July 30, 2003

Selling My Car

Goodbye to "The Wing"

Last night I sold off my car. She was called "The Wing" for the silly high spoiler I had put on back when I bought her new in 1999. I loved my little Civic. She never failed me, least of all now. Her sale has allowed me to leave behind funds to pay for student loans, as well as boost my budget up a hefty chunk.

As I was leaving, the new owners asked if I was at all upset about selling it. I said that I wasn't. However, it was the last major bit of preparation for my trip, and I guess it brought out a little sadness.

It's interesting that something like a car, which you normally associate with freedom, was part of what was keeping me from the type of freedom that I really wanted.

Posted by Claudia at 11:09 PM | Comments (1)

I Hate Tevas

I hate feet. I really dislike toes. However, wearing boots throughout Asia is not something I want to do. So, I was going to go buy myself a pair of the dreaded "hippie" sandals for my trip when I discovered an old pair of Tevas in my garage. They had somehow made it through the move from old house to new.

Now, I really hate feet, but feet in Tevas (which are second only to Birkenstocks) are something that make me ill. So, on this trip I am going to force myself to get over it. They are 1 of 2 pairs of shoes I am taking so if I don't get over it, I will have some really hot sweaty feet. I hope I can cope!

Posted by Claudia at 11:38 AM | Comments (11)

Bio

Who is Claudia?

I'll start with the basics. I'm a 27 year old mechanical engineer who graduated from college and realized I could care less about a career. I'm more interested in wandering the globe than making the big bucks and wasting away in a cube farm. I love shooting photographs and I have taken many many classes/workshops on the subject, and intend to continue it as a serious amateur.

I grew up in Dix Hills, attending Commack schools in Long Island, NY. I currently live with my Eddie Izzard obsessed mother, GLOORRRRRRRia (thanks Dione). I have a younger fashion designer sister Vanessa and a younger artist bro, Nick. My father, Bob, has just moved out to an, ahem, "active adult" community in Riverhead.

While researching my latest trip, this lengthy round the world one, I stumbled across Bootsnall. I became decently active in the community there, where I am known as PhotoChick. Check out the community. As an added bonus, I snagged a cutie boyband boyfriend, Anthony, who until recently was a BootBoy. He rocks my socks.

Past travel experiences include: Scotland, Wales, England, Ireland, France, Switzerland, Italy, Egypt, Thailand, and China. You can hear more about my travel profile here.

Posted by Claudia at 11:08 AM | Comments (5)

July 29, 2003

Itinerary

So where ya going?

Right, the most common question I seem to get is where I hope to go. My trip has gone through so many transformations, but here is the plan as of now:

Scotland: Highlands and Islands, such as the Orkneys, Inner and Outer Hebrides, the remoter the better.
View image
India: 3 months, will be visiting another BootsnAll member, DustyShoes, in Bangalore for a bit as well as some general wandering around.
Nepal: potential new addition if Anthony tags along
Thailand: Had been there once, in 2000 but only had 2 weeks. I want to check it out some more.
View image
Laos: I've just heard great things.
Cambodia: Can we say Angkor Wat??
China: I didn't get to make it to southern China last time around so I will try and see a bit of Yunnan Province this time.
Malaysia: A recent addition. I became super intrigued as I was trying to figure out a way to get from Thailand to Bali.
Indonesia: I'd like to see Bali, in addition to some other spots.
Australia: Been off and on the itinerary several times. If time and money permit, I will hoof it down there to visit some of the wonderful chicas I met last year in China.
Portland: Finish up in Portland, approx 1 year after I began.

Any suggestions?

Posted by Claudia at 03:49 PM | Comments (6)

Goodbye Lunch

I'm stuffed.

My coworkers just all took me out to lunch at Bennigan's. It was really great to see so many people come out. I am really touched and very grateful that they care... or they want to make sure I go!!!!!!

I got to show off my new Columbia CRKT knife that I bought at Campmor with Ant (the knife slut himself) a few weeks ago. Some of the boys seemed to like it and thought it would prove useful when I had to amputate a body part in some exotic jungle. Also, I was given a world map, which is promptly going up on the wall at home, so my mom can mark off where I've been. BITCHIN.

Thanks guys.

Posted by Claudia at 02:54 PM | Comments (3)

Wow, I'm posting!!

Ok, guys. I'm starting to post details on my round the world adventure. Keep checking back.

Posted by Claudia at 09:55 AM | Comments (9)