Other Random Observations

• duct tape is a very good thing to have. It can fix holes in the mosquito net, tape things near the outlet when shelves were lacking, and help water proof stuff
• bring tissue packets or spare rolls of toilet paper (or just steal them when you can)
• ziploc bags are a must. You can store liquids, water proof things when snorkeling, divide and organize
• it's easier to bring more than 3 ounces of shampoo and toothpaste because the cost can add up
• not bringing enough sunblock is expensive because only the foreigners buy it
• extra soap and a bit of laundry detergent is useful to have
• a small micro fiber towel is way better than a large beach towel
• hardcore backpackers bring a sleeping mat and mosquito net because they don't use hostels
• there is no need to pack a mosquito net if you're staying at hostels ... I'm glad I didn't
• getting sick before you leave is a bad idea for you ... and for your travel buddy
• most backpackers are really friendly, but some tend to talk too much
• ¥100 slippers will break after a day
• slippers are called slippers because you slip them on, but some are called slippers because you slip a lot on flat surfaces
• three days without a shower in a hot and humid country is something you really just have to experience to understand
• even if you think you know where you're going, take the map and the guidebook
• even if it's 80°F (37°C) at night, your clothes won't dry if it's humid
• even if you think your traveller's diarrhea is cured, it might not be
• don't eat a huge meal after only eating little ones unless you're near a toilet
• wearing wet clothes in humid weather is a great way to stay cool, but you might get too cold
• taking videos of lightning is difficult, but satisfying
• you can still have dark yellow pee after drinking 8 cups of water a day
• unpacking and repacking your pack every couple of days is a real hassle
• sometimes rain really sucks, but other times, it's god answering a prayer on a hot and humid day
• disposable underwear is great when you don't want to carry dirty underwear until you can do laundry
• all my books and papers are a little damp because of the humidity
• student cards are a must when traveling ... lots of discounts
• we spend A LOT of time waiting for transportation ... thats why all the other backpackers spend a month in each country, not just a week
• after a while, flies aren't THAT bad
• other backpackers are a wealth of information ... for free
• everyone uses the "Lonely Planet"
• my "Rough Guide" guidebook sucks
• taking old clothes when traveling is a good idea.  You can throw them away before your flight home to lessen your load
• karma is good to have on your side when you're traveling
• Southeast Asians honk their horns much more than LA drivers with road rage
• it's better to be starving on a bus than have traveller's diarrhea
• there are a lot of foreigners at hostels and tourist attractions, but not on public transportation
• the most hardcore of backpackers can drink water straight out the tap   
• If you don't want to pay for a tour guide, just follow closely begin them
• speaking Japanese can't get of pesky touts ... they speak Japanese too
• any country with street stalls are bound to be dirty
• after a while, a place to lie down takes priority over comfort
• foreigners who don't respect another country's culture are jackasses
• if you finish your book before your trip is over, that sucks when you have more waiting time
•my paranoia, although still pretty strong, has gone down after leaving Indonesia
• using your pack as a pillow hurts your neck after a few hours
• seats 11 and 12 on a bus seem to be ideal for watching your packs stowed on the outside compartment
• not many people seem to worry about their bags as much as I do (maybe they are the ones who write stories in the Internet about getting their stuff stolen)
• you get pretty dark after a month in SE Asia
• my bag always seems like someone tried opening it after I take it out of the luggage compartment on a bus
• padlocks on a pack, tying all the strings, zip ties, and bungee chords seem like good deterrents for thieves
• your black camera strap turns white after washing t
• I think someone stole my umbrella
• if I had no stuff to worry about being stolen, I would have enjoyed my trip more
• maybe one pair of shorts would have been nice
• an AC room might be a luxury, but after I spending a night in a fan room, an extra $3 for AC is worth it
• 65 (18) degrees with a blanket is much better than 85 (30) degrees with a fan
• after a heavy storm, the air cools down a bit, but heat radiates from the ground
• it's hard to use large bills in third world countries
• no one will take dirty or slightly ripped bills - use them to pay for your entry visa
• if you're not sure where you're going, just follow the crowd
• the ancient temple builders really like steep, crazy dangerous steps
• intermediate Sudoku is really hard
• bowel movements become everyday conversation with your travel buddy
• if you don't have anything to lose, then you don't have to worry
• backpackers are the type of people who can manage if all their stuff gets stolen
• losing 10 pounds (5 kilos), I guess isn't that difficult
• after losing weight, immigration stops you a lot if you have a fat picture on your passport
• the first shower after you get back is the best one