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...
