Day 15: Reflecting on my situation

Today I felt almost back to normal. I'm getting use to controlling my diabetes using old fashion injections but still eagerly await for my pump to arrive.

Over the last couple days I've been doing a bit of reflection on my situation. It seems India forces you to reflex on your situation after everything you see here. The biggest point of reflection for me so far was when my insulin pump went down and I was forced to fight for control of my body. I'm glad in a way that everything has happened as it forced me to remember how well off I really am. Diabetes is all over India as it is a lot of countries, but here it can take all of a families income simply to purchase the most basic of supplies like insulin and syringes. If I had been born into a family, like one of the many found in India, that couldn't afford the medicine there is a good chance I wouldn't be alive today.

It's amazing the things we complain about when those who have so much less, according to our standards, can be so happy. I remember some of the biggest smiles I've ever seen from the children in the slums of Mumbai. At that time I couldn't believe that someone with so little could be so happy but I am starting to understand it now.

 Insulin Pump Update: It had cleared customs in New Delhi earlier today and is now in transit.

Day 14: Anjuna Markets

Interesting sites along the way

Today was Wednesday! If it wasn't for others at the hostel I would never know what day of the week it was.

Wednesday is particularly importation as this is when the Goa famous 'flee market' in Anjuna, which is the area I'm staying in, takes place.

After getting some food, and finalizing travel arrangements for some others, a group of us headed off to the market. I thought it would be easy to find but after asking locals for directions we were pointed down some unknown back-roads that I've never seen before. Along the way we met a dog, who responded to 'Foxy', that literally guided us all the way to the market.

It still isn't busy season here in Anjuna so the five of us where a large portion of all the foreigners there. We of course gathered lots of attention, some of the most heard lines today were 'come look my shop' and 'friend, just look. you promised. okay?'. At one point I ran into one of the merchant women who knew my name then suddenly all the others caught on, 'Simon. Simon. Come look my shop.'

I ended up buying three new t-shirts and a straw hat in the market for a total of 360rs ($8).

My new KingFisher t-shirt

Interesting fact: in India I'm an XL-XXL, which seems ridiculous considering I'm a medium back home.

Insulin pump update: I just check my FedEx tracking and my insulin pump has just arrived in New Delhi. If I get it within the next couple days I will be able to join up with some friends from the hostel heading south. The pump may have gotten to India fast, but India has a habit of doing everything in a very slow and inefficient manner. 

Day 13: Coping without an insulin pump

Waking up my body feels stiff and slightly painful to move. It's the feeling you get when your blood sugar is 4-5 times that of a normal person. I took it easy today trying to cope with not having an insulin pump and figure out the right dosages that I should be giving with my 'back-up back-up' plan.

I would like to thank my parents for all the help they have given. Last night I was calling the company who manufactures the insulin pump but the connection was terrible as was their service. The company, Minimed, ended up disconnecting on their end once followed by two more representatives simply hanging up on me because they didn't want to deal with my case. My Indian cellphone credits where running low so I gave my final call to my parents back home and they worked everything out, including having the new insulin pump shipped to me in India with a tracking number. They also went out to a diabetic clinic to find out the right dosages for me to be taking so I have some sort of benchmark to use. So thank you mom and dad as you were, quite literally, life savers.

Current insulin pump location: Just arrived in Paris, France

The #1 road hazard, cows!

On the bright side I bought some new clothes today as the local varity is light and made for the weather (also I really don't feel like washing my other clothes). I bought two pairs of pants, two shirts, and a pair of Crocs which have dalmatians on them (when you are a size 12 in India your choices are quite narrow). Everything came to a total of 700rs ($15), I overpaid a bit as I wasn't in prime bargaining mode but everyone at the hostel was still impressed with how low I can get things for.

About twelve of us from the hostel went out for supper together tonight at a nice resort that has its own private beach. I ordered some baked rock crab with a side of steamed veggies, for 200rs ($4), and it was absolutely amazing! It was some of the freshest green vegetables I've for weeks and the crab was stuffed with a mix of meat, spices, and cheese. Talking about cheese, I went to Dominos for pizza earlier in the day for lunch. I ordered cheese crust bbq chicken, for 300rs ($6.5), but forgot that food here is never done quite the same as back home. I took my first bite and cheese shot out everywhere! Instead of just cheese filled crust the entire dough was filled with cheese. 

That's it for today, hopefully I'm feeling better tomorrow and can get back to the beach life.

Day 12: Worst Case Scenario

Today started off great but ended with one of my worst fears coming true.

Four other travelers and I where planning to leave for the ruins in Hampi this Wednesday but those plans aren't looking so good for me anymore.

For those of you who don't already know I have type 1 Diabetes (Juvenile onset via my genetics) and use an insulin pump to control it. Yesterday my pump stopped working because of moisture/water that got inside of it, as soon as I got back to my hostel I took out a back-up pump I brought only to find out it no longer works. I'm currently on my 'back-up back-up' plan but it's a method I haven't used for a good 10 years now.

Things are a bit rough right now but I've decided to stay in India and work out for a new insulin pump to be shipped to me here in Goa, India. I will be staying in Goa trying to keep things under control until the new insulin pump arrives. They said it will hopefully be here by the end of the week, if I contact the Canadian Consulate to get customs to put it through quickly. Once it arrives I will be able to continue my travels in India and will head down south.

- Simon

Day 11: the Canadian invasion

Random heart shaped rock formation

Out of all the backpackers I met in Mumbai not a single one was from, or had been to, Canada.

I woke up this morning and was introduced to some new arrivals at the hostel right after I took a shower. I spent a good 10-15 minutes talking with a couple guys that came in from Montreal Canada, hope they didn't mind all I had on was a towel that was being blow around in the wind.

Stuffed Calamari, Mmmm.. ($3)

Moments later while walking back to my room I ran into two other Canadians that had just moved into the dorms last night, two gals from Alberta. I was quite surprised to meet other people from the prairies. They invited me to join them for breakfast and we ended up spending the rest of the day on the beach, frequently running into others people that I know.

Anjuna reminds me of my home city in the way that you always run into someone you know on practically every street.

Day 10: Being a beach hippy

I found checked out a new place to eat that was hidden away on the beach, one of the best breakfasts I've ever had (a mix of spicy potatoes,eggs, toast, mushrooms, bacon, and tea) for 150rs ($3).

Random Signs ("White Negro")

I ran into Sarah and Claudia again, who I had met at the trainstation in Mumbai. They decided to join me in Anjuna and checked into the hostel right beside mine.

Most the day was spent eating and drinking followed by some beach football with some people from england. We were also able to convince a restaurant owner to put on the football games today and gathered a small crowed of Europeans. The locals looked puzzled as they walked by us.

Beaches are still just for us

It was the last night for a few people at our hostel so we went to the furtherest bar in Anjuna which was playing some trance music. After a couple hours we got the bright idea to head over to a 'close-by' beach, we never made it all the way as there are never taxis when you actually need them. We stumbled through the dark for a while before coming across some random lights on the seashore that turned out to be a little bar where we spent the rest of our night/morning.

Day 9.5: the rain stops

The rain stopped early this afternoon and some new people had just checked into the hostel so we decided to take a road trip up to Old Goa.

Originally we jumped on a local bus but we grew inpatient with the contestant stopping and waiting for what seemed forever so we opted for a taxi halfway from Anjuna to Old Goa. Most of us are about a week in to traveling in India and  thought it would be a good time to practice bartering with the taxi drivers. We ended up getting one, after turning down several others, for the same price locals would pay (around 12rs per km + 20rs per hour of waiting on us). Split between the four of us the taxi was really cheap. 

On the way back we decided to stop at a beach along the way and starting drinking and eating out way back to the hostel. The final bar we stopped at had some of the worst, and though very entertaining, karaoke I've ever heard. Indian's seem to sing in a very monotone voice and the Indian gals where stumbling around the beach drunk after only one or so beers.

Not to sure what I'll be doing tomorrow but Goa is starting to grow on me. I will have to book a train ticket out of here soon or I may just stay here forever.

Day 9: Rainy Days

The rain woke me in the middle of the night, pounding on the thin roof of my hostel room.

Sitting on the hostel porch

A good number of the backpackers from my hostel are leaving today, but more always seem to come and everyone of them just as friendly as the last.

It doesn't look like it will stop raining anything soon, but it's not even noon yet so there is hope. Most of us are using the time to plan the rest of our trip while hanging around the common areas of our hostel.


Note of prices in Goa: Accomodation varies greatly depending on the season. It starts rising around October then sky rockets during late November through January. Everyone I've met agrees that food is more expensive here as it is targeted towards tourists, but is still cheap by western standards. I usually pay $3-4 for a meal that is more than I can finish with a large beer included. Beer in Goa is the cheapest out of all the Indian states, around 40rs($0.90) for a large kingfisher, 45rs($1) for a large extra strong kingfisher (8% alcohol).

As a foreigner when buying things in India always check the package for MSRP! It seems to be printed on all packaged goods and can save you a lot of money by taking away their bargaining power. This is generally the price locals pay and if you can find it on the package it will be the price you pay as well.

Watching the sunset on the beach

Day 8: Enjoying Goa

The beaches and general atmosphere in Goa is amazing! The hostel I am stay at, EverShine, is not only cheap (260rs or $6 per night) but also has a great backpacker community.

Sea side Cafes

I'm not going to go into detail as there are so many stories already and it would take forever to type. To sum it up Goa is still in the early season which I love. It's not yet busy but has enough people to always be doing something. Most of today was spend relaxing and eating at the beach-side cafes. Last night was a bit rough as a dozen or so of us from all different parts of the world played drinking games, namely Sociables/KingsCup/RingofFire.

Endless beaches just for us

Day 6-7: Leaving Mumbai for Goa Time

On Tuesday I finally got a mobile phone SIM card for India! I don't have anyone's number, and can't remember mine right now either, so I will be sending off some messages for those of you who may want it. Please also email/FaceBook msg me your cellphone number if you feel like keeping in touch. International text and talk is dirt cheap; something like 6rs($0.11)/min for talk and 5rs($0.10)/text msg.

Outside Prince of Whales Museum

In the morning I made it to a couple of the museums that I had tried the day before, but this time they were actually open! There is a great little Monetary Museum that was free entry and probably my favorite of the day. I also made it to the much over hyped Prince of Whales museum. It was interesting as it showed much of India's rich history but for the amount of entrance fee (Indians-10rs Foreigners-300rs + 200rs for a camera licence) I don' think it was worth it.


I got to the train-station about 8 hours early for my train to Goa. Originally I was just going to check out the waiting room and go explore the Colbra/Fort region more, but instead I ran into two female backpackers from "Austria..not Australia" they said. Apparently a lot of travelers and locals they have met get the two mixed up! They were waiting for the same train so we spent the rest of the day together, they even taught me how to play Uno and share in my interest of 'people watching' which has proven to be one of the best forms of entertainment in India.

Upper Berth - AC2 Class

The train from Mumbai to Goa was 14 hours long, but it was over night so the cost of the ticket just replaced what would have been spent on a hostel for the night. The tickets where around 1100rs($25) for AC2 which is one of their nicest classes of train they offer (although it would be below acceptable standards in most western countries). There was a huge cockroach, for the entire trip, trapped in the reading light right above my head, so I listened to music and talked with others in my berth.

Arrival in Goa: Sarah, Claudia, and I all got off at a small train station and we split ways. With the two of them going a little more south than I. We did get the chance to swap contact info though and they called to say they would be coming up to see me towards the weekend.

What a difference Goa is from Mumbai. It almost seems like a left India when I arrived in the hippy center of Goa which is Anjunna. Beer is cheap and times are looking good.

Day 5: Bull Market

I left my hostel at 9am and spent the entire day running around trying to see things while also getting the last remaining errands done.

The Canadian consulate took a nice chunk of my time only to tell me that they might not beable to help me, but I'm free to go back tomorrow and waste more time trying to get their help in changing my visa to a multiple entry. 

Gate surrounding stock exchange

Made it down to a couple of the museums only to find out they are closed on Mondays, but the Mumbai Stock Exchange was near by so it wasn't a complete waste of time. The streets around the building have barricades that only allow pedestrians and not cars through. It was surrounded by guards who where sporting some heavy automatic rifles, which is a common scene in Mumbai but not in these numbers. I managed to snap a shot behind the building before a guard rushed over with his rifle, making it quite clear that pictures are not allowed. 

It seems pictures aren't allowed in a lot of the major sites and public places. I can only guess this is because of the bombing that took place a couple years ago.

I crossed over infront of the stock exchange to a little air-conditioned snack bar and ordered two samosas and a can of 'pinapple mango orange' juice for a total of 45rs ($1). There was a lack of seating available so I joined two young Indian women at their table. Their English was great and so was the conversation as I soon found out they worked in the stock exchange. 

Watch where you step!

Several hours later I was back by Victoria Station searching for a mobile phone. I ended up getting a brand new samsung cellphone for 1,300rs($28) but couldn't manage to buy a SIM card. Pre-paid SIM cards are everywhere but the identification you have to provide to get one is crazy. The list of things I will have to bring tomorrow: passport (with visa), photocopy of passport, 2 passport photos, hotel receipt, and they also suggested I bring another government photo ID just in case.

By 5pm my legs where getting weak from all the heat and having to dodge traffic, merchants, and other pedestrians all day. I am back at my hostel to shower and recharge (Mango juice is amazing for regaining energy) before I head back out for the night.

Favorite moment of the day so far: Being abruptly ran off the road by two huge bulls pulling a man on a bicycle in front of the stock exchange. (Those of you who know stock market/finance terminology will also appreciate this with me, ha ha)

Day 4: Crawford Market

I'm happy to say I finally got a full night of sleep last night! Seems like my body is finally switching timezones.

In the early morning Nathan and I went wondering down the street markets but almost all of the shops seem to be closed on Sundays. Instead of continuing to search we opted for the Citi Mall, which cost only 45rp($1) to get to in a taxi from Hotel New Bengal. There was a pharmacy beside the mall so I finally got my much needed Malaria medications for less than 1/10th of what it would have cost if I got them while in Canada. [12 weeks of medication for 770rs($14)]

Crawford Market

Getting taxi drivers to use their meter is getting a lot easier than it had been over the past couple days.

When arriving back at our hostel I checked out the Crawford Market for the first time. Although the market is known as the fruit and veg market it also has live animals, meat (or as Indians call it 'non-veg'), and a black market (which sells watches, jewelry, electronics, and some less legal things).

'Not for Eating' they tell me.

When mid afternoon approached Nathan finally had to depart for his train to Rajasthan (a northern desert state) for the remainder of his journey in India. I wish him the best of luck and hope he enjoys the rest of his trip.

Favorite purchase of today: A silver lightly patterned wool shawl imported from Kashmir. The original price was 1000rs($20) but I was able to get it for 275rs($6) after some heavy negotiations, walking away (then being called back, twice), and having the benifit of first sale of the day on my hand (which merchants consider luckly thus giving more leeway during negotiations).

I'm so exausted from all the heat and walking today. I've been going through 3-5Ls of fluids per day. I think it's about time to pass out for tonight, take care.

Day 3: Still in Mumbai

I keep loosing track of what day it is. Once again only got 2-3 hours of sleep, if that, as I was up all night sweating and researching where to go next.

I went down for breakfast at a simple restaurant next door to my hostel and decided to start up a conversation with a fellow who looked like he had been traveling for a while. Turns out his name is Matthew, from the UK, and he is just finishing his time in India after six months. He was more than happy to share his experiences both good and bad with me. He has traveled to every populated continent and said India has been, by far, the most difficult place he's stayed. He told me about his first week, trusting those he shouldn't have, loosing all his money, breaking down and wanting to give up then finding a way to turn it into his favorite most exciting trip yet.

It was exactly what I needed. During my first few days in India I have experienced some major break downs mixed in with some of the most wonderful moments. India seems to be a land of contrast, always switching back from one extreme to the other in every way possible. Last night I wondered why I was even in India and if I should just go somewhere else, or back home. After talking with Mathew I was re-energized, he said the best way to cope with the chaos is to simply "let it all go and just go with the flow".

I had to run some errands on my own today, the most exciting was booking a ticket at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (prevously known as the Victoria Trainstation). The trainstation is a World Heritage site, of UNESCO, as well as the busiest in the world with more than 2 million people passing through it each day!

Week almost 3 weeks of not shaving

All of Mumbai is a maze of sorts, but being a foreign tourist has its benefits. Whenever I am lost someone will ask me where I'm looking for, if they don't know where it is they will find someone who does. Always taken with a grain of salt, but so far 95% of the locals are very friendly (with the other 5% being on the contrasting side).

No pictures today as I left my camera in my room, so instead i"ll throw in one with an update on my beard. (See picture to the right)

I have a train booked for mid(ish) next week.. hmm.. I really need to keep track of dates better. Until then I'll keep exploring the urban jungle that is Mumbai.

Day 2: Mumbai gets better

I only slept for 2-3 hours last-night. Finally got out of bed after laying there for hours and tried to get into the shower. After waiting for what seemed like forever I finally got in, I hate common bathrooms. Not only do I have to squat on for the toilets, but I also have to squat to fit in the shower.

Gateway of India

After getting that out of the way I took a taxi with Nathan to the Gateway of India, I hailed it right in-front of the traffic cops so he would have to use the meter. A note to those traveling to this area, the men 'selling postcards' by the Gateway of India are actually drug dealers, which get very annoying. We boarded a boat for Elephanta Islands which cost 160rs($3.50) return plus 250rs($5.50) to enter. It started to pour rain as we got off the boat but stopped just as we arrived at the entrance. After buying some roasted corn-on-the-cob and a cheap drink we headed in.

We where than confronted with a monkey. He grabbed for my corn but I was hungry so I avoided his attack and he went for Nathan's instead. I ended up loosing mine a couple minutes later when confronted with several more hungry monkey thieves. Lesson learned I thought, don't eat around monkeys. A little ways up in the boiling humid heat I pull out my drink, not a second later a monkey flys through the air and grabs it! He then proceeded to unscrew the top and drink my earlier purchase.


After arriving back from the island we wondered around the tourist area and came upon a McDonalds, sorry but there food is intense and I needed a break. On the way out I stopped to talk with two others who looked slightly out of place. They were 22 year old female backpackers from the Netherlands, after our short chat they decided to join us on our search for a game of cricket. We didn't find cricket, but they turned out to be great company. We spend the evening on Mumbai's watershore. The sound of the waves and friendly conversation were almost enough to drown out the non-stop taxi honking and general noise that is Mumbai.

My fellow travelers!

It's about time I move on to another city. I payed for an additional night at my hostel, 775rs($17) to figure out where I am going and to get some train tickets tomorrow.

I will miss those who I've met and experienced Mumbai with over the past couple days, but with new places comes new friendships.

Day 1: Hello Mumbai

I woke up around 5pm, not hungry even though it's been a while since I've ate, but thirsty. The thick Mumbai air sits on me like an unwanted blanket as I laid in my bed sweating profoundly. I had bought four 1L bottles of water the night before, for 15rs($0.30) each. I turned on my tv and then an odd music grew louder. At first i thought it was one of my neighbors playing music, but then with a loud BANG it became evident. There was a festival out on the street! I have arrived in Mumbai during their biggest 11 day festival, for the goddess Ganesh.

Pretty sure that's shaving cream. But they, whatever works.

I ran out of my room to the common balcony area . This is were I ran into Nathan, he is from the UK(studying in Seattle) and was on my plane from Amsterdam to Mumbai the night before!  We decided to go down to the street and getting a better view. It was my first experience crossing a busy street in Mumbai. Traffic weaved in and out swiftly, as did we, while crossing. We made it!

A Mumbai street, they are ALL busy..

On of the many groups I danced with!

We followed those celebrating for a block then wondered off on our own down the crowed market streets. Several hours, and many memories later, i arrive back in my hostel. I will try to post pictures because there was so much more done today than i can explain in words. The locals are very friendly for the most part. I danced with several groups of indians who where eager to teach my their dancing on the streets.

After arriving back at the hostel I went for supper next door with Nathan. We ordered 'veg' dishes in an attempt to stop sickness, as i write this is has been a couple hours since I ate and i'm still feeling good.

Sorry for the lack of editing, but my netbook is about to die and I don't have an adapter to plug it in yet. Wait.. how will i set an alarm for tomorrow? Gah, so many things I took for granted back home.

Fireworks are everywhere, how is Mumbai not burnt down yet?

I have no idea what tomorrow will bring but i look forward to finding out.

Hope all is well back home.

Day 0: Arriving in Mumbai

The journey to India was a long one, but atleast it was filled with some interesting people and moments. I met a couple in their 80's who were traveling from Minneapolis to Venice (Italy) where they first met. On the way to Amsterdam I sat beside a fellow who works for Porsche, we shared many interesting conversations during that 8 hour flight. Once I arrived in Amsterdam i was exhausted. I had barley slept the night before I left but didn't want to sleep now, that had to wait till Mumbai. Within a couple hours after my arrival in Amsterdam my flight to Mumbai started boarding.. I was the only western in slight. Before letting me on the plane they pulled me aside and started questioning me. Why was i traveling alone? where was I staying? Why was i sweating? For that last one I simply told him I was Canadian and found it oddly warm there. He then proceeded to take all my debit and creditcards then went off to consult with his coworker. They would talk, stop, then look over their shoulders at me before asking me more questions. They finally proceeded to let me though, after a full 360 degree ex-ray scan. (also, I have been physically searched at every airport including Saskatoons, what up with that?)

My flight to Mumbai was my first culture shock. Luckily I was seated with an Indian women, my age, who was very helpful in walking me through how to eat all the ethnic food they served during the flight.

Basic room @ Hotel New Bengal, 775rs.($18/night)

I arrive in Mumbai with the notion that everyone is going to scam me in some way. I got a prepaid taxi to my hotel, the actual ride will have to be saved for another time. The hotel was somewhat disappointing at first. Clean, by Indian standards, but very basic. There are no bugs, but my walls are made of plywood. (and as i am typing this there goes the power.. again..)

Umm, caging at the top for ventilation? 

At the time of writing 'day-0' in my paper-form journal I was disappointed by Mumbai. As much as I first questioned why I would come to India i'm glad to know that has changed by the first 'real' day. (more on that next post)

Departing for India!

I am leaving for the airport in a couple of minutes, my flight departs at 5:50am.

It will be a full day of travel, with 4-6 hour layovers in both Minneapolis then Amsterdam before finally arriving in Mumbai at 11pm Wednesday night. It may be a couple of days until my next update just to get my bearings sorted out.

Last minute packing frenzy!

I have been running around all day trying to get my last minute errands done while also meeting friends over coffee and eating as much beef as possible.

I'm still not packed, but it's getting closer. I won't be posting an exact list of what I'm taking right now as I still have so much to do and time is in limited supply.

Here is a picture of my current progress:

Cutting down and reorganizing my gear.

10 hours till departure!

Gathering Gear: Netbook

Over the summer I have been prowling on the local online classified ads trying to find a cheap netbook that I could take with me to India. After a couple of months of looking I ran upon an ad for a Hannspree 10" netbook. The owner had bought both a Mac Book Air and this netbook at the same time. He seemed to have quite a bit of money and just wanted to get rid of the netbook, it was exactly what I had been waiting for.

It's fast and was in mint condition so I bought it for $120. I will be hauling this around India with me to keep in touch with others and keep the blog up-to-date (with updates every 1-2 days while abroad).

I'm keeping it short today as I have a ton of packing and other things to do before I go!

It's now less than two days until I leave for India.

Budgeting for India

Deciding on a daily budget for my trip to India was more difficult than expected. The inconsistency in information found on the web didn't help; some were saying you could no longer travel India on less than $60/day while others reported traveling on less then $10/day. The range in travel costs seems to be from the regional variance in prices along with personal standards of living. Looking at Mumbai, which is where I will be flying in and out of, prices are similar, if not higher for accommodation, then seen in north american cities.

Not having any sort of itinerary planned out has made the task of picking an average daily budget that much more difficult. I ended up taking the middle ground of the many recommendations found on the internet and in guidebooks, settling on $30/day. I have nothing against spending a couple nights in places that others may consider 'unacceptable', for living conditions, if it's necessary to balance the budget part way through the trip. Overall, I plan on staying in decently clean low end non-air conditioned hostels/hotels with a small private room and eating where the locals eat.

I hope that tracking the details of my expenses while abroad and publishing them online will help others who are traveling to India in the future.

Note: I included 15-20% 'surplus fund' in my savings plan in case I run into problems in India and need the cash. If it's not needed during the trip it will stay in my bank account and be used as a cushion for the first couple weeks when I arrive back home.

Last day at the office

Today is my last day going into the office.

Cleaning out the office

My boss has offered to take all my coworkers and myself out for lunch since it's my last day. I think I will pick an all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant, its something I may not be able to find again for several months. I will have to clean out my office by the end of the day; by the time I come back my company may have made the move to a new building and I will have a brand new office space to call my own.

As an accountant and business student I have become accustom to wearing a shirt and tie almost every day over the last couple years. The next three months will be an interesting change, wearing 'backpacker clothing' that will be washed by hand in a sink or bucket.

I also stopped shaving just over a week ago. I figure this trip may be the only time I can get away with three months of not shaving, so why not give it a go? You'll be able to see the progression of my 'lack of shaving' from the pictures I start to post while abroad.

Four more nights before I board my plane to India.

Gathering Gear: Misc. Items

I just received my order from Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC), full of random goodies that I had ordered for my trip.

Airline Tote - $18

The original reason I bought this was to store my bag inside of for my flight to and from India. While it will still be used for its original intended use it will also be getting used on a regular basis throughout my trip! There will be a variety of times when I have to leave my bag alone, whether it be in hostels or bag rooms at train stations. With my bag having no easy way to lock all the openings I will just throw it in this plain-looking, soon to be dirty, bag, put a lock on the zipper and everything will be secured!


Alpine Rain-cover (for my Aether 60L pack) - $15

The alpine raincover from MEC will be serving two purposes during my trip in India. First, it will be a raincover! No surprise there..

Its second use will be to help keep my bag secure from pickpockets and thieves. After putting the cover on my backpack I realized it does a good job of covering all the zippers and top-loading drawstring. I will be keeping this cover on my bag even when there is no rain in the forecast to make my bright orange backpack standout less and cover any zippers/openings that lead inside my pack.


Hikers Mosquito net - $20

At first I was on the fence about whether or not I should buy a mosquito net. From what research I've done on the internet it seems the majority of other travelers didn't use their net, discarding them halfway into their trips. After some though, I bought one from MEC for $20. I have a feeling that with my budget, or rather lack of, I will be staying at my fair-share of shady and rundown hostels. I hope this mosquito net will not only keep away those possibly carrying Malaria, which is on the rise in India, but also save me from waking up to a cockroach, or other insect, running across my face.



Stuff sack, Mag-lite, TSA locks, releasable cable ties, and of course.. Canadian flags!

Stuff Sack, 9 liter ($8) - For my dirty laundry and hundreds of other random things.

TSA Locks ($10x2) - I bought two Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approved combination locks. TSA locks are great because they allow you to safely lock all your luggage on planes and trains. The workers at these facilities have a special master lock that can open your locks, without damaging them, if they need to inspect your bag. I bought a simple combo lock for my airline totes that shows me if they opened my bag during transit or not. The other lock is a retractable cable lock so I can secure my bag to benches, poles, etc while I sleep.

Releasable Cable Ties ($3 for 25) - These are like traditional plastic cable ties except instead of having to cut them off they have a release function! I'm confident these will come in handy during my trip for a multitude of things like tying up my mosquito net.

Mag-lite ($10) - It's a smaller mag-lite that uses AAA batteries. With the frequent power-cuts, and having to navigate dark back alleys, in India it may become one of my most used items. There is a good chance I will be buying a better one when I land, but this will serve as a good backup.

Canadian Flags ($1-3) - Cliché I know, but how could I resist?

Seven days and counting..

I woke up this morning to a slight churn in my stomach.

After months of talking about, and saving for, this trip it seemed more like a far away idea than a reality. It wasn't until this morning that it hit me; there are now only seven days until I leave for India, with no predetermined plans taking only what I am willing to carry on my back.

I'm incredibly excited to see what lies ahead, 7 days till departure.

Gathering Gear: Digital Camera

Seeing as my current digital camera is older than I care to admit, I thought it would be a wonderful time to pick its successor. Over the past couple weeks I went out and bought three cameras: the Sony WX1($220), Sony HX5($340), and Samsung ST550($280).

My choice, the Sony HX5!

I held on to all three of the cameras for seven days to compare their features and photo quality versus their respectable prices. The Samsung had a duel LCD screen, one being on the front, which is a rather attractive feature for those traveling solo. Unfortunately the photo quality and other features paled in comparison to the Sony cameras. With the Samsung out of the picture, no pun intended, it was down to the two Sony's.


In the end it really came down to size, WX1, versus extra features, HX5. I returned both the Samsung and Sony WX1 to the store, keeping the Sony HX5 for its impressive features and built in GPS which will come in handy for geotagging.

Planning my arrival in Mumbai

Warning: I tend to use the term 'planning' in a very vague sense.

I recently planned my arrival in Mumbai. By 'planning my arrival' I mean to say 'I booked a hostel for my first two nights in the city'. This might not seem like much planning for a three month trip in a foriegn country, but it's a nice break in routine for myself. My flight will touch down late into the night on September 14th, by the time I get through customs and exit the airport it will probably be 3am.

A small glimpse of the famous Crawford Market.

When booking my hostel they offered an airport pick up, warning me that I will most likely be tired and confused with considerable jet lag. Although this sounded pleasant, I had to decline. The prospect of an wild adventure from the airport in a cheap, and possibly crazy, taxi seems like a warm welcome to India.

My room? A simple double bed room, common bathroom, with a desk and lamp, all squeezed into a tiny room beside one of the busiest markets in Mumbai for 775rs($18).

Gathering Gear: Backpack

Here is it, my backpack of choice for India:
Osprey Aether 60L

I have been waiting almost a month for a backpack I ordered in through a local hiking store to arrive. The city I live in has a very limited selection of stores to choose from that stock quality backpacks, so I was getting quite distressed with my trip now less than two weeks away. After work yesterday I decided enough was enough, I headed over to the store to start looking at some other options. On the way to the store my phone rings, they just received my backpack from the dealer!

There are a couple of issues with the bag, mainly security and 'lockability'. Overall, I love the bag's design and how comfortable it is. I am currently brain storming to find some solutions to the security weak-points, I'll keep you updated on my progress!