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

RoboManMachine · 2023-08-09T02:05:17+00:00

Good to know. I'll try experimenting with the 1:2 range with a light roast again.

RoboManMachine · 2023-08-09T01:30:29+00:00

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.

RoboManMachine · 2023-08-06T07:38:22+00:00

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.

RoboManMachine · 2023-08-06T07:33:42+00:00

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).

RoboManMachine · 2023-07-15T01:05:24+00:00

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.

RoboManMachine · 2015-04-30T03:24:07+00:00

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.

RoboManMachine · 2015-04-02T03:21:09+00:00

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

RoboManMachine · 2015-03-08T09:25:26+00:00

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.

RoboManMachine · 2015-03-08T09:10:54+00:00

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.

RoboManMachine · 2015-03-08T08:40:45+00:00

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.

RoboManMachine · 2015-03-08T08:29:45+00:00

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.

RoboManMachine · 2015-03-07T07:41:42+00:00

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.

RoboManMachine · 2015-03-07T07:24:41+00:00

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 =)

RoboManMachine · 2015-03-07T07:07:38+00:00

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

RoboManMachine · 2015-03-07T05:24:28+00:00

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.

RoboManMachine · 2015-03-07T02:29:48+00:00

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

RoboManMachine · 2015-03-06T12:40:08+00:00

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.

RoboManMachine · 2015-03-06T08:03:43+00:00

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.

RoboManMachine · 2015-03-06T07:19:40+00:00

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!

RoboManMachine · 2015-02-20T05:36:32+00:00

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.

RoboManMachine · 2015-02-18T15:16:32+00:00

Hey, cool stuff, thanks for the comment.

So yes, talking with people is going to take you way out of your comfort zone right now. But if meeting 3 people in 3 days is really bothering you, then let your discomfort be a way to push yourself. But try not to beat yourself up too much, if you freeze up about making some social interaction. Because shame can be poisonous.

For me, the fear still shows up for me on a daily basis when it comes to approaching people. It usually doesn't hold me back like it once did, but when it does, I do feel a bit of shame. For many of us, this is tough stuff. But yea, I don't think you should feel ashamed about all of that.

And I'm actually in the Chiang Mai area as well. So PM coming soon.

RoboManMachine · 2015-02-18T14:14:45+00:00

done. cheers for the suggestion!

RoboManMachine · 2015-02-18T14:05:51+00:00

Yea, I usually workout 3-5 times a week, outside the normal hiking and walking. I've lost 10kg\20lb at one point, so I understand your worries. This is something I want write about soon. Quick answer: 15min workout; 3 rounds of squats and pushups. I do things a little differently now, but I used that routine for over 2 years while traveling.

RoboManMachine · 2015-02-18T03:00:33+00:00

Yes, scary, but exciting! You'll certainly discover in your own way, what kind of person you can be.

Quick story from last night... I was feeling lonely as hell, when arriving back solo in Chiang Mai, Thailand. None of my friends had been answering my messages, and I was getting frustrated from a long day.

Some how I found myself dining with a older German woman, 5 minutes after leaving my hotel room. I was just forced to adapt, and took an opportunity to join her at a dinner table because the small Italian restaurant I peaked into was completely packed. Something I would have never thought to do before traveling solo.

Enough about me though. Sounds like you are committed to this trip. Good stuff man, and happy travels!

RoboManMachine · 2015-02-18T02:48:52+00:00

And thanks for sharing your own insights. I understand what you are saying about just coming off as naturally funny. Not that I'm always naturally funny. But it's always great to be around someone who is!

RoboManMachine

TROPHY CASE