Category: Pakistan

It seems to me that the more I prepare for this trip the more uneasy I become about going. Everything was great when I said, “sure I’ll go that would be a great adventure!” But was it naive of me to think I could do this. Today I spoke with a representative from Kaiser Permanente, my health insurance company. I recently found out that they have a service called the Traveler’s Clinic. The Traveler’s Clinic researches your destination and makes immunization suggestions based on expected health risks in the country you are visiting. They are very thorough and provided me with a 30 page report detailing multiple issues I may encounter. Can I really get Dengue fever?

My paper map of Pakistan came today. I love my GPS and other electronic gadgets but nothing makes you feel like you’re on an adventure like unfolding and pouring your brain over a paper map.

I spoke with my sister on the phone yesterday. She asked, “are you really going to Pakistan?” I proudly exclaimed, “yup, it’s the craziest thing that I can think of doing” She expressed her concern and I brushed it off with a glib comment about my own demise. This morning she posted about my trip on her Facebook page.

After work I went to AAA to get an international drivers permit. I’ve been told by a couple of people that I don’t need this… but, I figure for $20, it’s better to be safe than sorry. The process was fairly simple. Fill out a one page application that just asks for the information on your drivers license and provide a passport photo. Since I moved recently my CA drivers license does not show the correct address. When I asked the staff at AAA if I should put my correct address they said no. The form has to match the license exactly because all the international permit really is is a translation of the information on your drivers license. Somehow when I walked out of the AAA with a paper booklet that looked like an amusement park passport I felt like I had been scammed.

Today, Tom “Bagel” Donahue posted a Facebook post about a possible scooter tour of Pakistan. That sounds crazy.

I’ve been thinking lately that I really need to go on an adventure after my daughter leaves for college. Something epically big like the GTE Big Ride was.

I would rather be ashes than dust!
I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot.
I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.
The function of man is to live, not to exist.
I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them.
I shall use my time.

-Jack London