Week -4

I haven't posted for a bit and thought it was about time I did. Also, I've been told by those who have signed up for email alerts that if I edit an existing post, the Blogger fairies don't alert them to the fact. Combine that with the knowledge that at least one of those followers can't be bothered to click on the web address to read from there occasionally and we have people (person) missing out. So here is a new post, mostly for them but also any other phenomenally lazy sods out there.

Quick update then; three and a half weeks to go and I have three and a half visas left to get. The Azerbaijanis are taking forever to consider my request and it's killing me time wise. I'm comtemplating catching a later flight although it will cost me. Even the express visa options (which I was secretly hoping might see me clear) are nearing 'flight of fancy' territory. If I don't get my passport back tomorrow, I'm dead in the water. 

While reviewing my emergency survival kit, I cut myself very badly while trying to open it. Once I'd finally opened it, I realised there was nothing in there to help with cuts. The whole experience was filled with a painful irony. My firstaid kit needs some work. In fact, I think my survival kit is basically ballast/dangerous. 

I did try on my backpack and other backpack (frontpack if you will). Felt pretty comfortable actually. But I genuinely do look like I'm off on campaign somewhere. I stick out about a foot to the rear and the same in front. So in profile, I look like an olive green pregnant hunchback. It also seems that I can't turn a corner without banging into stuff. I'll be every commuters delight while on the road I'm sure. 

Chinese airlines appear to change their schedule on a daily basis and then tell me about it mostly in Chinese (is that just Mandarin or are there other flavours of Chinese? I recall there are more but it doesn't really matter, I wouldn't know the difference anyway). All I see is a load of gibberish and then some times followed by some different times in an email. Well in several emails. Regularly. I'm sure it will be fine. 

I think I've finally found the correct headgear for the trip...