To deet or not to deet

My dear friends,

"How much DEET do you want in your bug spray?"

"What are my options?"

"30% or 98%."

"Jesus Christ!  Let's go with 30% - no need for overkill."

It's an odd conversation to have, no doubt about it.  What's even stranger is that bug repellant containing 98% DEET even exists (and is illegal in Canada, apparently.)  From the Wikipedia search I just did, I also learned that DEET was created to assist in jungle warfare, and is an affective solvent, should you need to remove any paint or varnish.

But the point of this post is not to share the wonders of DEET; rather, it is to briefly touch upon the oddness of travel and the ways in which people prepare for it.  I know some people who just throw a bunch of shit in a bag, and they're ready to go.  One of my dearest friends once packed for a trip to Paris in 7 minutes and all she forgot was her watch.  Power to her!  Some folk, however, approach it very differently; they need all new clothes, gadgets, and maybe even a personalized airline seat cover.  Yes, they do exist.  Other bizarre travel accessories include a solar powered cooling helmet, an 80,000 volt electric suitcase, a portable washing machine, and a laptop USB fragrance burner.  Oh yes, and the "Pillowig", featured on the right.

I'm more a mix of the two.  Because I will admit, I did acquire a few new things to accompany me to the lovely country of Costa Rica, and I did get a fabulous new backpack (Osprey + crimson + carry-on = sexy time).  The thing I've been the most excited about, though, is my research!  Thanks to Lonely Planet, I now know all about Costa Rica: like how they abolished their army in 1948, and how this one country (about the size of NH and VT put together) has more biodiversity than the United States and Europe put together.  If that doesn't blow your mind I'm not sure what will.  I've googled bus schedules, done more images searches than I care to admit to, and plagued the administrators at the school I'll be attending for information.  My guide is well-thumbed as I search for exactly the "right" places to go during my three weekends there, with the "right" hostels and the "right" activities highlighted.  So I guess rather than hoarding things I am hoarding knowledge, in the hopes that I will have a more enriching experience and become a linguistic beast in Spanish.

But spending my time with my nose buried in a travel guide is a detractor from my last little bit of time home with my love.  It also takes part of the spontaneity out of travel, and it also doesn't do much to calm my nerves.  It's going to be a little scary, living with an anonymous host family, and really finding out just how good (or bad) my Spanish is...  But a little bit of fear never hurt anyone.  It's like bungee jumping, and we all know how fun that is!

I must relax, and trust in the fact that I will see my love in only a month - and I must make it a point to love every moment of my Costa Rican adventure.  It doesn't matter if my hostel isn't perfect (whatever that means), or if I don't get to do every single thing on my list, or if I even struggle a wee bit with my Spanish.  The thing to remember, I suppose, is that it's not the percentage of DEET in your bug spray - it's the quality and kick-ass-ishness of your adventures that matters.  Wise counsel for you and me.  Happy adventuring!

*Olivia

“Half the fun of the travel is the aesthetic of lostness.” - Ray Bradbury