After downloading... how does one update in the months (or years) ahead - aside from another fresh download?

Another thing I find is that locals living way off the beaten path can be extraordinarily welcoming and forgiving because they are genuinely appreciative and curious of you. At the other end, locals in Venice can get pretty tired of tourists pouring in at the height of summer...

Having used ATM’s regularly since the late ‘70's, I’ve never had a mishap of any kind. So, never even thought of what needs to happen if/when error occurs. It’s why I find reading Lifehacker so useful (and enlightening).

I regularly travel the world (hosteling) for months at a time (seven months was my longest trip to date). I wear clean clothes. And my JanSport day pack easily carries everything I need - rain, shine or freeze.

Then take a look at nubuck leather shoes with good soles - and shoelaces; something like this perhaps:

For guys who wish to travel light:

Thanks a lot for enabling.

Not to give United a complete pass (they were the ones who passed off their problem to LEO’s) - but once LEO’s get involved, it’s out of the airline’s hands (e.g. the knocking passenger out part).

Yes, when put in that circumstance, just follow directions and deal with it later.

Not sure who composed this list, but some appear quite contrary to my own experience. Just one example, the concept of “personal space” in China is shown to be wider than in America? Actually, not only is the OPPOSITE true - it’s wider by orders of magnitude in America!!

Two options for drying after bidet washing:

Two options for drying after bidet washing:

I own one (paid $26 for it about two years ago, so today’s price is a good deal) and I highly recommend it. A soothing stream, and then just a couple squares of TP to dry off. Economical. And more importantly, a lot more sanitary than using TP alone.

I own one (paid $26 for it about two years ago, so today’s price is a good deal) and I highly recommend it. A…

Couple of thoughts:

Yes, budgeting can be a habit. I used to budget every year, consistently. Then, I realized that spending is a habit too. After years of careful budgeting, spending, and cultivating a sense of contentment, I no longer need to budget anymore. My spending just doesn’t get out of line to require budgeting anymore.

“Having a crying baby:”

I feed expired cards through my paper shredder. Works well.

I wouldn’t write China off as a potential retirement “haven”. It has excellent medical centers for those who can afford them (expensive for locals but likely cheap for westerners with western pensions). And the demand for English teachers mean most all retirees can pick up a nice chunk of tutoring income - as well…

I agree with Pat’s two choices (Mandarin and Spanish) in general. However, stating the obvious, I think much depends on where you are and where you want to be. Wide swathes of northern and western Africa is Francophile. As well, Arabic reigns supreme in much of Africa and the Middle East. English in those areas is…

Shucks! Just ordered them and then realized they are for indoor use. Oh well, for the price, I’ll still give them a try. They will be used as garage floodlight. Hopefully, the fixture will protect them enough...

Shucks! Just ordered them and then realized they are for indoor use. Oh well, for the price, I’ll still give them…

I think I am blessed with a fairly indiscriminate palate. I just steam my veggies and eat them without oil or spices. Makes things easier (but still nutritious).