Fortunately, I was able to find experienced travelers that could provide me with details and items that were absolutely necessary. My girlfriend gave me all-important electric blanket, a power converter and intimate details about what would happen to me if I should dare share it with another women. Grandpa gave me a World War II down coat that was about three sizes to big and made me look like a walking gopher. Family, friends and random strangers contributed further items and advice that would be critical to my survival.

Apparently rating my chances of survival at 50-50, friends and family put together a going away/never see him again party day before I left. Of course, everyone brought Vodka as a humorous going away gift. The tide quickly turned, however, as all were asked/forced to try a “taste of Russia.” Many of events of that night will remain forever sealed in antiquity, but it should suffice to say that wife of one friend went into labor which made it a very fun night and subsequent day for him at hospital. Few got off so easily.

Gigantic backpack, electric blanket, hangover and I headed to airport next morning. But that’s a story for part 2 of this nomad adventure travel series…

Travel Asia: Asakusa Samba

Toyko’s version of Rio Carnaval happens every August, in Asakusa district. Travelers to Asia and natives alike are amazed by colorful sequined costumes and feathers of dancing Samba girls, along with their full bands marching down street alongside them.

Travel Asia: The Festival of Hungry Ghosts

Hong Kong hosts this unusual yearly event, held on 14th day of seventh moon (sometime in August, during a full moon). Legend says that gates of Hades were opened on this day, and dead who cannot rest were left to run streets mischievously. The Yue Lan Festival, as it is known in Chinese, has natives of city putting up odd paper monuments all over streets, which are then ceremoniously burned on last day.

Travel Asia: The Monkey God Festival

The Monkey God first appeared in Chinese literature during Ming Dynasty in book, “Pilgrims to West”. Since then, this deity has been celebrated during month of September at Kowloon’s Sau Mau Ping Temple, by recreating a bizarre attempted execution by other other gods – which includes such things as a ladder of knives, and charcoal set on fire. Travelers to this strange Asian celebration need not be concerned, though – Monkey God lived, and so do participants in this celebration.