Travel – Page 3 – The Laughing Wolf

Pilgrimage: Clear Your Stuff!

This post by Ian over at the Bugscuffle Gazette is a good read for anyone planning to travel, particularly by air. When I was doing a lot of travel years back, I did my best to keep things separate, especially after I pinged for nitrates one time (still not sure why).

But let me suggest you take it a step further, and be sure your personal electronics are as clear as you can make them. When you travel abroad, keep in mind that various countries and unions claim the right to inspect those electronics — and that the U.S. can and does do warrantless searches ‘at their discretion’ when you return. On top of that, people don’t just try to scan your credit cards and passports (or anything else with a chip) for nefarious reasons, they can and will go after your computer and phone as well. In fact, in one country years back it was so bad I refused to take a laptop there.

I’m already in the process of preparing my electronics. My suggestions are as follows:

First, back up every device. In fact, if you are sharp you should follow the rule of three. One backup at your house or place of business, one secured across town at a trusted secure site, and one across the country at a trusted secure site. If there is a fire or flood at your place, get the one from across town and reload and rebuild. If something more catastrophic happens, that’s why you have one in a separate geographical region.

Second, offload as much as you can onto backup discs. For me, I’m going to dump taxes, financial, and other items that I’m not going to need on the trip both to free up space and to ensure that those files are not there to be stolen. It is like physical items: if you don’t need it, don’t take it. This is not just for computers, but also for mobiles as many these days use them as a computer. Clean those platforms, and not only are you safer you may find them working a bit better.

Third, do install and run security/antivirus software; and, then, do a secure erase of unused space. Both government officials and ill-intentioned types can and do try to find out what you’ve erased recently and might have had on there. For the ill-intentioned, they are looking for financial and other data (sometimes blackmail too). The governmental types can also be looking for political and other memes, as few places have a first amendment and protection for same. I strongly recommend dumping memes and other political things before going overseas.

You want to treat your electronics as you do your luggage: only carry what you need. If it’s not on there, it can’t be stolen. If it’s not there, it can’t be rooted through like your dirty laundry. Personally, I’ve not had any problems with this over the years, but there is always a first time. Travel lite, travel secure, and be safe — and remember that preparedness always pays.

Please check out my Winter 26 Bleg!

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, and to start a truly new life, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Pilgrimage: Specialty Clothing

I’m trying to pack as lite as I can, and I now have some new permanent press pants that will be my mainstay. The only thing I plan to take more than about four or five of is socks, as I am a big believer in having clean socks each day and spares if they get wet during the day. Not an issue at the apartment with a washer, but my time on Mount Athos and at various monasteries could be a different matter. That said, thanks to your help, I have from my Amazon Wish List a Scott-E-Vest and a Scott-E-windbreaker/raincoat. The vest was highly recommended to me by Father David at the Romanian Orthodox Church after he wore one on his recent sabbatical to Romania. According to him it can even be worn with a cassock, which is not a consideration for me on this trip.

The vest and coat are both set up as “personal area networks” with ways to physically and otherwise link your personal electronics. This is all well and good, and I may explore that more while on the trip, but for me the real reason to get them is as follows.

First, they have multiple pockets that are zippered and otherwise secured. In fact, a rather critical pocket for wallets and such has a zipper and then an interior, RF-shielded pocket that is also secured. Both are designed to thwart pick-pockets and similar people of ill-intent. It also can make getting through security a bit easier as rather than carrying a lot of stuff myself, I can have it in the vest or jacket and send them and the contents easily through the X-ray machine.

As I mentioned, the vest comes with an shielded pocket to thwart the growing problem of people trying to scan your credit cards, passport, etc. and steal the information. The cards are a big problem in that they can then clone and spend most of what you have in the bank before you are even out of the airport. Having the shielded pocket cuts down on the risk. Now, me being me, I have an RF-shielded wallet, my cards and passport are in special sleeves for shielding, and I have a jammer that is exposed as soon as I open my wallet to further complicate the life of anyone trying to scan me. Thank you all who have bought stuff off the list!

I’ve been using the vest a bit and like it. The only issue I’ve had so far is with the zipper getting undone. It really isn’t the fault of the zipper or the vest as much as it is the way I am built. In my prime, I had a 34″-36″ waist, with a 50 inch chest, and shoulders that took about a size 50-52 suit. The waist is a little bit larger these days (working on it), but it is not a build that most off-the-rack is designed to handle. Really glad I went a size larger (I usually get XL) as it would be a bit too snug if I hadn’t. If I do have to zip up, being careful in my movements seems to do the trick, and I haven’t really had problems just zipping up far enough to block someone being able to get at a zippered interior pocket.

Other than that, the largest problem has been remembering what I put in which pocket. Still working out optimum placements, but figure a lot of that will shake out during the trip.

No issues with the jacket so far, and it is water repellent so I plan to use it as my rain coat. Given that my fedora is waterproof, and I can get an umbrella there at need, think I’m set on rain gear. Oh, the jacket has a retractable hood as well, so good up top. Not too worried about the pants, some of the pants are water and stain resistant.

More on the vest and coat later, as this trip will be a good test of them. So far, really like them. Again, thank you all for your time and help!

Please check out my Winter 26 Bleg!

Pilgrimage: Apps

One of the many ducks nibbling me to death right now is adding some apps to my new phone to help with things while I’m on the pilgrimage. This will be a work in progress in that I may be adding another app or two, and I will report as I go on how well things work. Right now, I’ve added Revolut, CashApp, Venmo, Moovit, and iTranslate.

Revolut was recommended, highly, by the priest at the Romanian Orthodox Church, who just got back from a sabbatical in Romania. It is one of the most used, if not the most used financial app in Romania and Bulgaria by all accounts. I’ve played with it a little, but not a lot so far. More as things move along.

CashApp (ping me at awolf 57 boilerplate here you know how protonmail and here is the dot and then comes the com if you want to send a gift that way) is one everyone knows. Doing it more as a precaution as there appear to be a few places that use it overseas so being prepared.

Venmo (again, ping me at the above if you want to send a gift that way) is primarily so I can pay my rent while I am on pilgrimage. My landlord has it, it is the one he uses most, so on it went. It has also been the most “fun” in getting set up in some respects. The “Add Funds” button wasn’t showing so Raju in customer service had me delete and reload the app, only for the second agent I chatted with to tell me it won’t show up until I’ve used it an unspecified number of times. So, will use it as I can, and so long as I can pay rent life is good.

Moovit is a public transit app with extensive coverage in Europe. It covers Sofia very nicely and was highly recommended by people on the ground. Given that Sofia has subway, trams, trolleys, and busses, I need the help with navigating and it is reported to have excellent step-by-step guidance up to telling you to “get off here” and more. I’m really looking forward to trying it out.

iTranslate is a very highly rated app, again recommended by people on the ground. It can handle text, voice, images, and more. For all that Bulgarian is similar to Russian, it is NOT Russian and there are some interesting differences. I’ve already detected some Italian/Latin influences. I’m working on learning some basic phrases, as I’ve found it is always very helpful to be able to say please, thank you, and such in the native language. The fact that you try goes a long way to getting help (and tasty things). Again, more as I use it.

More soon, and if anyone has any suggestions for good apps, do let me know. Three of the above were highly rated by local sources, and I will let you know how all do. Meantime, hope most or all of the initial set-up and such is done so I can now focus on other things.

Also, items off the Amazon Gift List have arrived, and are very much appreciated. Have dropped a line of thanks to someone who added a message with an e-mail addy so I knew who to thank. I couldn’t do this pilgrimage without your help! Thank you!

Please check out my Winter 26 Bleg!

Pilgrimage: Power

Power transformer and adapter plugs for European travel — Modern power conversion for travel, plugs are larger than the transformer these days…

To say things have changed in terms of travel power since I went on my first flight in the mid 1960s is an understatement. Things have changed period, since I remember having to dress up in my Sunday best to get on the airplane. Even when I traveled for NASA and such not too many years ago, I tended to wear a sport coat and nice (but rugged) slacks.

Dress has changed and so has the need for power. Back then, people took electric razors, hair dryers, blow dryers (later), and much more that required some serious power. You had to have bulky and heavy transformers along with appropriate adapter plugs for your trip. I remember well having to pack those items back in the early 1970s, and while the size dropped a bit over the years, you still needed the big, bulky and slightly heavy transformers. May still have one in storage I suspect as I carried two or more per trip for decades.

Today, it is less about the big items. Hotels have blow dryers and the like provided (my apartment has one provided), and electric razors are not quite the thing they were. I’ve only owned one in my life, and I think it was a gift. I prefer a razor for several reasons, no electricity being required being one of them. The thing now is your personal electronics.

Today, most computers, cell phones, and the like have transformers that can handle most power sources in the world, particularly Europe. If you didn’t know, that’s what that square you plug into the wall outlet and your USB cord into is: a transformer. It used to be that some were made just for use in the U.S. and they couldn’t handle power elsewhere. Today, it’s a lot cheaper (because of scale) to build them to handle multiple power-types and just change the plug you put on them since personal electronics is a global market.

Which is wonderful for myself and most other travelers. The adapter plugs are still a little bulky, but as you can see above, the transformers have shrunk. In fact, if this one didn’t have all the different USB ports it would be quite small. It should handle all my needs, but one area where I will have redundancy is power. The transformer above, with the adapters that fit it, cost $14. So, I will have two for redundancy and in case I decide to charge one item in one room and one in another. I will also have two wall plugs for the phone and two for the laptop so I have redundant redundancy. I’ve been paranoid ever since the power supply for my laptop died on the first day of my first embed to Iraq…

Funny thing is, even with two of them together, and all the adapters, it still takes up less space than the small transformer I used to carry two (or three) of on trips overseas. The only thing I might buy when I get to Sofia is an extension cord, just if I need it for convenience. Everything else I might need is provided and already rated for the local power. I could probably even pick up local chargers for my phone and laptop at need.

Oh, I will be splitting things evenly between checked luggage and carry on. Something happens to one, I still have the other. Both come through okay, I’m golden. Why, yes, I have had luggage delayed before and there is little more fun than trying to get clothing in gajin sizes in Tokyo. It used to be a lot harder in terms of electronic power sources, but now not-so-much. Still and all, better to be prepared on this front than not, as I do hope to share photos and more daily (or as close thereto) as possible.

Just remember to check what type plug you need for any given country. It’s why the little transformer above came with three plug adapters that should get you by in most of the world. Everywhere I am likely to go and need power have either Type F or Type G plugs, which honestly are pretty much interchangeable in terms of the plugs. I have both, so should be good to go.

So, look at what you are taking that may need power, check the plug type for all the places you are headed, and plan accordingly. A little redundancy never hurts, and with the small sizes available today, it takes up less room that the not-really-that-old brick transformers. Just a few thoughts, and I will share how these products work as the pilgrimage progresses.

If you’ve not been here before, take a moment to scroll up or down, and check out some of my other content. It ranges from my upcoming religious pilgrimage to practical preparedness. Hope you will check it out.

Please check out my Winter 26 Bleg!

Pilgrimage: New Phone For New Camera

Sunlight striking icon holders in an Orthodox Christian Church. — Testing the new camera in Church

I’ve been asked by quite a few if I am going to post photos or videos from my pilgrimage, and I’ve committed to trying to do a post a day with photos and/or some video. However, the “real” SLR camera I took to Iraq is dead, along with the broadcast quality video camera I used. The dust of Iraq won those battles, and it didn’t help that they were large and heavy. I really need small, light, and easy to use — and like most people I’ve taken to using my mobile/cell phone.

Now, what I had for about the last six years was a senior citizens special that I got with my special senior citizen rate plan. It was an i-Phone, but didn’t have a number and instead had a three letter designation. The camera was okay when I first got it, but not that good these days. I looked around a bit at available phones, and ended up considering it a choice of evils in some respects (Google versus Apple versus Other Corporation) with me almost wanting to root for all to lose. Really would love to see some real competition from someone dedicated to privacy and security along with the latest gee whiz. Meantime, I decided to go with Apple as the lesser evil of the crowd and because I know I can easily integrate it with laptop and such.

So, as I noted in a post the other day, I went to my provider last week (a real store and not one of the affiliated) to check on some things and see what phone options were available. The great news was that my senior citizens plan comes with basic international roaming. It also turns out that unlimited text and data means unlimited text and data anywhere in the world. Short version is that I can text with no problems and anything I can do via data (and wifi) is golden. Going to keep actual calls to a minimum and make full use of wifi, and keep the great rate of my now grandfathered senior citizen rate plan. And, yes, I made sure my phone is set to make use of wifi calling. I will turn on data roaming when I leave just to be safe.

I ended up having a very nice young gentleman help me, and he really dug into the the plan and making it work so that I could keep my current rate. He also came up with some other suggestions on things to do and try, and then we started talking phones. Sadly, no real promotion options would apply to any phone, nor would my then current phone have any significant trade-in value. I had an idea of what I was after, but we explored options anyway. Turns out, he had in stock an i-Phone 17 Pro Max that had the best camera, best battery life, and could easily handle the translation and special navigation apps I wanted to install. It also has emergency satellite capability already engaged, which was a big plus for me.

Even better, he was able to get the price down $100 from what I had budgeted. Not a lot, but it beat a sharp stick in the eye, and I was getting the Max, which I had not considered given the expense. I had considered it as it is larger (easier to see and use) and has a larger (and better) battery which gives it extremely good battery life. More on that in a minute. So, I did grab the opportunity to grab more camera for less money than I had budgeted.

Getting everything over from the old phone to the new took some time, but we got most things done in the store. I had to update a number of apps when I got home, but that wasn’t too bad and gave me a chance to review what I had on the phone and eliminate a couple that I haven’t used in years. I’ll cover the apps I’m adding and testing in some future posts.

The photo above was shot on the phone yesterday, as the sun came up. The old phone could not have gotten the shot. The resolution of the sensors is amazing, and it captures far more of the gradients of light and color than the old phone. The zoom actually works and zooms with no significant degradation of quality. There are other features available that I have not yet explored. I’m going to have to take a quick tutorial on the photo and video capabilities, and on in-phone editing capabilities.

Now, I also got a case for the phone, as the last thing I want to do is to risk damage. For years, I used and loved the OtterBox cases. They have saved my bacon and several phones over the years. However, I wasn’t impressed with the quality of the last one I got, and I found out a few years back that the warranty apparently no longer covered flaps that tore off because of use. Also, the costs of buying a new replacement had gone up. Significantly even.

As it turns out, my provider had stopped selling their products because of issues, with price being prominently mentioned. Instead, they had gone with Pelican, which I did not realize had gone into the cell-phone case business. I’ve used Pelican cases for shipping for ages, and had even converted a small case of theirs into my travel humidor when I smoked cigars. The case for my phone also meets MIL-STD 810G drop standards, which means it should protect the phone from a 24-foot drop. Hoping I never do anything more than 3-feet, so should be more than good. Between the case and screen protector, things should be good to remain useful during the pilgrimage and after.

I’ve got to look up some things in regards the phone, as it has some buttons the old one didn’t, and is missing a couple the old one had. I really wish they had a tutorial for use of the phone as it is so different from the old. I was shown a few things, but am having to figure the rest out on my own.

Earlier, I mentioned battery life. On the old phone, I could use up twenty percent or more of my charge just reading the news before I got out of bed. That phone had already been warranty replaced once a year or so ago because of battery life issues. I just ran the new phone for two days without charging and still didn’t get below twenty percent charge even with running trip navigation for several trips. So, going a day without charging, even with doing photo and video and such, should be quite doable. I will take a couple of portable power banks with me just in case, but I’m less worried on that score now.

Now, I can’t answer questions on if it is worth it to upgrade to the 17 from a 15 or 16; but, I can say that it truly was a quantum leap from my old senior citizen special. Would I have preferred to spend less money: YES. Was it truly an option given the upgrades to camera, battery performance, and the ability to handle some needed apps: YES. Will it fill my needs for many years to come: Yes. Will it last that long: I sure hope so, going to do my part to make it happen.

For all that I like to upgrade electronics every five years, I had reached a point on mobiles that I was planning to keep using the senior citizen special until either it or I died. I don’t think much of the companies behind the current giants, and think Apple is way overpriced on top of other issues. That said, I’m tied into Apple products though I am considering options if the opportunity arises. In this case, though I think the official list price is too high, I got enough of a deal and a huge upgrade in performance and usability that made it worth the investment. I would prefer not to have done it, but that just wasn’t an option.

So, I’m set for basic coms, electronic translation capabilities, and imaging for the trip. I’ll share more on phone performance as things move along, and hopefully a lot more photos and even video will be here and/or in my X feed.

Thank you all for your help in making this happen. I could not be doing this without you, my readers. Know you, your gifts, and your kindness are very much appreciated!

Pilgrimage: Variety Of Prep

Sorry nothing up yesterday and today’s post is a bit short. Lots of things going on in the background, and I’m getting a bit frazzled as things seem to be accelerating faster than planned.

Yesterday, the most time-consuming item so far proved to be getting a new mobile phone. I promised you photos and perhaps even videos from the trip. The only way to do that was to upgrade my senior-citizen special several-years-old mobile to one with good photo and video capability. I got something that I think has a higher number of megapixels capability than the camera I took to Iraq. Amazing what they are doing with the sensors these days in terms of resolution and size. The phone I had wasn’t worth trading in, so I now have a spare at need. Came out right around budget: got a good price on the phone, and picked up a good case, screen protector, and charging system. Sad my old inductance charger doesn’t seem to work with it.

On the good news front, my senior citizen plan (which is actually grandfathered) has basic international roaming. Also, it turns out unlimited data and text means anywhere in the world. As long as I use data and text, I’m good. Calls are reasonable, and using wifi as much as possible is best. So, glad I don’t have to give up my senior citizen plan and can still get things done. Hoping nobody calls, and I plan to use texting a lot more than normal.

My International Driver’s License application is in, though they may make me retake the photo. Didn’t realize until today that there is not a white wall left in this house, and the automated system didn’t like my improvisation. We’ll see.

Ordered my plugs and adapters this morning, should be good on electrical as both laptop and mobile should work on the local current. If worse comes to worse, I can buy a local charger for the mobile there relatively inexpensively. Key will be making sure the laptop is good. Plan to go visit the store here soon to verify a couple of things.

The ScotteVest arrived yesterday and I’m already loving it. 23 pockets and you can effectively make it a Personal Area Network (PAN) I’m told. Do wish the RF-shielded pocket were larger, but it does give me options. More on this as I test it out. If anyone wants to send the jacket it is on the wish list…

The travel chef kit was not quite what I was expecting. Good knives, but the ‘light weight’ cutting board is heavy as all get out. Going to cut down some thin plastic cutting boards to fit, which will change that weight to about three ounces. Which will also allow me to get creative on what goes in that case. May share a picture or two here soon.

Have made the decision to go seriously minimalist on the pilgrimage, which is not how I usually pack for anything. Right now, looking at just minimal clothing, toiletries, and supplements/medicines along with the electronics. I will include some rope or paracord, but aside from that nothing for contingencies. Even looking at minimal on electronics, with just the mobile, laptop, cables, plugs/adapter, and one power pack. I may even decide to ship over the supplements and hair conditioner. Got to decide on that soon.

More soon, and thanks again to everyone who has donated so far. The Bleg has raised about a quarter of the goal, which is fantastic though any and all further help would be very, very much appreciated. Stay tuned, there is more to come.

Please check out my Winter 26 Bleg!

Pilgrimage: Finding Lodging

The good news is, I have reserved a place to use as my base of operations while on my pilgrimage. That is how I see it, rather than as a home or place to live. It is where I will lay my head, cook a meal or three, and have as a secure base as I go and explore.

When the idea of a pilgrimage first came up, I was considering doing a tour of every working monastery in Bulgaria. Take a train or fly into the east coast of Bulgaria, then work my way west staying at various monasteries along the way. That actually could be quite fun and educational; but, it would not be ideal for spiritual development and discernment. Didn’t take much to get me to reconsider that.

Basing in Sofia has a number of advantages. The Patriarchal Cathedral is there, and there have been some suggestions it would be good for me to spend some time there. There are also a number of other churches and sites to visit, and perhaps spend some time in contemplation. It is also a transportation hub with rail, bus, and air options for me to get around. Frankly, I’m looking at using the train as much as I can as fares are usually fairly inexpensive and the trips will let me see a lot more of the countryside as I go. More on that at some point later.

To be honest, I didn’t want much. My absolute requirements were a bed (pref. decent, but have slept on plywood and been grateful for it), a private bathroom, and a kitchen even if minimal. Being able to cook has a lot of advantages, and I want to make the most of them. I found a number of apartments and similar for short-term rental, and found a very good selection in the $25-$35 a day range. My ideal goal was $30 or less a day, in not too bad a neighborhood.

In my searching, I used Booking.com, RentHolidayHome.com, and a new one for me: CozyCozy.com. CozyCozy searches Booking, Air B&B, and several other sites and it ended up being very useful.

One of the things I appreciated about Booking.com is that on it’s listing, there is — way down the page — a detailed listing of what is available in a given apartment, etc. Several of the places that said they had a kitchen really had more of a kitchenette as it turned out. They might have a real oven, a toaster oven, or something else; but, quite often they did not have any form of cooktop. That detailed listing, along with the reviews from people who stayed at the property, turned into one of the most useful tools I had for comparing and evaluating properties.

When you are looking at such, do read as many of the reviews from the last 2-3 years as you can. I recommend all in the last 2 years at least. If there are trending issues, you can spot them. If appliances regularly are not working, there are leaks or other issues, it lets you know to keep looking. Not always, but quite often it’s the middle-of-the-road reviews that give you the most, or the most important, details. Caveat Emptor.

RentHolidayHomes.com was a good source as well. Different information set, but you could often find the same property on other sites and get a very good picture of things as a result. Can’t speak to booking through them, but at least for Europe they seem a very good choice for searching.

CozyCozy was one that I almost didn’t touch as the design and typography didn’t appeal to me all that much. However, I decided to give it a try given that it pulled from so many proven sources. As it worked out, I did find the apartment I’ve reserved through them.

Their search function is good, you get good info, and the ads are hosted on known/proven sites. I will be using them again if I get the chance to do more travel.

The listing I finally settled on was on Air B&B. I’ve never used them before, and have heard good and bad things about Air B&B. However, some of the bad comes from some sources who I suspect were more involved in creating the problem than admitted. So, I decided on a clean start and began reaching out to people I know for info. Net result was that all of them recommended using Air B&B, and given that some of them had used it for rentals in Europe, I decided to give it a try.

Not going to share too much information, yet, on the location but will share the following. The location is very close to ideal, in that I can easily walk to the Patriarchal Cathedral and a host of other sites in ten minutes or less (I think). There is a subway stop not very far away, and there is also bus and/or tram (looking into that) routes nearby. Going to be looking into a pass if I can, just to be safe.

I haven’t worked out the final cost per night yet (I got insurance and some optional extras), but it shouldn’t be too much above my target range if not in the upper range. Key things for me are that it has a real kitchen with cooktop, oven, hood, etc. Found out after I booked it even has an espresso machine, which I am looking forward to using. The bathroom looks very nice, and rather than being a studio it actually does have a bedroom.

Even better, the hosts are rated as superhosts and have excellent reviews, as does the property. My correspondence with them has been quite good and helpful. They seem genuinely happy to have me, and a little intrigued that I am on a pilgrimage. I’ve also been assured that their wifi is up to handling my online course, which will finish up while I’m on pilgrimage.

Oh, when I mentioned good location earlier, there are a number of markets, stores, restaurants, and the like all within easy walking distance. In fact, one of the largest markets in Sofia, with a lot of food/farm vendors, is one of them. Right now, I’m figuring that my first couple of days will be spent exploring the area and nailing down various transportation options. Should be a lot of fun.

So, deposit down and things seem off to a good start. If you are traveling somewhere and going to stay more than a couple of days, a short-term rental is a good way to go. Had some friends years back who did something similar each year in Paris. They used the apartment as a base, and got to go exploring all over. The links above will give you some good sites, and hopefully my experiences will help you along. I will be sharing more as things happen, and will let you know how things go.

Please check out my Winter 26 Bleg!

Winter Bleg 26 5 March

First and foremost: THANK YOU to everyone who has donated to my Winter 26 Bleg! Particular thanks go out to Vodka Pundit for his post at Instapundit that brought most or all of you here. In addition to the automated thank you, I’ve hopefully sent a quick thank you to everyone I could. To all of you who donated anonymously, please accept my thanks! I also very much appreciate all the comments of support, prayers, and more that have been given. I also want to thank JC and LB for sending me something off my Amazon Wish List. I’ve made all the items needed for the pilgrimage highest priority, so they should show up first.

All the gifts, all the prayers and thoughts, and all of YOU are very much appreciated. Please help spread the word, as there is still a ways to go. THANK YOU!

Winter 26 Bleg

I hate to do this, as your kind gifts over the last 4.5 years have kept me going. Right after I was hit by lightning that June, and things started going South rather rapidly, quite a few of you stood up and helped me out as I dealt with health issues, health bureaucracy, and general bureaucracy. At that time, I wanted nothing more than to get better and move to the desert SW. As I look out at the roughly inch of snow that fell here this morning, there is a part of me that still very much wants to move there.

That said, about 3.5 years ago, I found a new Church home and my desire for a new life took on a new meaning. It was something long building, as I had for years thought there was something I was supposed to be doing, though I wasn’t sure what it was that I was to do. It literally took getting hit by lightning to have a moment of clarity, and to slowly (I am a bit thick and slow) realize that the end doesn’t matter, only the path. Bit more on this later in the post.

It took more than three years to get a small monthly stipend going, and during that time your gifts literally allowed me to live as I had no real income during that time. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate those gifts, and all the prayers that came with them. Both mean more than I can ever truly express. Which is why I hate to ask for more, but my stipend is not huge and while things are improving, there is more to do than I can cover.

So, I’m going to do a formal Bleg. Haven’t done this in a while, but here’s what I’m looking at over the next year or so.

First up, keeping the blog up and the lights on costs about $500 right now. I’ve got some fairly stable hosting that at least sorta-handles Instalanches and the like. There are support services that help keep the spam at bay, and things running smoothly (or at least relatively so). I would not mind doing a bit more, and expenses could go up if I start doing more video and the like as planned.

Second, I am doing an experiment right now by taking a seminary course as a remote-learning non-degree student. I will note that if I do change to pursue a degree or certificate, everything should count towards that. The last round of neurological testing done last year said I should be able to take a course and pass it. I will also note the doctor who did the testing and I had an interesting side talk on the fact that I can still form new memories, but that the conditions to form new memories are not always there. So, trying some things, including something told to me by a fellow lightning strike survivor to aid in creating those conditions.

I will admit right now the class is wonderful, I’m truly enjoying it (its on the theology behind the Liturgy, the main worship service for Christians). It is also sometimes overwhelming and almost always like trying to drink from a firehose. It is testing my compensation systems for life, and I’m having to devise new stratagems for handling the loads. Which is good, very good, don’t get me wrong; but, it is not easy and I look back at being able to breeze through some courses with a degree of envy.

It is also expensive given my budget. Right now, looks like the total cost is going to be around $2k for the course. A couple of you have stepped up and covered registration and such, and it is much appreciated. Now, if I do okay with this course, I would like to try again this fall with another course, which will be another $2k (bit more). If that goes well, I would then try two courses, and if that goes well, and I have the blessing of my Priest, I would consider seeking a scholarship and try full-time. That’s in the future, but for this year alone having $4k would be a huge help.

Now, as my regular readers know, I have the opportunity to go on a pilgrimage this spring. I am Eastern Orthodox Christian, and belong to the Bulgarian Patriarchate which means my home Church is in Sophia, Bulgaria. So, I will be going to Sophia and basing out of there. The trip is for spiritual development and discernment, and as such I will be visiting Churches and monasteries (and possibly a seminary) in Bulgaria; will be going up to Bucharest, Romania for a visit (and cooking lessons, more in a bit); and, will be going to Mount Athos is Greece to spend some time there.

For those who don’t know, Mount Athos is one of the oldest Christian communities in the world. Short version: fairly soon after the start of Church, Christian hermits took up residence there; and, when monastic life became a thing, monasteries were established there; and, during various times of persecution and such, those monasteries became a refuge and many items were stored there.

Getting to visit requires getting a “visa” via an office of the Greek government on the mainland, as Mount Athos is accorded as it’s own territory, almost it’s own country in some ways. You then have to contact the monasteries to arrange to visit. I’ve been approved for my “visa” though I am attempting to change the dates of my visit. My Bishop (our Church has one Bishop for the USA, Canada, and Australia btw) has invited me to join him at one of the monasteries for a special service, and I’m now waiting to hear from the ‘visa office’ on my request to change the dates of my visit.

For all I am working to do this on the cheap, there are still expenses. I got a fairly good deal on the airfare; but, with all the fees and taxes added on it ended up about $1,800. I’ve found some short-term studio apartment rental in Sophia that look good, have stoves and oven, wifi (my seminar class will be finished while on the pilgrimage), and such, for about $33 a day, or a total of around $1,800 with taxes and fees. Several of them offer a service to pick me up and take me back to the airport even. While I’m in Bulgaria and Romania, I want to take some cooking lessons, one of which is Romanian country cooking in the Carpathian mountains. Right now, looking at about $750 for doing those. When one visits and stays at monasteries, they do appreciate donations and so I am budgeting $900 for that. I also want to budget for some hotel expenses as I can’t always stay at monasteries and such, so am adding $700 for that. I’m also budgeting $500 for trains, busses, and other transport. Sadly, given age and the joys of having been hit by lightning, I am having to get trip insurance that includes hospital and medical evacuation. That looks to be $800 (possibly a bit more). So, looking at about $7,250 for the trip itself.

Oh, for the record, if I die or am killed while on the pilgrimage, I’ve given instructions that I am to be buried there. No need to bring me back here, let me rest where I fall. This constitutes full legal notice to any and all parties who may (or may not) have a claim on my estate.

Now, there are some expenses that are not a direct cost, but also need to be considered. First up, a new cell phone. I have a non-numbered model senior-citizen special right now. I would like to upgrade that so I can handle a particular translation app and take better pictures and videos. Several have already asked if I will post pictures and videos, and I actually hope to do so daily. I really want to video some or all of the cooking classes, and various explorations of Churches and more. From the Carpathian mountains to Mount Athos, we are talking some beautiful country and I want to share it with you. Given that my phone won’t even trade in on a new mobile, am budgeting $1,500 for that. I also need a new pair of prescription sunglasses. Insurance will cover part of that, but I’m still going to be out roughly $500 simply because of my prescription (rarely can be ground in store). Not looking for super high end, just a solid pair of glasses and yes I’ve already priced some out. Now that physical therapy and massage therapy have me walking more normally, I need a new pair of Redwings, and those will be about $135. For all that I feel their quality has slipped, these shoes are incredibly comfortable, can handle rough terrain at need, and are safety shoes — which can come in handy. Now, I also am looking at some specialty clothes, including a vest that a priest I know speaks highly of that can even be worn with a cassock (not an issue for me at present) that is pickpocket and RF resistant. Also looking at a couple pairs of pickpocket proof pants and such, and some decent travel pants that can be line dried at need (several of the apartments have washers, no dryers). There are some other miscellaneous things, including the backpack I bought that does not put weight on my artificial shoulders (app $450). So, budgeting about $300 for the miscellaneous (excluding pack). Which makes this part about $2,435.00.

So, I’m looking at a goal of $14,185. That’s a lot, though I admit it should probably be rounded up to $14,500. Heck, the marketing types would probably suggest that or more, but I would be grateful for any of that. Everything helps and is very much appreciated.

Now, I know some people may not want to donate money as that can be misspent, misused, etc. So, I’ve put as much of the clothing and other items for the trip on my Amazon Wish List and made them highest priority, so they should show up first. And, yes, I hope to ship over some things in advance (supplements and other supplies) so I don’t have to carry them in my luggage.

Now, to go back to something mentioned earlier. I am on a path of which I do not know the end, when it comes to this new life. I’m helping at my Church, taking this class to see how well I can handle it, and to, if possible, to push on down that path. It has several possible destinations, from monastic life to the priesthood. I have faith I will be guided to the destination that is right for me. This trip is a part of that process and I am thankful to my Priest and my Bishop for their help, encouragement, and guidance on this journey. And I appreciate your help, your prayers, your gifts in allowing me to make this journey.

Before I forget, I did promise to say more on the cooking lessons. I’ve already contacted and made tentative arrangements for one cooking lesson in Sophia, which will provide an introduction to Bulgarian cooking. There are some other possibilities there as well, but nothing scheduled yet. In Bucharest, I actually may have the chance to take three different classes: one introductory course to Romanian cooking, a cheese-making class, and one where I will be taken into the Carpathian mountains and learn Romanian country cooking. I’m hoping for more really, particularly in Sophia but we will see.

If this goes well, and there is any money left over, I am already thinking about a possible trip to the Holy Lands. Just an idle thought for now, as we need to see how well I do on this trip first, but it is there. And if I can go, I will be reaching out to some people for help in doing a bit more than the normal, as there would be at least three graves I would like to visit that are tied to October 7.

So, with reluctance and hope I make a winter bleg to you. I will be pinning this to the top, or reposting every day, to keep it available this week. I hope to do other, regular, posting as well, but want to push this while I can.

Thank you all for all you have done. I could not have made it this far without your help, your prayers, and your gifts. Your love, if you will. My hope for all of us is that there is much more to come.

Thank you.

UPDATE I: My thanks to G for using Zelle in the Bard’s Jar. You were the first too do so; I hope it went well for you; and, I did get it and it is applied to the trip. Thank you so much!

UPDATE II: First and foremost: THANK YOU to everyone who has donated to my Winter 26 Bleg! Particular thanks go out to Vodka Pundit for his post at Instapundit that brought most or all of you here. In addition to the automated thank you, I’ve hopefully sent a quick thank you to everyone I could. To all of you who donated anonymously, please accept my thanks! I also very much appreciate all the comments of support, prayers, and more that have been given. I also want to thank JC and LB for sending me something off my Amazon Wish List. I’ve made all the items needed for the pilgrimage highest priority, so they should show up first. All the gifts, all the prayers and thoughts, and all of YOU are very much appreciated. Please help spread the word, as there is still a ways to go. THANK YOU!

Seminary Studies

Well, I think I alluded to it here, but it is now official: I’ve been accepted as a non-degree student (HCHC Open Learning program) at Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. What this means is that I am going to be taking some online courses from them in the next year plus. During that time, based on discernment and growth, I have the option to apply for degree or certificate programs.

This is a very different path for me, and it is one that has several possible destinations. For me, simply walking the path is a start towards something I feel drawn towards. Ever since I got up after the lightning strike, I’ve felt drawn towards a new path. I’m simply happy to be walking it, and am very happy to leave the destination to the Lord. I know that I will be guided towards that which is right, be it some form of monastic life, academic or administrative work, the Deaconate, or Clergy. I am content to let the destination be revealed in due time.

If anyone cares to hit the tip jar, it would be very much appreciated. Right now, there is not a lot of financial aid available, and I need to start paying fees and such ASAP as I have a $200 payment that has to be made now. My goal is to take at least one course starting in January, preferably two, and each course is $1,500.00. Any and all help is appreciated, especially as I still need (more than ever) to do my pilgrimage next year for spiritual growth and discernment. See the link above for more details.

I’m still going to be here, still offering pithy takes on things of interest, noting the struggle against the godless authority, and more. That said, I also plan to share some of what I learn in the process of walking this new path.

So, please do feel free to hit the tip jar above (upper right corner). Also, please do feel free to offer prayers for me. I need them.

Thank you all, particularly my regular readers. It has been an interesting time these last few years, and it does give an additional twist to my starting a new life. Not at all what I expected when I first thought a new life would be moving out West. The journey now continues but towards a truly new life. I hope you will continue to check in and share a bit of that journey in the days ahead.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, and to start a truly new life, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.