Ciudad de Mexico - I drove around almost 2 hours just to find a hotel! My luck in Guadalajara for finding my friends house without a map, and only speaking to locals, did not translate to here. Mind you there's about 25 million more people here. But its a quick note to say I'm ok and found a clean hotel room for $20 / night. Note: I found out later it was a by-the-hour abode, and explains why there were several couples in the lobby that night waiting for an available room. Luis thinks I'm lucky to be alive.
some clarification mexico city has the largest footprint in the world, but is 2nd in population. The largest city, population wise, is Tokyo, Japan. Damn big no matter how you slice it.
Showing posts with label Preparations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Preparations. Show all posts
Don't Lose Your Passport
Somewhere between Reno, NV and Mettler, CA, Jason Chapman's passport ended up, probably the place on the side of the road where I stopped for a break, and had the bike fall over, twice. In an attempt to right the 500 pound vessel myself, the passport must have squeezed out of the pouch around my waist. What would you do if you found yourself suddenly travelling in a foreign country without a passport? Would you have a complete meltdown, sift through every bag and each pocket countless times, or call every single gas station, hotel and restaurant that you stopped at since you last recall having it? Would you endlessly retrace your steps in your mind, and imagine things being different if you had just paid more attention? Well, I engaged in all of these activities, and none of them brought me any closer to having a legal travel document of identity in my possession. Somewhere between Reno, NV and Mettler, CA, Jason Chapman's passport ended up, probably the place on the side of the road where I stopped for a break, and had the bike fall over, twice. The ensuing struggle to right the vessel probably dislodged it from my pouch. This fact created more internal tension the longer I sat and thought about it, so I eventually gave up hope of ever finding my old passport, and began the steps to replace it.
The ubiquity of the internet helped me out substantially. All the required forms are available on Passport Canada's website, as well as a detailed list of items to remember, and things not to do, to avoid any lengthy delays. It is a good idea to stay calm, and read everything thoroughly. If something does not look right to the Passport Canada people, who can be very picky, they will deny your request, and you will be
forced to start the procedure all over again. Even if your signature happens to go outside of the white border indicated, your application will be denied. The passport photos, too, must conform to certain restrictions. Passport Canada demand specific dimensions, and quality of the picture itself. Personally, it took me three different photographers. in the L.A. area to get it right. The particular photo to the right was deemed unacceptable, notably for the shadows under the ears, surprisingly not because of the stunned look on my face.
Several other important steps must be taken as well. A form specifically stating that you had lost your passport must be filled out, and a guarantor is required to vouch for your identity, and must have known you for at least 2 years. The local police department must be notified and a report filled out, as passports can be a hot commodity among criminals, who use them for identity theft. It is absolutely necessary to have all of your identification, cards and documents scanned, and stored in your e-mail account, so that you can access them anywhere in the world. If all of your personal items have been stolen, you only need to get to a computer to print them off.
Obviously, the best advice is to make sure you don't lose your passport in the first place. It can easily ruin your entire vacation, especially if you are only gone for a week or two. Missed flights, and being late for work just aren't an option for a busy family who simply tried to get away for a short trip. But, we are human, and things happen. The good news is that you're going to be ok, and by preparing before-hand, as well as following Passport Canada's requirements, you will be on your way with minimal stress and discomfort. Failing that, you can always make the most of it, and enjoy an unplanned extension to your holiday.
The ubiquity of the internet helped me out substantially. All the required forms are available on Passport Canada's website, as well as a detailed list of items to remember, and things not to do, to avoid any lengthy delays. It is a good idea to stay calm, and read everything thoroughly. If something does not look right to the Passport Canada people, who can be very picky, they will deny your request, and you will be
forced to start the procedure all over again. Even if your signature happens to go outside of the white border indicated, your application will be denied. The passport photos, too, must conform to certain restrictions. Passport Canada demand specific dimensions, and quality of the picture itself. Personally, it took me three different photographers. in the L.A. area to get it right. The particular photo to the right was deemed unacceptable, notably for the shadows under the ears, surprisingly not because of the stunned look on my face. Several other important steps must be taken as well. A form specifically stating that you had lost your passport must be filled out, and a guarantor is required to vouch for your identity, and must have known you for at least 2 years. The local police department must be notified and a report filled out, as passports can be a hot commodity among criminals, who use them for identity theft. It is absolutely necessary to have all of your identification, cards and documents scanned, and stored in your e-mail account, so that you can access them anywhere in the world. If all of your personal items have been stolen, you only need to get to a computer to print them off.
Obviously, the best advice is to make sure you don't lose your passport in the first place. It can easily ruin your entire vacation, especially if you are only gone for a week or two. Missed flights, and being late for work just aren't an option for a busy family who simply tried to get away for a short trip. But, we are human, and things happen. The good news is that you're going to be ok, and by preparing before-hand, as well as following Passport Canada's requirements, you will be on your way with minimal stress and discomfort. Failing that, you can always make the most of it, and enjoy an unplanned extension to your holiday.
Exodus
After a mass of humanity parked out in the desert for a week, then abruptly left, what remained was a vast emptiness. Our camp had, just 24 hours before, boasted several large tents, two kitchen areas, 25' of
astroturf, a bar, and a shower, not to mention several hang-out spots and a hookah-pipe arrangement available in the back of a trailer. Now, it was completely gone. This was the experience I yearned for, to feel completely alone in a hostile environment, and still be 'ok'. Many parts of this journey have challenged my need to be accepted, and feel part of a group. Unfortunately, I feel this natural human need could compromise the entire journey. Although I have, and will assuredly meet many groups and individuals, I must ensure I maintain my goal, and purpose: to put myself into difficult circumstances, enjoy the moment, and find a way out.
"Oh, what's this? Another dust storm?" Danger and I started our vehicles up easily this time. We had to push start my bike the day before, as I had left the lights on. The efforts were that much harder for us, until I turned the ignition to 'on'. He also had to boost his VW van from giving us his lights the night before while packing Anne and Omid's car. Leaving our vehicles here were not an option, as was any other debris or MOOP (matter of of place), so we did a quick walk around of the area. The intention to 'leave no trace' is yet another core value of Burning Man. Generally, people are ex
tremely conscious of what material they bring in, and consequently, bring out. It's challenging, actually. After our entire camp picked up, it seemed as if our camp was certainly left without a trace, but after an in-depth look, a cou
ple large nails, and small pieces of garbage were still there. A horde of volunteers will scour the entire site, in anticipation of the inspector, who takes a random square mile area to check. If he/she sees any foreign objects within that area, the festival will not be allowed to return the next year. Since there are thousands of people who live for this experience year after year, everyone does their best to ensure it's continued operation.
astroturf, a bar, and a shower, not to mention several hang-out spots and a hookah-pipe arrangement available in the back of a trailer. Now, it was completely gone. This was the experience I yearned for, to feel completely alone in a hostile environment, and still be 'ok'. Many parts of this journey have challenged my need to be accepted, and feel part of a group. Unfortunately, I feel this natural human need could compromise the entire journey. Although I have, and will assuredly meet many groups and individuals, I must ensure I maintain my goal, and purpose: to put myself into difficult circumstances, enjoy the moment, and find a way out.
"Oh, what's this? Another dust storm?" Danger and I started our vehicles up easily this time. We had to push start my bike the day before, as I had left the lights on. The efforts were that much harder for us, until I turned the ignition to 'on'. He also had to boost his VW van from giving us his lights the night before while packing Anne and Omid's car. Leaving our vehicles here were not an option, as was any other debris or MOOP (matter of of place), so we did a quick walk around of the area. The intention to 'leave no trace' is yet another core value of Burning Man. Generally, people are ex
tremely conscious of what material they bring in, and consequently, bring out. It's challenging, actually. After our entire camp picked up, it seemed as if our camp was certainly left without a trace, but after an in-depth look, a cou
ple large nails, and small pieces of garbage were still there. A horde of volunteers will scour the entire site, in anticipation of the inspector, who takes a random square mile area to check. If he/she sees any foreign objects within that area, the festival will not be allowed to return the next year. Since there are thousands of people who live for this experience year after year, everyone does their best to ensure it's continued operation.
Tom's Texts
Let me try and recollect Tom's response, when I casually texted him a message "Anything to say about Costa Rica?" His replies came with the rat-tat-tat-tat of an uzi. "Always Smile. Always be nice to the labourers they are prone to sudden violence. Never carry more money than you are prepared to lose. And the most important, have FUN! Good guy, that Tom. He's doing what he's gotta do - 3 kids, and a wife, not unlike many families today. They are a very happy family, but I wonder how happy other families are? It would be so tempting to fall into a world of routine, habit, and complacency: get up, go to work, have dinner, go to bed. Sleep in on Saturday, go to Church on Sunday wake up Monday morning and do it all over again. As I sit here on my cousin's porch chillin' out, I can't help thinking it wouldn't be so bad.
Billy & The Beach Party
The extraordinary amount of organizing and multi-tasking came down to a huge reliance on friends. It was a definite advantage to have a little money to get things going. The sound system ($100), burgers & condiments ($240), rehearsal time & space ($210), hall and patio rental ($500) made for a hell of an organizational moment by moment plan. We pulled in $940 at the door consisting of $10 tix each, which included a beer. The night's tally on my credit card for those beers was $538. All said and done the total loss was over 5 bills, but I dare anyone to feed, entertain, and give prizes out to over 120 people for that. I was committed to having value for people, and to create an amazing memorable night. Bonnie's genero
us assistance with the screen, and projector hooked up to my laptop, as well as Amanda & Geoff's karaoke efforts, completed the experience.By the time the police showed up to look into a noise complaint, the night had gone on without a hitch. Our final song, "Sweet Caroline" had every single person up dancing and singing. Jed and Sayo took over for a few songs, and it gave me a chance to connect with a few friends, and rest the voice.
The most miraculous of experiences for me was the transcendence of self. I chose to ignore self-conscious, and completely be generous to the people out there. It created a larger than life persona, and one that is necessary to bring together such a wide variety of people. We had the Latinas dancing in the corner, Marcel doing the funky moves on the dance floor, and all kinds of different groups of people conversing and sharing.
For the beach portion, it was me and Terry. That's it. The 2 am dip was chilly, but as my heart was warm, I could ignore it. The realization that my keys, wallet, and phones were all locked away in the Legion, forced an early experience of losing everything. I welcomed it.
After befriending some mid-20 folks on the beach, calming them down after Terry put a bottle under their tire, I felt anything was possible. There was still some miles to get back to bed, and I was without anything to make it there, except my feet, which I loathed as an option. A couple guys were walking across the street, and I flagged them down and explained. As I was using their cellphone, I put my hand in my pocket and pulled out a visa. Terry, who had vanished moments earlier, pulled up with a cab, and called me over. I do know that everything worked out without panic, and that there is always a helping hand when needed. My reliance on phones, and credit cards, and money has completely washed away my confidence in living without them.
Putting it out there
Downsizing
One of the hardest, yet satisfying moments was when I stared at my own mess of junk. After deciding I was to move out of my apartment one month early, and realizing I was gone the last week of the month, it was go time on Monday night. Most people my age are accumulating things, renting storage rooms and piling boxes into closets downstairs. I instead worked from 12 noon until 2:30 am, and the only reason I finished when I did, is I simply got rid of it. Those of you who are looking to be the next big star on that TV show the 'Hoarders' need not apply. I literally saved hours of sifting through belongings I had piled on the floor by simply throwing it all in the garbage. No recycling, no sorting, no deciding where I was to store it. I simply realized there was not one single thing I really needed, and my spirit, and mental space instantly cleared up. Simply let it go people, and find your freedom!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
