Vagabond Jim

Jet leg is gonna happen.  But on very long voyages it is tolerable.  It's 0400 here, I've been awake for 3 hours.  But, I slept for 7 before that, it's all good. And, I don't fear the moonburn on my scalp! 80F and a pleasant dampness.  A light breeze completes the comfort. Let's pick up after my last sleep - the flight to Kuala Lumpur (aka KL). Before this trip I'd taken to following the major Malaysian (country code MY, used hereafter) English language papers.  The Star (KL) and the New Straits Times (Penang, I think).  Just to get a feel for the place, people, and politics.   It was generally reaffirming and positive.  They're not super informative and  let's call them 'patriotic.' I saw a few letters to the editor re KUL also known as KLIA.  HKH/HKIA (Hong Kong), SIN (Singapore), ICN (Seoul) are major international airports.  3 I truly have enjoyed.  I think SYD and MEL are of simalar regional importance too and of the ...

  Day 1 - 5/30/23 Destination: Quito (LAX-RDU-MIA-UIO*) Written: 35,000' above the Caribean & in Quito $0.60 per Alleve for dozen alleve in RDU was a good investment.  The headache is gone.  The backache from lugging a backpack around hasn't.  Oh well.  MIA was a mess.  Late arrival (WX.)  35 gates to cross (D17 - D52).  Boarding started before I deplaned from RDU.  People were being far too slow to disembarked even knowing others had tight connections.  Really annoying to watch endless cycles of "You," "No, you!" I hustled.  Group 8 (of 9) was boarding when I got to the gate.  And, the little lady in the wheelchair made the connection before I did.  Uggh. I'm using an old work backpack.  It's great for luigging a laptop and such.  But the bag itself weighs in at 5+ pounds.  And has too many dividers.  It was never going to be The Bag.  No it won't be a bag I use going forward.  Who needs ...

Day 0: - 5/29/23 En-route to: Quito Ecuador Travel: LAX-RDU (MIA-UIO*) Written: in RDU @ 0200 What a long day so far.  I'm writing from Raleigh-Durham at 0200.  The place is empty, I have a headache (but no aspirin).  I'm hungry. Yet, it's been a decent start to my dry run. I am happy. That was supposed to be a "secret dry run" but the secret is out.  Dad called while I was in the quiet area of the LAX Admirals Club (yes, all that flying on American still has some residual benefits - in this case I can use the clubs on international itineraries.)  When I asked to hang on until I was in a place I could chat he asked if I was in a library.  Nope, that was Saturday to print some stuff. I don't lie; I fessed up.  Of course I did.  No, I did not chop down the cherry tree. RDU is empty except for a dozen pax overnighting and 3 dozen security and cleaning folk.  But, I'm indoors.  I was hopeful but did not expect that.  Previous f...