What, What? World Cup!

Just wanted to let you folks weep with jealousy for a minute. Today, I got word of the official drawings for the 2018 World Cup. I signed up for two game tickets (one solo ticket for two different games [because, again, I have no friends]) for the month-long event taking place in Russia next June to July, and I got both of my first choices. These will be in Kazan on June 27th, and Moscow on July 1st.

Since I purchased those tickets in the first round of sales (thus with the highest success rate of getting the tier I wanted [the cheapest, duh]), I didn't yet know who was playing the matches. I was slated to go to two random games, with not much thought as to who I would see. The experience was what I was after. I don't mind hanging out with Iranians or Brazilians or whatever.

Well, today I found out who the lucky teams were that would be graced with my watchful eye, and it could not have been a more fortuitous result. South Korea and Germany. In Kazan, which I am excited to visit for its own merits. (The teams playing in Moscow's game are still undecided, as they will be the winners of their first match.) Germany is, like, real good at soccer, y'all. They could win the whole thing. But that's not nearly as important as their rival. As you probably know, South Korea has been my home for seven years, and the only team out of the 32 that I would actually give a serious damn about. I'm doubly excited now that I get to see them play AT THE MUFUGGIN' WORLD CUP!

Just look at those handsome fellas. Representing the Republic of Korea, and I'll be there screaming my head off in support of them the whole game. Don't let me down, guys. The webbernet says you've got around a 18% chance of beating Germany. Well, it was a 6% chance I'd get to see South Korea play out of all the teams, and THAT's happening, so come on. 'Tis the season of miracles.

Whoops, I skipped a month! Also, Gear!

Yeah, well, things happen. Like life and such. It's December now. I'm doing better than before. (It's getting better all the taiyime!) I came home yesterday to a package that I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of.

Aww, yiss!

I ordered some gear for the upcoming Epic Travel Trip 2018 (it's a working title. I'll fix it later) and I'd like to share it with you folks.

I'll start with the thing I was most anxious about: the boots. I ordered some Columbia Redmond Waterproof Mids for the ETT 2018: A Nepalling Hike (say it real fast) portion of the trip. Ordering hiking boots online is a precarious proposition. You can't try them on, and fit is extremely important for footwear you'll be climbing mountains in. The best I could do was go to my local outlet and try on similar boots for size, but the thing about Korea is that they don't sell that particular kind of boot and the sizes are all funky and weird. I chose the Redmond model specifically for its low price, breathe-ability, light weight, and waterproof elements. It seemed like a foot-sheath that could act as both a day-to-day shoe and a hiking boot. Anyway, I am happy to report that they fit a-like-a-gul-love-ah.

Let's move on to the little black thingy: the Anker PowerCore 20100. That's also mainly for A Nepalling Hike. Charging electronics on the trek costs cheddah, so instead I'll be relying on that lil' puppy to recharge my addiction and picture machines. The only downside is that sucker is heavy. You could bash a cat's head in with that thing in a pinch.

Ahem. The shirts are quick-drying spandex blends (good for ma sweaty bawday) and the black one even has SPF50 built in to it (good for ma skin cancer preventiyawn). Those are mostly for the extreme heat of India and Egypt. I haven't come up with clever names for those portions of the trip yet.

Next, let's explore the pants. Them little gems are convertible. Unzip 'em at the knee and they become shorts! And for extra loser points they're cargo style! Elastic waistband! PLUS A BAJILLION! PEW PEW PEW PEW! LOSER OVERLOAD! I'm not getting invited to any parties wearing those things, but at least I'll be comfortable and able to get into any sudden temples that require respectfully covered extremities. Also fast drying and cool for the unforgivable swamp ass!

Speaking of swamp ass, not pictured (because I'm wearing them) are me new undies, made from bamboo fiber and designed to keep the nether-regions cool whilst wicking moisture outwards. My recent trip to Matsuyama Castle taught me that swamp ass prevention is paramount to having a good experience during hot summer trips.

Merino wool hiking socks are pretty self-explanatory, and the only thing pictured meant to keep one warm instead of cool.

Finally, we come to the selfie stick. Look, y'all, at this point I'm not gonna pretend to be cool. I don't have any friends to take my picture for me, so I gotta do it myself. This way, I can at least act like somebody caught me candidly at some UNESCO World Heritage Site and sent me the pic later.

Hey, friend who is definitely not myself taking a picture of me!

I still have a few more items to purchase before embarking in three months(!!!!!). I just learned of the existence of laundry sheets (no, not dryer sheets) which are going to revolutionize my hand-washing laundry sessions and lighten up my backpack. I'll probably update with the entire packing list when it's all assembled and ready for internet criticism.