After traveling for 100+ days with something, I feel like I have a good sense of how good it really is. In particular, there is one item I never want to go without again. And lucky for you, it is on sale on Amazon right now!
The item is a multi-port USB charger. I shopped around before I chose this particular item, so let me explain why I like this better than many of the other options out there:
I wanted a device that had a cable between the hub and the socket. Having a cable gives me more flexibility in how I set up my room, like leaving my charging phone on the bedside table so I can get to my alarm quickly without disturbing others. I also worried that a design where the hug plugged into the wall would add too much weight to the socket (I have experienced this socket problem with lighter things!), and also be limiting in tight places where furniture is close to the socket.
Accepts 100-240 Volt input. There is more to travel and your electronics than just the socket being different shapes. It is important to know that your devices (especially those precious ones like your cell phone) will not be damaged while charging them in different power environments.
Had enough ports to charge all the items I was bringing with me. There are versions of this charger with different number of USB ports to suit your needs. I promise I won’t judge you if you need more than 5….
Promised to charge my devices quickly. This wasn’t a deal breaker for me, but I was very happy with the performance of the charger.
Physical size. I was pleased with how small the box is on this device. The cables take up more room than it does!
I have even appreciated having this device during the non-travel moments of my life. It can just be nice to charge all my USB powered things in one spot.
Here’s an Amazon link to the specific device I have: Anker® 40W 5-Port High Speed Desktop USB Charger with PowerIQ Technology. I’m not making money off this, just sharing my experiences. http://amzn.com/B00GTGETFG
I recently enjoyed the locavore food at The Skinny Pancake in Burlington, VT. Everything was delicious, but what really blew my mind was a vegetarian breakfast burrito wrapped with an herbed crepe instead of a tortilla.
The atmosphere inside is relaxed and funky, with big reclaimed wooden booths, a bar, and a stage. The tea selection adventures beyond black/green, and the coffee is tasty. Need another reason to check this place out the next time you’re in Vermont? They serve breakfast all day.
Walking through the night markets of Taipei, we craving something cool and sweet. We were not in the mood for a meal, but rather dessert. I was not in the mood for any dairy so ice cream and boba tea were out of the question. We knew what we had to get: Shaved Ice.
We happened upon a local shop selling the confection we desired. The shaved ice itself contained brown sugar and the toppings we chose were taro, sweet potato, red bean, and jellies. The perfect cool treat for a hot night.
In our travels throughout Japan, we acquired some Shizuoka Cha Green tea bags. I was not able to sample the flavor until after our return. The color/flavor is light, even after a full 5 minutes of steeping. It is a nice tea to sip in the afternoon when you need a mild boost.
While we were in Solo (you might find it as Surakarta on the map), we went to an old market. We tried rice that was cooked in banana leaves until solid and sticky. To eat it, the “log” is then cut into slices and topped with shredded fresh coconut meat. Delicious!
We also got a free snakefruit from the vendor. It gets the name from the peel. It is not super sweet, but I like the mild flavor – it tastes somewhat similar to lychee and rambutan to me.
After spending time in places where the tap water is not potable, it feels like such a privilege to be able to casually rinse off my toothbrush under the faucet here at home.
While at Bal Samand Palace, I opted for the mint tea to go with my meal. I was surprised when the waiter brought out the teapot and poured me a cup of almost perfectly clear liquid – with a couple small pieces of green leaf floating in it. Expecting a sip of boring, flavorless hot water, I tried the tea with serious reservations. It was fantastic!
Spearmint tea brewed looseleaf style is cooling and soothing, and slightly sweet. It is not nearly as strong a flavor as the super pepperminty tea. Now I want to get some at home. Does anyone know a brand they like? I may just get taster/sampler packs from a few different brands… updates after taste tests 🙂
On this trip, we’ve seen plenty of chickens crossing the road, and much bigger animals as well. Matt got this great shot of a cow walking on the streets inside the Golden Fort, Jaisalmer.
There was a whole herd of cattle being driven down the street in a town we drove through near the Tamil Nadu/Kerala border. (The street was also decorated for a festival!)
And of course, while in the Thar Desert, we saw camels crossing the road (also shaggy goats and donkeys)
the mint tea drinkers society 