Update #1

I have been asked what I’ve been doing aside from the geeky stuff, how I feel, how’s my health, how my trip is going…

In short, many legitimate questions, but I had not expected to post any of the answers on this site, as it has a more “professional” air than personal.
But only fools cannot change their minds, so I’ll offer a more personal update because, after all, that too is a part of the journey.

HOW IS YOUR TRIP?

Broad question. Overall, I would say “very good”. I was asked if it was better than I had expected, but I did not expect anything (save not to break my leg the first week, which hasn’t happened – knock on wood) so I cannot answer that one. I can say that I don’t really worry, as luck has frequently smiled upon me. I’m meeting great people, so it’s all very positive.

HOW DO YOU GET AROUND?

A question that also came up a lot before my departure. I travel by the best (read: cheapest) means available. So, for now, carpool, bus, and car rental. Carpooling is my most prefered mode of transport, as it’s 2-4x cheaper than the bus. It’s also less reliable, so I must take a bus when the driver doesn’t arrive. One must always find a solution. The car rental was necessary to get to Tadoussac, especially from Rimouski, as crossing the St. Lawrence river is not a popular route for carpooling. For the time being, I’m avoiding trains (too expensive), and hitchhiking (too cold and, I admit, too inexperienced).

WHERE ARE YOU STAYING?

An easy question to answer for those who know me, as I’m a CouchSurfer. I’ve used this method for every night of my stay thus far, save one weekend in Tadoussac, where I chose to go to a hostel. Not many CouchSurfers in Tadoussac… As the answers are usually given last-minute, CS requests are often difficult but, so far, I’ve never had to sleep under a bridge. I hope that luck will continue.

WHAT DO YOU DO ALL DAY?

Given the speed at which they go, I wonder too! Basically, I play the tourist. I walk the streets, I visit museums (often science or culture-related), I spend time with my hosts, and I try to write – but it’s not always easy!

HAVE YOU BEEN SICK?

No, not yet! And that’s so great!! So, fingers crossed that it continues.

ARE YOU SOMETIMES TIRED OF THIS TRIP?

The morale is well fixed, although I admit writing this article for all those I left behind makes me feel something… Not really depressed yet – phew! After all, it’s only been 6 weeks.

AND YOU’RE GOING TO CONTINUE MAKING US READ YOUR F…. GEEKY STUFF?

Uhmm… As it’s the travel theme, I would say the answer to that is obviously yes, but I’ll try to expand a little and change the theme of my articles to be a little less journalistic and more personal.

USELESS STATS

Number of days: : 43
Items purchased : waterproof pants, a neck scarf
Items lost: a neck scarf (yes, the one I had bought only a month earlier)
Broken/damaged items the plug for my camera, the back pocket of my hiking pants, and my waterproof shoes are now taking water
Number of nights hosted through Couchsurfing : 40
Number of different hosts 15
Where I slept most nights non-convertible couches (14 nights)

And if you want to know anything, email me! I read my emails, tweets, FB messages, texts, and of course, ravens…