Although my childhood was by no means carefree, I am a product of those experiences, and as such I have no complaints. The first seeds of adventure were planted in me when I heard the tales of my father's travels around the world where they lay dormant for many years in the fertile soil of my early memories of places most North Americans would consider exotic. As my interests and aspirations evolved I was left with a constant feeling of inadequacy which manifested itself into a desire to differentiate myself in as many ways as possible. To continue with my earlier analogy, the seeds of travel germinated with the conclusion of my first real relationship.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Thoughts (Part 1)
As I sit during my nine hour layover at JFK (yes, the wait is not ideal but for 360 USD from Seattle to Bogota, I cannot be picky), thoughts of the events which have enabled me to begin my trip and continue when it feels like I am "engaged in a trial of strength with the universe" (thank you Ted Simon for the perfect words), slowly arrange themselves into sentences.
Day 194 (Friday November 26, 2010): Seattle, Washington to Bogota, Colombia
I am wearing all my gear since I do not have room for it in my luggage. Needless to say, I was expecting a long wait while I was searched under the new TSA policies. I set off the alarm but quickly remember that I forgot to remove my belt. After removal of the belt which is underneath my riding pants I walk through the metal detector again and waved through. I am told by a TSA agent to re-button my riding pants since they were wide open and looked like they had just done a very invasive search.
Day 191-193 (Tuesday November 23, 2010 to Thursday November 25, 2010): Vancouver, British Columbia to Seattle, Washington
We thought the drive from Vancouver to Seattle was going to be hellish because we had heard about 10 hour delays and abandoned vehicles. However, the roads were actually quite nice, people were just unprepared.
Day 182-190 (Sunday November 14, 2010 to Monday November 22, 2010): Vancouver, British Columbia
Valve and throttle body adjustments, new tires, new chain and sprockets, new oil filter, drained fluids, crating.
She is far too pretty (2007 Kawasaki Versys in burnt orange... hopefully that is not foreshadowing).
Inspections and adjustments.
The guys from Motomethod (from left to right, Paul and Simon). Bonus: The crated Versys.
Waking up to this view isn't terrible.
Day 181 (Saturday November 13, 2010): Edmonton, Alberta to Vancouver, British Columbia
Starting to have mixed feelings about the trip. Very excited about seeing the new girl though. Hopefully this one will play nice.
Day 158-180 (Thursday October 21, 2010 to Friday November 12, 2010): Edmonton, Alberta (HOW EXOTIC!)
It is quite a nice change to meet with old friends again. Especially nice to see someone in a whole new light.
Day 136-157 (Wednesday September 29, 2010 to Wednesday October 20, 2010): San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico
Where to start with the document troubles?
After riding from San Jose del Cabo to La Paz while reminiscing about the last time I had ridden through the mountain passes, I arrived at the Ferry terminal. Confidently, I rode up to the ADUANA agent and gave them my registration without a doubt in my mind that within moments I would be on the other side loading the motorcycle. I could not have been more incorrect. Apparently, along with the registration I needed a pedimento (verification of importation) which I did not have and had no idea that I needed. They tell me to turn around and get the pedimento and also that my bike is not registered as a nacional bike but only as a frontera (border) bike. With so many discrepancies in my documentation I am lucky that they did not confiscate my motorcycle.
I return to San Jose del Cabo and spend another week attempting to locate the pedimento and eventually get a copy of the pedimento notarized. Believing that there were no more obstacles to overcome in order to travel to the mainland I return to the ferry terminal. This time they tell me that I need an FM3 Visa, and a utility bill proving my residence in Baja California. Since I am already running short on time to return to Guatemala before my temporary importation permit in Guatemala expires I will have to pay the importation tax of about 2000 USD. Some might wonder why I did not write a police report about my burned motorcycle while I was in Guatemala. Well, the only place for a foreigner to write a report is in Guatemala City and I believed that I could return in time with my new motorcycle in order to write the report while passing through. Anyways, with this new 2000 USD cost and the Darien Gap crossing it was no longer economical viable for me to ride. In order to continue the trip I will resell the current motorcycle, fly back to Canada to purchase a new motorcycle, and ship it to Colombia.
Jim and Kiya watching the big-screen. (I apologize if the spelling is incorrect). Thank you Jim for letting this bum crash on your couch for over a month!
Day 120-135 (Monday September 13, 2010 to Tuesday September 28, 2010): San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico
One week to bring the bike to readiness. Two weeks with friends. Countless lessons learned.
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