More Travel by the Numbers and Other Thoughts

With just under three weeks left of my journey (yep, sorry folks, that's how fast time has flown!), it seems a good time to update some of my numbers from a few months ago, and maybe add some more. Here we go...

Plane rides: 27
Train rides: 14
Boat/ferry rides: 27
Airlines flown: 16
Books read (not including travel guides!): 26
Mosquito bites (cumulative): It's horrific...
Longest time without a shower: Still 3 days
Family members travelled with: 3
UNESCO sites visited: 49 (I decided I'd look at the list and count all the ones I've ever seen in my life to make myself feel better- now I only have 862 more to see!)
Dollars spent: About $11,000 (Ah yes, I am SO broke folks, so broke...)
Biggest local currency exchange rate to the dollar: $1 = 8600 Indonesian Rupiah
Watches broken: 3
Sunglasses lost/broken: 3
Nationalities encountered most often (unscientific): The Brits dominate, followed by the Germans, Dutch and Swedes in equal numbers, then the Israelis, the French, the Aussies...and a smattering of others. Very few Americans- come on folks!

- A girl CAN live on apples, peanut butter and bread for a week, but I DON'T recommend it!

- Many travelers I meet are Atheists. I find this, well, just interesting, really. I believe that I believe in something, and I suppose I'm surprised that more folks don't think there's something bigger than us, given the incredible natural wonders and whatnot that we've all seen. (Note: I do not intend to start a religious debate here, it's JUST an observation!)

- I hate how money can get in the way of stuff I want to do- eating, going on a cool day trip, buying something awesome I can't get anywhere else. Everything (especially at this point) has to be calculated, and it can take the fun out of stuff. I think society should revert to bartering: "A dirty travel towel and an Old Navy pair of leggings for a hostel bed?" or "A pair of used earplugs and some Ziplocs for that sandwich?" Yeah, I think that would work.

- A load of clean laundry can brighten a traveler's day more than you can imagine!

- In hostels, it's always the GIRLS who snore like overloaded freight trains. Eye masks, ear plugs and sleeping pills are also sacred to the budget traveler!

- I love my travels, but I'm looking forward to going home and seeing everyone (Plus, Christmas carols and decorations in hot, sunny weather is a head trip!)!