luggage-lite

So I'm off early tomorrow morning,
As the day is early dawning.
I like to pack light,
This is all - that's right!
Aye - ye may praise (but no fawning)


my pack ready to go.


*** will blog whenever possible.

uphill slog

Preparation for Kilimanjaro has basically entailed about 5 visits per week to the gym focusing on the treadmill. I have been trying to keep the treadmill at its highest position for as long as possible. This was me today - it doesn't look steep but 40 minutes at 6 kmph can really take it out of you. This time next week I will already be on the mountain.
I wish I could be a bit more excited.

fiscal fiasco

Never underestimate the influence I have in terms of international world trade and financial markets. Just look at the following graph of Australian/American exchange rates over the last few months.



I know you are thinking it has nothing to do with me going overseas - but I am here to tell you it is entirely BECAUSE I am going overseas. In fact EVERY time I travel overseas the dollar nosedives. It just sits quietly and waits for me to book an airfare and then says "right-oh, I'm going for a quick dip."

Not only on an internationally level, but locally too my travels impact on the economy. There is a certain cafe near here that has to lay off staff, and cut back severely on menu items while I am away.

flaviviridae flavivirus

Well I just had my Yellow Fever shot.

It's less than two weeks until my visit to sub-Saharan Africa.

"Current estimates indicate 200,000 yellow fever cases with 30,000 deaths each year, and almost all in sub-Saharan Africa where over 460 million people in 33 countries are at risk of infection."

Last time I needed the vaccine was 10 years ago for my trip to Peru. It lasts 10 years! I don't remember any reaction to it.

This time, however, I woke two days later at 4am with all the symptoms of the flu - aching muscles, headache, blocked sinus etc. It wasn't until I spoke with Neil (who also had the vaccine and is coming with me) who had the same symptoms, that I realised it was a reaction to the 'live' vaccine.

There are quite a few other recommended vaccinations (Tetanus, Rabies, Cholera, Typhoid yada yada yada) but apart from anti-malarials (bad enough) I'm not having a bar of them.

What's a little Ebola gonna hurt?