I took the Polly Dithmer approach to shopping: see something more or less like what you need, and grab it. No exhaustive survey of the marketplace, no price comparisons, no research regarding alternative models, nothing. I’m a new man.

Tried to find the Quaran in English, but only found Newsweek.

Found a Polartech burnoose (Polartech! Manufactured in Lawrence, United States! The guy told me wool was too heavy and impractical!), perhaps as an alternative to some kind of additional blanket or comforter, but couldn’t convince myself it was quite right.

Here’s the bottom line on traveling alone, at least for me: it’s fine in the morning as long as you have an agenda in place (ride 100km, buy wool socks, whatever), but it is terribly painful in the afternoon as the light dwindles. I miss familiar things and people. I miss my family and friends. I physically ache for connection. By the time it gets completely dark, I feel reduced to a client, a target or an outcast, depending on the situation.

Travel: it's a mental game.

written by  roel krabbendam on December 29, 2006 from Gabes, Tunisia
from the travel blog: Harmattan
Send a Compliment

---

ps: you can double use the wool socks as a scrubbie sponge
f

written by  franklin on December 30, 2006

---

Roel!!!
Reading your blog is such fun. So sad you're lonely though. I'm sure you wouldn't mind being in United States with the girls. It's hard reading the uncomfortable parts of your trip...great hearing about the decent food and the times you've slept! Good thing you're cycling to keep those endorphins flowing...and what an experience you're having!!! I hope you find floss soon-what? no one in Tunisia has ever eaten a Butterfinger before?? Hard to believe...
Good luck on your next day and keep warm and dry!!
Lisa and the Nivisons (a new alternative rock group)

written by  Lisa Nivison on December 30, 2006

---

Roel, Rule, Roel...luv! twilight is the best time of day!!! it's time suspended...it's nature downshifting into a lower gear...the activities of the day coalescing into a gentle, slow motion riot of amber glow...no? 'course that's easy to say as my SAAB meanders up the bucolic byways of Fox Hill Estates. I love your blog. I've wondered for weeks why you would be doing this and now I know--you're writing a best seller! kudos! I'm so glad you're sharing your drafts. Keep 'em coming. Will you get this note?

written by  kathleen buck on January 1, 2007

---

Roel, I've been keeping up with your blog since you started it. I haven't had to time to actually comment, and thank the gods, now I do (It's January 2...college apps are done...)

I'm sorry to hear that the trip is turning out to be so lonely, but also very glad that you've gotten to meet some amazing people (and some not so amazing.)

Your writing is absolutely brilliant and it makes my day to read your updates. You're an inspiration to a lot of us at school. Keep up this blog!

-Sruthi

P.S: As promised, the school will be following this story in the newspaper. I just haggled the Editor-in-Chief to expand my section another page to cover your story. =)
P.P.S: Happy new year!

written by  Sruthi Valluri on January 2, 2007

---

Roel, Rule, Rool,

Every day I think of you while driving by your house. We are all sending all the very most positive thoughts your way and my Pagan goddesses are working to shine down on you.

I still think you're a crazy SOB but you sure do have heart (and guts and nuggets). Keep your chin up and know we're all thinking of you.

-Beth, of the barking dogs

written by  beth cail on January 3, 2007

comment on this...