I had a phone call from the map shop the other day to say the maps I ordered are in stock. Not the best result though, they cover Western Russia very well – but Eastern Russia not at all. I’m starting in the East and that’s where I’ll need a map the most!

More orders placed, but at least I have the Western half to pour over and make plans with! Google maps are great, but I doubt I’ll get wireless or 3g where I’m going. I certainly don’t want to rely on it!!

Something I’m looking forward to is getting some good pictures. Proper pictures of the stunning scenery and deep characters I’m no doubt going to come across. Pictures that stop you dead and make you go WOW! Where’s that?

I’m not saying I’m a great photographer by any means, but my trusty DSLR has produced some awesome results in some of my lucky moments. I was relying on it to record my trip, but the reality is it’s just too big to take. It’s also too heavy.

So, it’s up on eBay and I have some bids so it’s sold. I just don’t know for how much yet. It’s such a shame as it’s a great camera, and I don’t even know what I’ll be replacing it with either. Goodbye my friend.

The trip camera has yet to be decided. Watch this space….

While recovering from a foolish bout of exercise the other day, I’ve been reviewing the Christmas gifts I received. Some of them will be very useful on a long trip.

Check out the warm socks, compass, life straw and St. Christopher! Add to that a base layer and I’m that little bit more prepared than before.

Now that my trip is THIS year and starting in under 4 months, every bit of preparation helps! Thanks everyone!

The past few months of chocolates at work, big meals and lack of exercise have taken their toll alright. Now tipping the scales at 84kg and waste size 34 I need to do something about it.

Doing a big trip will alter my physique, possibly even make me leaner and fitter (?). But common sense says that it’s best to start off being in good shape. I’ve done it before and I’ll do it again.

As a rough guide I checked out the British Army fitness levels for entry. They say….

50 sit ups in 2 minutes.
44 press ups in 2 minutes.
Run 2.4k in 14 minutes.

I just tried (after a full breakfast) and I managed….

44 sit ups.
36 press ups.
I know I can do the run.

So for a 43yr old that’s not to shabby. My gosh is to get army fit and better before I leave.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Time to relax and take some time off work, contemplate the last year and the year ahead. Making plans and realising that time is tight!

Also time to watch lots of youtube videos showing how to make balloon animals and practice! Seeing the joy this brings to my little 2 year old, I can’t wait to give my first ones out to some random kids!

Here’s a monkey I made which I’m quite pleased with!

End of an era, I can’t believe the Russian course has finished already! Starting with 16 people, those pictured are the few who remain at the end of the course. I will be signing up for the next level, it’s a refreshing break from the other (techy) stuff I need to learn! Roll on course two, starting in Janurary.

Just over 4 months isn’t a long time to arrange Visas, transport, save money, finish preparing the bike, sort out water purifiation, a camping hamock (maybe) – along with all the other stuff I’ve probably forgotten. But, there’s always time for a day off and a spot of racing!

The Sidecar Racing club of Victoria had their come and try it day, it was a blast. I got to ride Bernie’s outfit most of the day, which I’ve been passenger on this year. It’s fantastic, so much so that I’d even consider buying one at some point in the future. Old friends and new came along and gave it their all, it was a truely superb day!

The outfit had been painted and the fairing all repaired, so it was a bonus to drive it on full song. Amazing machine! Now I have to get back to the hum-drum of planning a trip, the not so glamorous part and (specifcally) the part I hate most!

I’ve been reading about other people’s travels and there seems to be a recurring theme. The generosity of strangers. It seems the less people have, the more they are willing to give. Running alongside this is the sadness of not having anything to leave as a gift in return, when the smallest of things would have made a huge difference.

Travelling by motorcycle limits the amount you can take as a gift. I’d considered sweets, pens etc. But ruled them out as to baulky. I decided that a roll of stickers was the go, until I saw a balloon artist at a kids party the other day.

I had my eureka moment! Deflated balloons are light and small enough to carry. I can instantly make a present for anyone, colourful and vibrant. OK, so it won’t last forever, but somehow that adds as much as it detracts.

All I have to do now is learn how to do it! (I can already make a sausage). Realistically I only need to know a couple of things, as I won’t be in the same place for long. A dog would be the classic of course, though maybe not exactly like the one in the picture!

Having spent a long time perfecting the art of shaving with a straight razor, I’d noticed the edge had become dull. Even stropping didn’t bring it back. It was time to get it professionally honed, or have a go myself.

A good mate of mine retired a while back and now just travels around oz by bike (every man’s dream, right?). He carries a set of sharpening stones and sharpens fishermen’s knives in return for fish. He does quite well out of it. Gives me an idea.

I took the plunge and ordered a Norton waterstone. Pretty expensive I thought for a stone, given I’d no idea how to use it! Well after an evening watching youtube followed by having a go, all I can say is that I’m really impressed!!

My razor is, er, razor sharp now! This morning’s shave confirmed that. I’ll also be able to sharpen my swiss army knives too. It’s a fair weight to carry around the world, but I have the feeling it’ll become as indispensable as the knives themselves.

Yay!

So there it is, nearly $500 later and I have an actual via label in my new passport! This is the proof I need to apply for a Russian visa next year.

Meanwhile, the Russian lessons are going OK. The class is less then half the size it was at the start, but those who continue are fairly committed.

And finally, we have a new starter at work from Russia! Welcome Oleg, мoй русский друг!