The Big Life

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know, there’s an awesome book by Jack Kerouac about being “On The Road,” and well, quite frankly, I haven’t read it yet. (Boo me, I’m more a “Gambler,” Kenny Rogers.) I myself have had quite the time of my life during adventures — there are the naïve mistakes that I can laugh at, now that I’m older, and there are the triumphs, that I hold dear to me, for always.

In those journeys, I’ve learned certain lessons for guaranteed triumph, and street smarts to avoid the mishaps. I’d like to share some things I learned while I was on the road.

1. People are strange, but being a stranger yourself doesn’t help. Okay, so I’ve heard quite a few stories involving talking with strangers and getting hurt / something taken from you — even my mom told me “not” to talk to strangers. But after quite a few travels where ABSOLUTELY nothing happened, I realized I was doing it all wrong. I went to places, learned cultures, but, I was missing out on the people. To them, I was the alien, who crash-landed in the great land of theirs, lurking around. If you haven’t tried it already — simply chatting up the right person in the right place can get you to all sorts of places. Just remember: never buy into anything anyone says 100%. That’s your safety. Talking to strangers and following them to places is a different thing. If a stranger tells you of an event, meet him/her on the venue, and don’t follow blindly.

2. Bring your own toiletries. There’s nothing like going for a gas stop to use the facilities — and finding a horrible nightmare. Or, using complimentary soaps and finding out that they have something in ‘em that you’re allergic to. Bad juju. Always, always, always, bring your own toilet paper, soaps, toothbrushes and toothpaste when traveling, remembering to grab the TP before launching into a frenzied run to the loo. For complimentary stuff, try a little on your arm first, if it’s too toxic for you, chances are your arm’ll turn red or you’ll get itchy, or some similar reaction.

3. Do your homework — on the spot! For some reason, I don’t buy travel guides … be it on the airport or the bookstore. I just get a brochure from whichever hotel I go to, then start from the destinations written there. There are instances when the best stuff aren’t even listed! Ask a cab driver where the hottest spots are in town, and most likely, he’ll tell you stuff that a hotel concierge doesn’t know. Back-alley drink areas, some alley where they sell cheap accessories or you might be lucky enough to catch a gig of some unknown band before they become famous. It’s b2etter to live the life, than to read about it. Always take note of your exit strategy. Memorize what street / building you’re staying in, just for safety.

4. Pickpocket protection. Keep an extra stash of cash hidden in your person at all times. Leave out IDs that will be impossible to replace, but useless in wherever you are. Most pants have an inner compartment just opposite the belt line, you can put folds of travel money there. Try to put your wallet in your front pocket instead of your back pocket — it’ll be easier to feel if someone’s trying to reach in. There was one time, (in my younger days) when I wore a chain that clicks into my wallet. Saved me from a snatching once.

5. Don’t buy knock-offs. This isn’t some sanctimonious anti-piracy post, but some stuff? They won’t make it in train stations. Plus, there’s nothing worse than getting caught in a raid. Bad juju.

Those are a couple for now. Hmmm … I might do a series of these.