Thousands of people, yet not a sound to be heard besides the loud explosions coming from above. A kiss stolen from underneath a firework sky. Not a bad beginning for 2013.

I never took into account any illness I could acquire during my trips, so I wasn't ready for when I fell victim to some stomach flu during this past week. That could present to be a problem when I'm out in the wild, not in the relative comfort of a friends house. I guess I best start taking more vitamins (and plot a contingency plan for times such as these).

Boredom can also be an unforeseen situation I might face. How long can one stay drunk without having a slight case of "dead"? I know: alcohol is not the answer. But then again, alcohol is the question. "Yes" is the answer.

I digress.

During this one-week test I also ran into another minor problem: underwear. As it's been quite hot, I only managed to use each piece of knickers once. Maybe with a cooler temperature, I could push it to two days - three if no one gets close (and I shower). No one tells you these things, but I'll have to get my clothes cleaned at least once a week if I want to travel light. Thanks for the heads-up, Internet...NOT.

Oh, nail clippers. Got to buy one. Nails grow quite a lot in one week and long ones don't look too nice on a man such as myself. Once again, this is the type of s*** I need to know before I head out of my house, Internet. Plane tickets and what to eat aren't nearly as important as these things. Get your s*** together, Internet!

Speaking of which: always carry a roll of toilet paper with you. Nuff' said.

Another issue: earbuds. I tried traveling with my trustworthy Apple earbuds (not the cool 2012 iEar or whatever they call it - the former version). After about 3 hours my inner ear started hurting. I'll definitely have to take my Panasonic headphones with me, even though they are a bit bulkier. But at least they are more comfortable and just as well: they were expensive. Best use them till they bust.

On my way home now, by bus. Sitting next to a slightly overweight lady that insists on throwing her body over my side of the chair. So I'll insist on listening to Slipknot loud enough for *us* to enjoy it, yet not loud enough for the rest of the bus to put up with this bulls***. Seriously: never heard of personal space? Ducking shizit, woman.

All in all, 2013: you are my b****. Bring it on.

"You know, it's times like this, when I'm trapped in a Vogon airlock with a man from Betelgeuse, and about to die from asphyxiation in deep space that I really wish I'd listened to what my mother told me when I was young"
"Why, what did she tell you?"
"I don't know, I didn't listen"