In a couple of hours, I leave from Amsterdam to Hong Kong for 5 days, then off to Cape Town via Johannesburg for another 5 days, then back to Amsterdam where we take the train to Brussels for another 5 days, then we fly to Ivalo in Lapland, Finland for another 5 days. It's a Rock & Roll travel schedule, minus the sex, drugs and er... Rock & Roll!
I'm excited. And scared. HAHAHA! It'll be a fun but intense shoot.
Because I've had to pack for both African summer and Lapland winter, there is no more room in my bag for a yoga mat. Uh-oh. This doesn't bode well for my practice. I am hoping to report on what practice on bare hotel carpet feels like (ICK!) ...or if I have time, I might make it to a studio and rent a mat from there.
Will try to post pictures when I can!
In the meantime, here's a picture of my new (third) bike. I've got a white milk crate in the front instead of a basket. More functional and less heavy. That spotted thing on the seat is basically like a shower cap for your bike seat - so when it rains or snows, you just take it off and your bum will still be dry. :)
PS. I have now insured this bicycle from BOTH theft and damage. Yes, I have learnt from experience now, you thieving swines! (and recently found out about a government tax rebate on brand new bikes - so I'm able to get some of my money back from the Dutch government from the purchase of this bike. YAY!)
have a great time! such interesting places you get to go ... and I love your third-time-is-the-charm bike,. adorable!
ReplyDeleteDear Jaime
ReplyDeleteWhat an exciting work trip. Hope everything goes well. You know, I have found it helpful to own a super ultra thin travel mat. It won't cushion you, but it's good so that you can practice in airport waiting lounges when a flight is delayed, or in your hotel room. They're not that expensive. The milk crate in the front of the bike may be a theft deterrent; maybe the previous one was too cute to not want to take a way. The crate makes this one look more utilitarian.
hugs
Arturo
Hey Loo! Yup, you read my mind! I keep thinking "third time lucky" with this bike. Gotta be, right? Anyways, the urban myth in Amsterdam is that people here keep getting their bikes stolen and the one time they insure a bike will be the only bike that won't get stolen. I'm hoping this will be the case for me too. :)
ReplyDeleteArturo - I got a Manduka Pro-Lite for travel, and that's what I usually bring along with me on trips. Is your travel mat even thinner than that? Because this particular trip is an unusually long shoot with so many stops along the way and more to pack than usual, I thought I'd leave the mat behind this time. The milk crate - It's a typically Dutch thing where they all have milk crates in front of their bikes rather than baskets. I figured that since my white bike already stands out quite a bit in a sea of black bikes, I should probably get a more typical crate in front to "blend in" somewhat. Or something like that. :p
Dear Jaime
ReplyDeleteI have a ultra thin foldable mat that you can put in a backpack in your carryon. It's thinner than the manduka travel mat. It's made in the UK, so you should be able to get it cheaper. I got it thru online purchasing here at a higher price. It' worth having exactly for your type of travel. I blabbed about it in my blog and can't find the post right now. If I find it I'll send you the link.
hugs
Arturo