signed up for the Olympic distance triathlon last fall with full intention of competing.  

Final work deliverables lined up exactly with the triathlon and since I haven't been to the gym since the Ragnar Relay, I knew I wasn't ready.  I also caught a cold with congested sinuses last week and little bit of a dry throat.  Sort of a double whammy of unpreparedness.  :(   If you haven't deduced by now, I didn't compete.  I watched from the sidelines and tried to cheer on those who were competing.  

As soon as I pulled into the parking lot, I heard an announcement that someone didn't have and needed a bicycle helmet to compete.  I had brought my Specialized bicycle and riding gear because I thought I may potentially go for a ride later in the day.  I thought "What the heck, my helmet is perfectly good and doing nothing in my car right now!"  So I grabbed my helmet, brought it to someone checking contestants into the transition area and said I had a helmet.  It was a young guy that needed it.  He was competing in the triathlon as his senior project and had to compete and finish to graduate.  Yikes dude!  Take my helmet! Best of luck!  His mom is going to wash the helmet and ship it back to me.  

I watched the Half triathlon distance start the swim at about 9:45am.  Just watching those folks run into the water made me want to compete so badly.  I also watched the three waves of Olympic distance contestants start at 10:30, 10:33, and 10:36.   They started finishing the swim and running to the transition area and rolling out on their bikes.  One girl had rolled out and her chain came off.  I was right there watching her trying to figure out how to get it back one and I knew exactly what to do!  So I stepped over and said "I'm not sure I'm allowed to help you but here..." and I took the lower chain, pulled it and the derailer forward to give the chain some slack.  Fixed and good to go she hopped on and rode off.  

I walked to road where the riders complete one loop and continue to ride the second.  It was motivating watch the riders pass by; cheering each of them.  Personally, it is so important to provide every rider with some positive reinforcement, encourage them to keep going.  This is where the second part of my story from yesterday begins.  

There was this couple riding a tandem bike.  Well, they weren't actually biking... They had paused to cheer folks on as well.  However, the lady was verbally judging every other cyclist as they rode by.  Yes, some folks weren't riding a bike properly sized for them, or they didn't have biking cleats, or some (I did notice) should have had their seats raised slightly higher than they were.  This really, really ticked me off.  You want to know why?  Because it is people like her who discourage novice riders from starting with the equipment that they have!!! Afraid of being judged by those who have the funds to start with equipment amounting to excess of >$1,000 investment!  Everyone doesn't have that!  I made my cycling start on a mountain bike that was probably $150 from Dick's Sporting Goods.  Did I have bike cleats?  No!  Did I have proper cycling clothing?  No!  I cycled huge hills without all the proper gear - I did it because I loved it and I wanted to and I made the best of what I had at the time!  

So, to that judgmental woman: cyclists have to get their start somewhere!  Everyone that you were judging was probably fighting a battle you couldn't see to finish that race!  Fighting the thoughts that they don't belong there because they don't have the best equipment.  To those that were riding with the gear and the skill and the guts and gumption that you have: You BELONG!  You have as much right as those who were riding very specialized bicycles that cost thousands of dollars.  Take on that challenge and show that anyone at any level can overcome obstacles.  

Congratulations to all the competitors for getting out there and taking on that challenge and the same congratulations to all the race finishers.  I wish I had a medal from yesterday, but it wasn't quite time.

Until the next triathlon I sign up for... (well, I mean I'll write before the of course).  Don't judge other people.  "Always be humble and kind."    

Transition Area

Pretty sure this was the first or second wave of Olympic contestants. 

Outgoing cyclists coming out of the transition area. 

The running start and finish line... 

Time to Fill in Some Trip Details!

When having a bad day, I find that it helps to try to focus on something you have to look forward to, something positive, something you're excited for.  That's what I tried to do today.

I got an email today from G Adventures with a link where I had to input some personal details including signing a waiver (basically saying I can't sue them for being an irresponsible adult - LOL if you know me, you know I'm super ultra personally responsible so that shouldn't be an issue), input flight information (yes, I have my flights booked!), brief medical history and dietary restrictions, passport info, emergency contact, etc.  

I completed filling out 6 of 8 items, some of which weren't due until August, September, and/or October so I'm doing ok.

Made an appointment with Passport Health in Englewood, NJ.  Has anyone been there?  I looked on my employer healthcare provider website and I'm not convinced they're In-Network so I may have to cancel that appointment and find another doctor that specializes in travel medicine/vaccines and international yellow cards.  That inquiry has been made; I will fill you in on what I find out.  Any suggestions are welcome (and it would be nice to get one single comment)!   :)

I think tomorrow I'll go put a chunk of the G Adventures tour on my credit card to get that paid down.

Progress/Timeline so far:
Received previous vaccination records: check.
Make appointment to see travel doctor: in progress - timeframe to complete is mid-late May to first/second week of June.
Get my yellow card: June
Buy STA travel insurance for 1 year: sometime in June
Apply for Indonesian visa and Vietnam visa: mid-late June/early July.

Fortunately, there are consulates for both countries that I need visas for in Manhattan.  I've never visited a consulate to obtain a visa before so I'm not sure how that works exactly.  Can you just walk in during business hours?  I was thinking to visit ahead of applying for a visa just to obtain paperwork, ask about the timeframe of receiving a visa, etc.  Doing my due diligence and trying to be prepared to make obtaining a visa as smooth as possible.  Any suggestions on this topic are appreciated.

Short but sweet post this evening.  Time for bed... tomorrow will be an earlier morning that what I've been managing lately.   The city is wearing me down.

12 weeks, 3 days.

Have a good night.

Couple items left to fill in... it's ok; I've got a little time. 

Ragnar 2.0 - Richmond, VA (RVA)

Evening readers.  :)  

Work has been super busy.  The project I'm working on is beginning to wrap up which is going to be very fast.  But last weekend, and this weekend as well, I've been able to get away from the rush and madness that is NYC.  

Last weekend some colleagues and friends ran another Ragnar Trail Relay in Richmond, Virginia.  In contrast with our first Ragnar Trail in Wawayanda State Park last October which was cold and rainy, this Ragnar was HOT and HUMID.  But regardless, we had a great team put together and that makes or breaks the atmosphere of it all.  Thankfully, this one was also a blast!  Each person finishing a leg of the race was pretty much soaked in sweat.  

The state park didn't have any shower facilities open and so by the end of the 28 hour relay, each person was so completely sticky and stinky and...well, you get the picture.  Wowza!  I had to shower so I used a waist high faucet and cold water to wash some of the smell off of my so I could stand myself.  

I ran my three loops from about 12:00-1:30, then 10:00pm to about 11:30, and the last loop from about 6:30am to about 8:00am.  The first loop was super humid and hot; had to run in just my shorts and sport bra.  I fought cramping for the first couple miles and the heat in the end.  I poured cold water from the water stations on my head and down my back.  Second loop at ~10pm was cooler but still humid.   Last loop was again hot and humid and my knees hurt, my shins hurt, my feet hurt... at least my hips didn't hurt.  

Anyway, 13 weeks left till I'm done with work and head out to experience some serious adventure and world travel.   Super excited.  

Going to try to keep up with work over the next few weeks.  Wish me luck.  

I decided to not attempt my first triathlon; final deliverables for my project somehow managed to be due the week before the triathlon meaning long hours, possibly weekend work, and less than adequate preparation for such a challenge.  It's slightly aggravating.  So, I live to do another triathlon another day.  In the meantime, I'll start going back to the gym this week and keep myself in some sort of shape for the Tough Mudder Half that I'll be doing in later July.  But that will be better since I will have time to do a good amount of cycling which always builds up my leg strength and endurance.   So, now I just have to squeeze in a ride now and then.  

Counting down the weeks...  Until next time.  

Dad came to support and cheer us on!

Finishing my first lap - super sweaty.

Our Awesome Ragnar Team!

Few of the good pictures put together.  

Ragnar 2.0 Collage

  

Just an Update

Good evening folks. 

Not too much to report since my last post regarding travel stuff.  Personally, it's been an eventful month.  

I ended up moving out of my last place on extremely short turn-around.  I'm going to leave it at that.  I'm done going over it.  

I'm very happy where I live now though.  It all works out.  

Count down is currently: 18 weeks and 2 days.  

With travel stuff, you know that I booked my airfare and a 30-day tour of southeast Asia.  The update right now is that I've collected the records for my previous vaccinations.  Now, I have to find a doctor who can consult and grant an international "yellow card" which indicates my vaccinations.  Hoping I don't have to get too many additional vaccinations, but we'll see.  

I knew I didn't have much to post, but I didn't really expect it to be this short.  

Ragnar 2.0 is a month away; Triathlon 1.0 is 2 months away; I ended up signing up with a couple friends for a Tough Mudder Half which will be at the end of July.  It's going to be a blast.  

That's pretty much it for now.  One more thing; it sounds so cliche to me when folks say you meet people for a reason.  I mean, yea I've believed them, but it never really seemed to happen to me.   Well, I'm starting to believe that.  Seems like within the last year and a half that I've met people who have given me some bit of wisdom or guidance or practical knowledge or direction or just working together with colleagues which I have ended up using my knowledge from that experience to manage my way through subsequent experiences.  

The latest experience?  Well, my new roommate is a personal trainer.  The trainers I've been working with at the gym I go to don't really talk about preparing for my triathlon in the aspects of nutrition and pre- and post-exercise stretching.   My roommate looks on aghast as I tell her this!  So now, I'm learning about preparing my body even better for this triathlon.  

Things keep coming to me!  Lately, I am constantly (ok, not constantly, but more than usual) hungry for very substantial meals - I'm talking serious carbohydrates with gluten.  For a while (probably about 2 years ago maybe - that's a guess) I completely cut gluten out of my diet and it helped manage my weight and taught me how to cook without it.  I gradually began eating gluten but pretty limited.  Up until beginning of March, I'd say I was probably 70-80% gluten free.  Cutting something out of your diet teaches you new things... it's all a learning experience!   

Anyway - so lately I've been eating bagels for breakfast instead of just some fresh fruit and maybe yogurt with granola.  Gosh it has been hitting the spot!  Oh, I've also noticed that I'm scarfing down my food - not good.  I have to consciously slow myself down while I'm eating.  Also not the best, but I expect that August 5th, I'll eat a little more slowly.  Hahaha...  

Ok, that's really it for now.  

Have a great night. 

Slight Change of Plans ("Fiscally Sound")

So, slightly unexpected but... I set the date I'm leaving the US (for an extended temporary period) in stone yesterday! So now, the first two months of my world travel is all set!  Paid for?...well, I'm getting there. 

I learned that Global Nomadic partners with Student Travel Association.  So I thought why not go visit them and see what I can find out.  I went to their storefront downtown.  I visited a couple times; first time was either last week or beginning of this week.  He gave me a couple books (Europe, Asia, and Australia/New Zealand) to look at and said I should try to nail down some dates for when I'll be where.... pretty hard to do if you're trying to keep an open schedule. 

So I printed out a 2018 calender and started strategizing.  I thought I was ready to go back to STA travel to put something on hold or put a deposit down.   So yesterday, after work, I headed down to STA again.   There was a promotion going on with G Adventures.  The fine print was that it had to be for a trip departing in 2017, not 2018.  My initial conceptual plans were falling slightly apart in front of my eyes!  How to work around this??  

Here's how it turned out.   Instead of jumping straight into the deep end of adventure travel by trekking in Nepal, I adjusted my trip so that I start with a 30-day guided small group tour of up to 18 people.   This tour, called IndoChina Discovery, starts and ends in Bangkok, Thailand but tours through Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.  Cambodia wasn't on my list of places to visit, but that's fine.   I'm good with adding a country to my list of places visited.   

This tour goes from October 15 through November 13.   This works out perfectly; the price of the 30-day tour was less at this date than in January 2018, and the airfare for JFK -> Bangkok -> Bali was $1,500 less than JFK to Kathmandu to Bali.  It also works out with my Global Nomadic volunteer internship start date of November 17th in Ubud, Bali.  The next thing I need to do is buy airfare from Bali to Taiwan so that I can apply for the Indonesian visa which you need a departing ticket to get.  

I'm not sure when I'll do trekking in Nepal; it is still on the list for sure.  Possibly in February between hopping from New Zealand to Europe.  I really don't know where it will fit in now, but it's ok.  I have months to figure that out.  

So, I'm set!  I fly out of JFK on October 12th in the evening and probably won't come back to March!  Wohooo!!  Oh yea!  I'm so stinking excited now.