Author: brookdain

My paper map of Pakistan came today. I love my GPS and other electronic gadgets but nothing makes you feel like you’re on an adventure like unfolding and pouring your brain over a paper map.

I spoke with my sister on the phone yesterday. She asked, “are you really going to Pakistan?” I proudly exclaimed, “yup, it’s the craziest thing that I can think of doing” She expressed her concern and I brushed it off with a glib comment about my own demise. This morning she posted about my trip on her Facebook page.

After work I went to AAA to get an international drivers permit. I’ve been told by a couple of people that I don’t need this… but, I figure for $20, it’s better to be safe than sorry. The process was fairly simple. Fill out a one page application that just asks for the information on your drivers license and provide a passport photo. Since I moved recently my CA drivers license does not show the correct address. When I asked the staff at AAA if I should put my correct address they said no. The form has to match the license exactly because all the international permit really is is a translation of the information on your drivers license. Somehow when I walked out of the AAA with a paper booklet that looked like an amusement park passport I felt like I had been scammed.

Today, Tom “Bagel” Donahue posted a Facebook post about a possible scooter tour of Pakistan. That sounds crazy.

I’ve been thinking lately that I really need to go on an adventure after my daughter leaves for college. Something epically big like the GTE Big Ride was.

I would rather be ashes than dust!
I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot.
I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.
The function of man is to live, not to exist.
I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them.
I shall use my time.

-Jack London