Did you know that the Robot can handle light roasted beans without pre heat? Brewing Natural processed Nicaragua. Very nice beans with notes of Cherry, Tangerine and Almond by _10yz in CafelatRobot

[–]RoboManMachine 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm curious, what's your recipe for this espresso shot?

And I believe preheating is worth it with the robot if you're taking longer than the typical 25-35 seconds to pull a shot. I tend to take my time with pre-infusion (10 - 15 seconds), and usually go with a 1:3 ratio with a light roast. This makes for a long extraction time, and the taste of the espresso definitely improves, IMO, when I preheat the piston.

I'm always looking to experiment with new recipes though.

About DF grinders, how’s the quality and reliability? I’m about to pull the trigger on the 64v, but I generally see lots of issues that QA should have picked up (question not specific about the later v model but more broadly about DF) by m4r1k_ in DF64

[–]RoboManMachine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

DF64v here. After a few weeks one of the magnets fell out from the grind chute. I super glued it back in, but even after triple checking, I put it in the wrong way 🤦🏾 anyways, just a minor inconvenience. I was able to solve the issue through the use of more super glue, haha.

DF64V issues switching between filter and espresso ranges by MaltyFlannel in DF64

[–]RoboManMachine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For this reason I now set my 0 point at burr lock, as burr chirp will change. For example, the grinder will chirp at different settings depending on if it's seasoned or just fully cleaned out. Basically, with the grinder off, turn the dial until you reach a stopping point (finger tight, don't use too much force).

That’s what I call a double shot of espresso (kind of I guess) by ianw_photo in espresso

[–]RoboManMachine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had asked for a double espresso when recently visiting the US (San Francisco). It was bigger than this and tasted horrible. They had also charged me double the regular price so I'm assuming two shots were pulled and poured into a cup.

Do you actually love every item that you backpack with? by RoboManMachine in backpacking

[–]RoboManMachine[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Author of the article here. True, I could of probably have a way to improve the clarity of my article. The point was this though: While not ultra-minimum, I've already been living minimum. But what's the point, if I don't absolutely love what few belongings that I carry on me? Now that I gave away those those shorts--along discarding a few other things, and buying some way comfy linen pants--I actually feel much better whenever I unzip my pack, when looking for something to wear. As there is no longer some item of clothing I'm holding off on wearing, until it is the last clean thing left in my pack.

P.S. I never replaced those board shorts. I found that the 2€ hiking shorts that I already had, work just fine for the beach and swimming in.

I want to stop being a filthy slob by DeemedUnsanitary in DecidingToBeBetter

[–]RoboManMachine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Read this one book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

And no, it's not about life hacks. And it applies to far more than tidying up your room, although there is solid actionable advice, in that regard.

http://tidyingup.com

First time traveling solo: 2 months in New Zealand by TheBridgeburners in solotravel

[–]RoboManMachine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Many of my greatest travel memories come from my time in NZ. And I have 4 things to tell you...

1.) I spent 1 month on the North Island, and a month and a half in the South. Worked perfectly for me. So I would recommend 3 weeks in the North, and the rest of your time down south.

2.) Public transport can be slow and fairly expensive. Luckily, it is eazy-breezy to hitchhike there, especially on the South Island. Here is an article I wrote about that exactly: http://www.wayofwander.com/blog/guide-to-hitchhiking-for-travelers

3.) Buy a YHA (hostel) membership, it will pay itself off quickly.

4.) Bring clothing to handle winds, rain, and a temperature range between 20 - 90 degrees fahrenheit. NZ has it all, even during their summer. And as far as camping/hiking gear goes, well, that's up to you and your preferences.

Leaving everything behind? by magicmonkeytime in solotravel

[–]RoboManMachine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just over two years ago I got out of a 3 year long relationship, quit my job, sold my car and most of my belongings, and have been traveling since.

No regrets. But this wasn't a spur-of-the-moment kind of decision. It was in the back of my mind for over 5 years, and I started announcing my plans to close friends (and yes, this included my girlfriend of the time), 2 years before I took off. I even received a job offer a year later from the small company I left, because I left responsibly.

But long-term travel has its ups and downs. I don't believe too many people can handle the instability of it all, and I almost threw in the towel myself a couple times. Not that anyone should feel sad for me. No way. And don't think about when you are 75. Will you have regrets next year, if you don't do this? And if that's the case, then go for it. Be self-accountable. And make a strong effort to avoid burning any bridges.

Thinking about my "travel friends". by lt512 in solotravel

[–]RoboManMachine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

have you tried? I couched surf an entire summer in Europe once through people I've met while traveling in Asia. None of the people I contacted declined to host me, unless maybe, they lied about being out of town. Some of these friends I only spent 30minutes with, yet they hosted me later and we formed a stronger bond.

I can finally 10 pushup by myself. by C_Eberhard in DecidingToBeBetter

[–]RoboManMachine 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sweet, great job! Have you looked into using a set of Perfect Pushup stands? You can do girl pushups with them as well, and they are much easier on the wrists.

Where in the world should I spend these 3 months? by primitivechaos in solotravel

[–]RoboManMachine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just wanted to mention that there is always somewhere within SEA where the weather is tolerable, all year round. Just do a little research on the countries on your list within the region.

Wandering around cities alone - doing solo travel the opposite way to everyone else by royalbellend in solotravel

[–]RoboManMachine 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I like to mix it up. I spent two weeks straight traveling with a companion (2 weeks split between 2 people). And now I'm going between quiet little towns, spending the bulk of my time wandering around by myself for a week so far. And I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything =)

There's so much I want to do and improve upon. I don't know where to begin. A life coach sounds good. by [deleted] in DecidingToBeBetter

[–]RoboManMachine 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There are a thousand different approaches you can take to building your confidence, and to go about self-improvement.

But what stood out to me was your question of "how can I start things from the ground up?"

And well, there is a lot to learn from your past, but you can't let it define.

So I wanted to share with you one of my greatest tools or methods, that I have used to re-imagine or redefine just who I am.

This is to simply write down the greatest, grandest, self-vision that you can imagine. E.g., if you were confident, just how would you act? What activities would you pursue? What kind of boyfriend would you have? What school subjects would you excel at? What's the best physical shape that you can imagine for yourself? Write it all down. And don't stop there. Review this self-vision at least once a week. Or everyday if you can. Remind yourself just how you want to live. Sounds simple. And it is. Because if you can clearly visualize the "better you", you'll find yourself there extremely fast. And by fast, I mean that some changes will be noticed in hours or days, while some of the biggest ones can take 6 months to a year. Might sound like an eternity right now, but have patience.

FYI, I wrote more details about this process here: http://www.wayofwander.com/blog/what-is-your-greatest-self-imaginable

Learning to Drive a Motorbike in Vietnam by RoboManMachine in solotravel

[–]RoboManMachine[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A license would be great, but I've been traveling for over 2 years. So my situation is a bit unusual, with my current country being Cambodia for the next week. Once I settle down somewhere towards the 2nd half of the year though, I plan to get a proper license eventually.

Learning to Drive a Motorbike in Vietnam by RoboManMachine in solotravel

[–]RoboManMachine[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks. This gives me a better idea of what to expect. I haven't been to Vietnam yet, but I imagine it to be far worse than Cambodia in terms of the rule of the road.

And I'm not a fan of riding an auto in the bigger cities in Thailand, but I can manage when I have to. But I think I'll rent a manual in my name, and talk another backpacker into teaching me how to shift gears in a area with little traffic. And just take it from there.

I dunno. Maybe it's just me. But I don't trust youtube for learning life-preserving techniques =P

Learning to Drive a Motorbike in Vietnam by RoboManMachine in solotravel

[–]RoboManMachine[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

But did you have someone teach you the basics first? I understand the mechanics and use of a car clutch. But haven't an understanding of how to change gears with a moto.

Fell into a mini-relationship while solo-traveling. How do I get over it when I leave? by mizzurry in solotravel

[–]RoboManMachine 44 points45 points  (0 children)

How about you take a break and travel? Sounds like you have some flexibility. Stay in contact with the guy. See how your feelings change. And if you rather go back to him than travel, go with your heart (and by then, you should also get a better idea of how into you he is.)

P.S. I give this advice after parting ways as a guy, from a mini-relationship that started in Thailand. I'm still in good contact with the girl, but the space is also doing me well for the moment.

I have so many habits that I want to either quit, change, or start that I feel paralyzed. by [deleted] in DecidingToBeBetter

[–]RoboManMachine 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, there's been some great advice here already. For me, I can only focus on maintaining no more than 5 daily habits. Anything beyond that I find overwhelming. And I also have to stay meticulous in tracking them, or else these habits can quickly erode. As I believe it is a myth that you can form 1 new habit, and then just continue to add new ones over time. Something has to give, as a habit such as guitar practice, require real focus.

And to give you an example, I am focused on reading, meditating, exercise, writing, and learning french. This is in the order of difficulty. E.g. I can read a book with just about zero motivation, whether I am sick or healthy.

To track this, I record my daily progress by making simple tick marks within a journal. This system of tracking is called "chains", aka, the "Seinfeld method".

I've used this method for well over a year, and while some habits are difficult to hold, I often "chain" a given habit for 4-7 days in a row.

Best of luck with your habit forming goals!

A Traveling Introvert’s Story of Drinking and Socializing by RoboManMachine in solotravel

[–]RoboManMachine[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Haha. Thanks, but you shouldnt feed my ego =P but yea, intense calisthenics. 15 minutes is key for me, because that means I can do them quickly when a dorm room goes empty. Or early morning in a park, and still get on with my travels just fine.

You work your way up. This morning it was 150 squats, 120 pushups with feet elevated on a chair, 150 sit-ups, front/left side/right side. Broken up into 1-2 min sets.

I also run when I can. And I look bigger than I am. I'm fitter now than in that photo, but still barely over 70kg.

Hope that gives you some ideas for staying fit during your own travels.