Travel Strategy

I'm changing my travel strategy.

Up to now (and including today) the formula has been this-

Check one suitcase
Carry on one bag

I've split my crap between the two bags with shirts going in the carry on. All other clothes, fishing gear, shoes, etc go in the William Joseph roller bag. It is 6000 cubic inches and the bottom compartment will fit 4 rods.

The problem is- because of its size, it's always very near the max weight.....as I pack the light stuff in the carry on....but the carry on still isn't light. Additionally, the carry on doesn't carry as well as I'd like- the shoulder strap is too long for someone my height- and the bag hits my knees as I walk. Last but not least- its difficult to access critical items from this bag while in the standing position with said shoulder strap over your shoulder.

The deal with this bag though is- its an $800 leather duffel bag made by Cole Haan. Granted, I got it for half off of half off of half off cause I'm crafty like that....but make no mistake- you walk through the airport with this bag and even Jeff McHale will stop and applaud. It's now been to the US, Japan, Shanghai, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and the Philippines. CH carry on has clocked more miles than a rusty '62 Chevy truck but still looks like a Ferrari that's just been been washed and waxed.

And the chicks.....

Anyway, the new plan is this- check 2 bags. Carry on a simple backpack. Simplify. Less is more.

The only items carried on will be specific to the 17 or so hours of travel:

-passport
-phone with SIM cards
-pen
-iPad
-Gameboy
-socks
-hat
-misc chargers
-a mix of meds that maybe will help sleep
-snacks
-quintessential hoodie

And that's it. Ain't nobody got time for a bunch of shirts, and random useless other crap.

Funny side note- as I went to take a photo of the bag, I notices the shoulder strap is adjustable!!

Single Speed

I don't know what's up with me and bikes lately.

I bought a "29er" mountain bike....which is way sweet. I'm keeping it at kris' for now so I can use it when I'm home.

Today I walked down to Factory Five- a local "single speed" bike shop here in Shanghai. They have some cool bikes! All custom built- and for way cheaper that what you find in the US.

Generally, single speeds are cheaper cause you don't have all the extra parts...shifters, derailers, shocks, etc. it's bare bones- handlebar, maybe a brakes....that's about it.

A single speed is perfect for shanghai because this is the flattest city in the world. There isn't a hill for 2000 miles!

All that said, here is what my master plan is- I'm going to pick up a "free coaster". Don't tell Sarah- she'll be pissed.

Thanks,

Calee

Long flight

We got in to the North Island of New Zealand.

That was a long flight.

Some kid yelling and crying all night- his mom threatening death wouldn't even stop him. Poor kid.

In the lounge now waiting for our connection and am realizing I must be in a horrible mood.

Here is a special message to the lady on my left- YOU CAN'T SCRAPE COFFE OUT OF A CUP WITH A SPOON! JUST DRINK IT FOOL!

One more for the dude across the way:

Dear Sir,

In my 34 years, 4 months on this earth, I've never heard someone flip the pages of a newspaper as loudly as you are right now. How did you acquire such a skill? And how has someone not told you already that you suck?

Thank you,

Calee

Also, how did this little corner of the world get to be I dominated by white people?

Seriously- this lounge must have 200 people in it and not a one if them is talking.....it's classic English/British freak show. Why DO the crowds at soccer games always sing? That's dumb.

Finally, I downloaded a free app- Magic Jack. It lets you make free calls over wifi. Pretty cool- works decent!

Look who's back!

We are back in china! This calls for a blog post.

The air here is gross.

Enough about CN.

Check it, I've never been a knife carrier....you know the guy, always has it clipped on the inside of his pocket. The dude who's quick to find any excuse to pull out his EDC (every day carry)....

Well that all changed recently. Why? I have no idea. All of a sudden I felt like I needed to carry around a dumb knife. I think it has something to do with traveling a lot- being in unfamiliar places often....I find that carrying familiar "things" makes me feel a little more comfortable.

Anyway- I had a knife Eric gave me, one that he's had for ever. I was gonna rock it but couldn't stomach the possibility of it being lost/broken/stolen/whatever....so I gave it back.

I landed on a simple Benchmade folding knife. It's one of their most popular, basic knives. It was on sale at the jeep dealership- not sure why they are selling knives....but maybe that's why it was 50% off!

All good....except that I decided to google it. Wanted to see what people are saying about it....see how much $$ I saved on it....check out the specs.....next thing I know I'm using google translate to send an email and complete an order form to some dude in Germany who makes custom grips specifically for this knife.

That's right. I have too much time on my hands. This is what you do when you live in China and don't have a job. Don't ask me.....but the handle I ordered IS pretty sweet- made of "micarta", a mix of fiberglass and carbon fiber.....