Irreplaceable Travel Items

1. Sarong (Towel mark 2)

If you don't understand this, read the Hitchhikers Guide bit on Towels. It explains all the important uses for towels and why you should always know where yours is. The great new advancement in towel technology is the sarong. The sarong dries two to five times faster than a normal towel but holds all the same necessary weapon principals while wet. It is also much larger than your average towel and hurts quite a bit more when wound tightly.
The sarong can be worn better than a towel and avoids all those embarassing necessary explanations as to why you are currently wearing a towel instead clothes. Sarongs were made for clothing and can be appropriately worn fashionably by both men and women.
They are supperior blankets, breathing better and staying warmer than your average towel. They also make great protection from the sun or dust when wrapped around the head and over the shoulders.
They also have a nice, fancy fringe and drape beautifully as a cape or a scarf.

2. Cloak

A cloak is a superior travelling item. It has made itself useful time and time again. Basically a cloak is a portable blanket with a clasp so it can be conveniently worn. This allows it to be both blanket and coat. The hood and length of a cloak keep out most of the worst elements including sun, rain and snow. When sleeping somewhere it can be used as a sleeping bag, being large enough to be ground cloth and blanket. AND! when in an obnoxiously lit place, the hood can be pulled over your head to shut out the light.
Because of the size, it can be used as a tent. Be wrapped around things to create a convenient carrying bag and so on. They also are an instant costume piece, should such a thing become necessary at any time.
Cloaks are definitely worth carrying!

Amber

I caught a look of myself in the mirror yesterday, after a long long journey down to the end of the road. The main road ends at a beach like every side road.
I looked at myself in the mirror and saw how much darker my skin has become, and my hair lightens to meet it in the middle somewhere, so that I begin to glow amber. My hair was windblown from riding in the back of a pickup that I hitched a lift with but my eyes still dark, amber within and cycling through green to a dark ring of blue. Yes, I look like I've been in paradise now. I look like a Hawaii sun child.
I've decorated my hat with feathers and flowers and walk around as ever with a sarong draped around my shoulders. I play with my contact-ball and dance along the road, getting smiles and rides from locals and visitors.
I went to the end of the road and saw the start of the trail that will be my celebration and time of deep introspection before I leave. So forgive that I will be well out of touch for a week or more... but I will be hiking a long trail, alone, and enjoying ever moment of it.
Afterwhich I am Japan bound, probably sometime in early November. And after that, who knows?

My cousin Adrian is staying in Japan teaching English until January and when his contract is up he wants to travel also. I'll go there and spend the holidays with him and then decide which direction I'm flying. And where to go next. Any suggestions?

The stars are quite beautiful here.

Dancing in the Rain

So... the post is titled that because I have literally been dancing in the rain today. I walked out three miles for an informal job interview - a job which I got on a macadamia farm and gardening - and it was raining and I just didn't want to put on my raincoat because it was really rather nice. Then on the way back I was listening to music and inspired to dance. So I did. Much to the amusement of the cars passing who honked and cheered me on.
If you can't tell, Hawaii is amazing. I'm in Kauai which is a beautiful island without many people or much development. The beaches and landscape is breathtaking. The waves are somewhat intimidating but there's a glorious beach where the ocean is calm enough to play safely. The water is warm and lovely. Everything is lush and rich. The mountains are beautiful. And yes... I plan on leaving in a month for wintery Japan. But life is glorious for now. And will continue to be as the journey continues. I am going to have to run soon because my battery is running out. But first directions to my house if anyone wants to show up!

First head from the place you land north towards the land where Puff that dragon lives. But if you see that magic dragon you know you've gone too far. Before that place you should see a crossroad sign tho the crossroad could only have been imagined by Dali. But take that right anyhow and go to see the stone house that calls for sun worship and across from that, take the road. That road will lead you down, ocean bound, but on the way you'll spot Merlin. Say hi to him, for beware dismissing such a powerful being. Left beyond him and to the T where one way leads to a dead end and the other to me.
Then it's a little blue and green house on the right. A step through the garage and there you are.
If you reach the road beyond then you've gone too far!

The last of the Colorado ramblings

Colorado has been wonderful to visit again. Also seeing college friends and old friends is wonderful. Linnaea and I have been having many glorious adventures and for the past week have stayed in luxury house sitting. Complete with spiral stair case and a hot tub.
We went to Red Rocks the other day - one of the many strange places that I learned to walk. It's a glorious amphitheater. We also explored Rocky Mountain National Park, Boulder, Denver and so on. It has been relaxing and good for me to spend this time thinking and planning.
But this is the last of the Colorado ramblings... On Monday the plan is to fly to Hawaii. I'm not sure what I'll be doing or where I'll be going but it's exciting to be looking to the horizon again.

... I'll write things when I'm actually inspired to.



Oh, and there are images now!