The Trip: Gadgets Galore
I’m not a geek. I promise. I just want this trip project done right.
Anyone can travel cross country. Anyone can write about a cross-country trip.
But I want to write — a lot — during the trip. I want the reader to join me while I spend three, four, maybe five months meandering around one of the world’s most misunderstood countries. Another day on the road, another story from the road. And plenty of photos.
Maybe they’re out there, but I haven’t seen many projects like this on the internet. Not of the frequency and duration I am planning, at least. And definitely not in China. (Although I do believe it will actually be easier to pull something like this off in China than many other countries, even the U.S. In China, internet bars are found in the oddest and most obscure places. And Chinese mobile phone coverage is the most comprehensive I’ve ever seen.)
Still, I’m bringing with me a wide assortment of gadgets, things I think will make the project better and, in some cases, feasible. I’m listing the main ones below for your perusal. You know, the more I look at this, it just seems like an open letter to criminals: “Rob me!” I doubt, however, the average Chinese criminal spends much time reading weblogs … in English. But, on the off chance that a thief is reading this, I should have you know that one the gadgets listed below is really A BOMB! So, go ahead, try your luck.
In order to carry all of these tools, I actually had to go out and buy a pair of shorts, ones with plenty of pockets.
Hmmm. Maybe I am a geek. I don’t know: Check out the list, and you tell me.
07.17.2004, 11:52 AM · The Trip · Comments (9)
The Trip: Passport? Check. Visa? Check. Plan? Um, sort of.
OK. I’ve got all my documents in hand — passport, residence permit, alien employment permit — and they all seem pretty legit. Lots of red stamps. And, in China, red stamps are all you need.
So, I think I can say, without much hesitation, that the much-talked-about trip will finally get underway on Monday … and could be coming to a city near you soon! (If you live in China.)
Due to the delay, however, I think it is best if I revamp my original plans a bit. The course of this trip is partly being dictated by where I have contacts, people willing to take me in and show me around and answer some questions. And some of my contacts are students. If I would stick to my original plan, they would be back at school by the time I arrive at their hometown.
So the course has changed a little, but the aim has not: I will still be traveling all over China.
07.17.2004, 12:00 AM · The Trip · Comments (3)