The cable is mainly to slow down thieves — i.e. avoid a quick snatch and grab. Just run the cable through the suspension of the pack and lock it to a bed or cabinet. This will help avoid crimes of “convenience”.

Gary, do you have any idea how Ambien compares to Melatonin? The latter
didn’t really work too well for me until I read that some climbers let the
pills desolve under their tongues–knocks me out in 15 minutes flat.

Adam, great idea about the Tiger Balm.

Rolf, I carry my own TP-a good idea even in the US. Somehow, moskito
netting makes me claustrophobic.

One question about the padlock: I am always debating whether they deter or
attract thieves? Apart from money, credit card, and my passport, the only
item of value I carry is my digital camera. Having someonesteal my pack
would be an inconvenience, though.

How do you use the cable and lock? Do you just thread it through some loop
on your luggage and attach it to something solid to keep someone from
taking the whole pack, or something more elaborate?

Have fun in Baja–if you are still there.

Happy new year everyone.

— Lars, Chicago

Gary: I’m near Ensenada, so I’m not all that far from SD. It is cheaper, but it’s also a lot more peaceful and less distracting (though sometimes I enjoy the distractions of southern California!).

Kevin: Good point. I’ve bailed for expensive digs as the last resort before, and it’s most always worth it. And I even say in my book to not be too neurotic about keeping things super-cheap (especially if it makes you miserable).

Annette: You crack me up! But believe me: I, too, know the multi-functional wonders of whiskey in certain situations…

Adam: It’s amazing to hear you’re stateside again, after all those years in Asia. Congrats on the Irvine gig — I will definitely use you as an example of a hard-core vagabonder who has managed to stay seamlessly employable! As for Bengay, good point — and Tiger Balm works well also (and is nice and small to pack).

Some Bengay style cream for sore muscles is usually in my backpack for after hiking/trekking, no-shocks jeep rides kind of reasons. But after last winter’s trip to Bangladesh it will forever stay in my pack for “flophouse hotel’ survival reasons.

In Chittagong I was at a hotel by the station that reeked so royally I seriously could not sleep. I spent 4 hours of gagging, choking and desperately trying to doze while unsuccessfully using combos from everything in my bag to cover my face… even tried my precious tempur-pedic earplugs up the snozz.

I finally smeared a gob of Bengay under my nose and slept like a baby (not the crying all night and pooping their diapers kind). Saved my night, and cleared up my sinuses as well. I’ll never travel without it again.

I’m back in the States by the way… got a cozy, interesting university job a few hours north of you in Irvine. All thanks to a resume littered with backpacking travel and living abroad experiences of course!

And if all else fails… whisky. You can sanitize the toilet seat, shower floor, dinner.

If you’re not used to it, your esophagus may initially cringe. But in the end, all your muscles will thank you.

In the event you still aren’t able to get to sleep comfortably, you will probably end up writing a song, or rant, about the whole experience. Such is the whisky muse.

Just don’t overdo it.

I’ve done it several times. It’s very empowering. For about 24 hours, that is. Then the guilt sets in. Still, at least I’ve had a wonderful night’s sleep and I can cope with anything – including guilt.

If you got that you dont need the other stuff.

The key is to use it in moderation, only when you need it.

(I never take sleep aids at home.)

What is funny is on the road, I will meet anti-pill people. They get upset that you would take a sleeping pill.

I always laugh at them. And then I go to sleep.

Hey, Rolf, where you staying in Baja? How far down are you?

Do you stay there because it’s cheaper to get a room and SD?