patrickt
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Post by patrickt on Jan 27, 2006 2:18:00 GMT -5
PS.... Kim.. do you have any pack sites for which you get a referal fee?? Using one of those, so you can get a kick-back is the least I can do... THANKS
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auntiejo
Full Travel Member
Always follow your bliss...
Posts: 33
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Post by auntiejo on Jan 29, 2006 22:37:28 GMT -5
Well, that was a wonderful and inspiring answer! Thank you for taking the time to explain it to me! I think a lot about why I am doing the trip that I am doing - why I suddenly at 31, when all of my friends are married with kids and buying big houses, decide to take part of my "down payment" and just GO! It feels a little crazy actually, but I love it. I can't believe I have to wait another 6 weeks to leave!
I wish you all the best on your travels! I hope you enjoy Ireland - I will be in London on St. Patty's day - I will make a toast to you as I down a pint knowing that we are both "out there".
Joanne
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patrickt
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Post by patrickt on Jan 30, 2006 0:24:29 GMT -5
AuntieJo... Thanks for the resonse... though there's SOOOO much I have to do before I take off on this grand adventure, I too, am WAY too excited to wait for another 6 weeks... but I must, as I'll never accomplish all that I need to do here at home in any shorter period of time. I'm still working on finding a good pack, as NONE of the stores mentioned on the Eagle Creek site actually carry backpacks... it's always their accessories... how can I go backpacking without a pack?? No worries though... all will work out however it's supposed to work out. And though we've bastardized this thread into a Dr. Phil show, I'm curious as to why you're taking your trip as well... If you care to share, you can email me at RentUNT at hotmail... And though I'm determined to experience this adventure on my own, I wouldn't mind meeting up for a pint or 3 to swap stories of the starts of our trips... We will both be in such foreign experiences that it creates common ground. Anyhow.. if I don't hear from ya... I hope your trip is better than you could have imagined...
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Post by Kim on Jan 30, 2006 1:10:55 GMT -5
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patrickt
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Post by patrickt on Jan 30, 2006 11:53:33 GMT -5
Thanks Kim!! It's on its way... Backpack? Check.
A quick question on Visas... from the tour books I've read... most countries don't require a Visa from U.S. residents if the traveler stays for less than 90 days... so, am I correct in assuming that if I don't spend my entire trip of roughly 120 days in any one country, I should fine??
OOOOOR, is that 90 days limited to all of the EU countries?? And if that's the case, can I hop into Morocco for a day or two, then come back??
As much as I'm trying to do this thing by the seat of my pants.. I'm finding that more and more planning actually needs to be done... and knowledge of the Visa system (read: loopholes) would aleviate many problems along the way...
Any help is greatyly appreciated!!
Thanks!!
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morgan23
Senior Travel Member
"Feel the rain on your skin, no one else can feel it for you."
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Post by morgan23 on Jan 30, 2006 12:21:09 GMT -5
I found my Eagle Creek backpack in R.E.I.
I love that store, I'm from California but I'm pretty sure they are all around the US.
I greatly encourage taking advantage of the knowledgable staff there, they were very helpful. They have like little weights and stuffing so you can load up the pack and walk around the store to make sure that it works well for you and the weight is distributed correctly on your back. (big help for me because I'm a tiny person and many packs are made for men)
As far as the Eagle Creek label goes, I greatly recommend it. I haven't gone to Europe yet to use my pack there, but I have done a few hard-core hiking trips up into the mountains in the Sierra with my pack and I feel like my pack was the best out of all our group! Durable, comfortable and mine has a zip away day pack.
Hope this helps!
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auntiejo
Full Travel Member
Always follow your bliss...
Posts: 33
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Post by auntiejo on Jan 30, 2006 12:59:58 GMT -5
Patrick,
I did send you an email... let me know here if you don't get it!!
Joanne
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rchua
Senior Travel Member
travel is the spice of life
Posts: 148
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Post by rchua on Jan 30, 2006 21:14:24 GMT -5
hey patrick! so you live in orland? that's awesome so do i!! it's cool knowing someone from otown using this website. you can go to a place called travel country here in town to find a backpack if you want. it's on semoran (436) towards altamonte if you're heading from colonial (state 50). my bf works there so i get some major discounts. hehe!!
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patrickt
Senior Travel Member
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Post by patrickt on Jan 31, 2006 2:56:53 GMT -5
Hey Rchua... thanks for the info... I wish I had know this about 12 hours ago, as I've already bought my pack online... it should arrive Friday... but if it doesn't suit my needs, I'll most definately check this place out... thanks for the post.. I appreciate it... I still need a few accessories... can you get me a 'family' discount?
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rchua
Senior Travel Member
travel is the spice of life
Posts: 148
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Post by rchua on Jan 31, 2006 12:04:28 GMT -5
haha!! wish i could dude. but most of the stuff they have aren't expensive at all. just check out the place. they have tons of things that might be good for backpacking like light weight pants, shirts, and a bunch of other things. i got myself a pair of shoes over there that only weigh 14 ounces which is good for walking. anyways, i highly recommend it. they have a website too: www.travelcountry.com .
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patrickt
Senior Travel Member
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Post by patrickt on Feb 1, 2006 0:27:36 GMT -5
Thank ya... I MAY just check it out... though I have no clue where it is... I might be able to find it... My backpack is supposed to arrive on Friday... but other than than, I've got nothin... so, I may be paying the store a visit... thanks for your help!!
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rchua
Senior Travel Member
travel is the spice of life
Posts: 148
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Post by rchua on Feb 1, 2006 5:31:56 GMT -5
it's very easy to find. from the intersection 436 (semoran blvd) and colonial (state 50) head north towards altamonte. it's about 20-30 mins drive from there. here's the address:
Travel Country Outdoors 1101 East Altamonte Drive Altamonte Springs, Florida 32701
the people there are very helpful and knows their stuff. they might even provide you a discount easily. also, they do fittings for backpacks so if your new backpack don't fit they'll help you to get fitted for one. same goes w/ shoes if you need one. they have a large selection on shoes, clothes, and accessories. gore-tex is a great material for shoes and clothes which helps prevent water from getting through.
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auntiejo
Full Travel Member
Always follow your bliss...
Posts: 33
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Post by auntiejo on Feb 1, 2006 8:10:36 GMT -5
Patrick,
Well, I have sent you a quick test, but that is definately the address I sent the email to. If you want, send me a msg at jopettitmyers@hotmail.com and I will just respond to it.
I would hope that Kim doesn't mind people talking about why they are travelling - do you Kim? Afterall, it is part of the pre-planning adventure - why you are travelling is all about what made you do it in the first place. Talking to friends and family about it is fun, but they are not really THERE with you. That's why this forum is so amazing. As well, by enjoying the planning stage and talking about it with people who will be experiencing it brings you back to the moment... very Zen. See, right now you are probably like me, looking so forward to your trip... wishing you were there now. Well, the planning process... buying your backpack, as much work as that has been for you... making lists, routes, packing, etc. These things are fun RIGHT NOW and allow you to have happiness now, before you go. If you don't enjoy each moment for what it is, you risk not enjoying ANY moment.
So, I will just put it out there... why I am going. As I said I am 31, and a lot of changes have happened in my life. When I was younger I never had the urge to travel abroad - I was a determined young woman who was going to work in the stock market and make a lot of money. My need for adventure took me from Toronto to Vancouver - I could atleast work there - but still be somewhere new. I stayed there for 7 years, and I did work in the stock market, and could have been successful, but fell on some rough times. I am ok now, but I had married a man who ended up being a liar - ABOUT EVERYTHING - and became a bit of an abusive drunk... spent A LOT of our money... lost his job because he was stealing from work (I had not idea)... it was not a good situation. Well, I finally decided to move back to Toronto (left the husband there) and start a new life. I left the stockmarket and husband behind and became a yoga teacher and I am also waitressing. I love it! The money is not AS great, but it is not bad either.
So, why travel... well, I'm no longer driven by money - I am driven by experience. I look back at the years and realize that I am no better off for working my butt off for those years... And although I love Vancouver, the culture is not so different from Toronto. So, now I want to just get out there and SEE a bit more of the world. And being back in Toronto, surrounded by old friends who are wonderful, but all married with children, working to work like I did... it's just a push in a direction I don't need to go - I don't need to be married with children, with a mortgage and a job I hate... but I feel if I were to stay any longer I will just get pushed there. It's not a bad thing, it's just not for me RIGHT NOW.
So, I'm off to explore and allow myself to just be a servant of the universe. I will go and be where I am supposed to be. And I know it will lead me home again, but that's ok, I will get here when I get here.
I think it's a great plan you have - to have no plan. That is what I want to do - it's a bit scary though. I applaud you for your courage. I do like the St. Paul / St. Peter thing though... it's cool!
Jo
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rchua
Senior Travel Member
travel is the spice of life
Posts: 148
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Post by rchua on Feb 1, 2006 9:53:59 GMT -5
that's great you feel like that auntiejo. there are many ppl who travel just to see other cultures, experience new things, and to help discover something about themselves. that's one reason why i love to travel. i'm a military child so i've traveled to many places in asia. it's so cool to experience new culture and meet new people. you get to understand and see the world a little different than you did before. now i'm planning to go to europe this may w/ my boyfriend and experience something new and exciting. i've always wanted to go to europe all my life and now is my chance. hope the dollar remains strong and get me good conversion for euros. haha!!!
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patrickt
Senior Travel Member
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Post by patrickt on Feb 1, 2006 13:07:33 GMT -5
Wow Jo.. thank you for sharing what must have been a rough time for you... but I'm glad to see you're taking positive steps for yourself... Rchua... if I can motivte myself to wake up and hop in the shower, I'll try and make it over to that store... I'll let ya know how it goes... Cross your fingers for me!
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