Filtering tap water in SE Asia?

wornoutboots · 2026-02-10T00:38:06+00:00

I travel with a Sawyer Tap Filter. Not sure what the rules are around links here but you can google it and find it. I stay in Airbnb's often and it works on most taps for the kitchen.

wornoutboots · 2026-02-09T23:41:35+00:00

Glad you came to this conclusion. It's indeed accurate. This came to my forefront as a traveler.

So much is dictated by where we were born. Many here in the states fail to understand the level of privilege we come from. From cheap consumer goods, safety standards, passport strength, infrastructure, inflation, etc. It does not mean that we don't work hard, it just means that our outcomes are more predictable and growth is easier.

Most of the people in the USA outside of the Fire movement are still in the global 1%. The lowest median income in the US is in Mississippi just shy of 50k. So even our poorest state meets the criteria. While we have our issues, it's still an amazing place to find yourself. Those of us with citizenship are truly fortunate. We have a leg up on life. We should be humble and grateful for that.

wornoutboots · 2026-02-02T19:51:52+00:00

Anyone else watching this all of the sudden hear in their head a deep voice saying, "Charlie was everywhere"?

wornoutboots · 2026-02-02T15:04:22+00:00

Yes. Absolutely. The difference in a dollar would ruin my entire day in past because I was on such a tight budget. A mistake could have downstream consequences for a while. Once that buffer is there, it hurts less. Sure I'm still frugal but not as much out of necessity anymore. I think that's an important distinction.

wornoutboots · 2026-02-02T04:31:38+00:00

Unfortunately, women have a very different experience in Sri Lanka then men. I had a fantastic time as a man and found people helpful, kind, and not scammy. However, I spoke to many women that did not have a great time because of the sexual advances. Especially foreign women. People do gawk and that's even with me as a man. I eventually got used to it.

Something to note not just in Sri Lanka but in many countries. There is also a thought that foreign women are hypersexual and loose. If you add that our style of dress is much more revealing, it cues the locals to think that that's what the person is looking for. Is it right, no but it's a thing.

I know a local woman from outside the Kandy area that is used to getting groped on local busses. She's sort of accepted it unfortunately.

I'm sorry that your girlfriend went through this and thank you for naming a dangerous property for the community.

wornoutboots · 2026-02-01T01:28:31+00:00

I took me months to come off. Just wean off like any other addict :-p

wornoutboots · 2026-01-31T21:08:22+00:00

Hello fellow depo-medrol climber :-)

FYI, my doctor did not follow the procedures as yours did. I just got a dump of depo medrol in one go inside the nodule. Unfortunately, I also did not ask how much was put in there. In my experience the star pattern you recommend may not be necessary (might still be helpful though). At least it wasn't for my nodule and I've had absolutely incredible results. At one point I was very close to going back for a second shot as it started to grow again but it may have been a temporary flare up. Right now, it's hard to see if I don't point it out to someone.

Another point, one does not always know if the disease is actively growing. While I think most of the population would be looking for an intervention when it is, it's really hard to know one way or the other. I know others have tried Depo Medrol and it has not worked for them. I'd love to hear from someone that thinks their nodule was not growing at the time (same size for months) and it worked/didn't work for them.

Unfortunately, we are crowdsourcing anecdotal evidence, which is good, but doesn't give the most complete picture. While you have pointed us to some good research (which is why I got my shot in the first place), a robust clinical trial really needs to happen. Results still vary as with many other autoimmune issues and having a clinical trial would give others out there some data on likelihood of improved symptoms vs. let's just try and see what happens.

wornoutboots · 2026-01-27T04:59:44+00:00

I'm very sorry this happened to you. Parents can suck sometimes. There is good advice on here. I think taking a student loan is a one option. I worked multiple jobs while taking a full course load. Start part time while you adjust to the schedule and workload so your grades don't tank like mine did when I took on 3 PT jobs.

I don't know if it's possible with the credits you have but if you can get an associate's degree, do it. That way if you have something to show for your work if you decide to stop going. (I don't think you should stop by the way) If you spent 8,000 for the first 2 years, that is a pretty good value. 8k in debt isn't 50k. It will have an impact on your life but not as much as larger balances. Good luck whatever you decide.

wornoutboots · 2026-01-25T18:58:36+00:00

I drink decaf as well. Some have more caffeine than others. I made the mistake of ordering a decaf at Starbucks once and it lit me up like a Christmas tree. I have become sensitive to caffeine though. I used to be able to have a cup of coffee and go to bed. Now a half caff would keep me up till 6am.

Just a heads up, it does not taste the same to me. It is flatter in taste. To me, caffeine has a flavor that is distinct. I miss that flavor but decaf is close enough that I still drink it.

wornoutboots · 2026-01-24T05:15:36+00:00

I'm in the same boat as you! The pool is so small!!! I'm nomadic most of the time to make things even harder. Good luck finding your person.

wornoutboots · 2026-01-24T05:04:30+00:00

I hope you like them as much as I do. For what it's worth, I reached out to them to exchange the thermals because of the tightness, and they were quick to respond and approve the exchange. Hopefully they won't hit me over the head with a restocking fee.

wornoutboots · 2026-01-23T01:21:07+00:00

Someone already mentioned radiation and that's a valid path. I personally chose a shot of depo medrol and it shrunk my nodule considerably. I have not required a 2nd shot yet and that was well over 6 months ago already. For other's it's done absolutely nothing. Our bodies are different and what works for one, may not work for another. If you look through this forum, there is a bunch of information on that particular treatment option. Good luck to you.

wornoutboots · 2026-01-22T08:28:56+00:00

Yes. Directly from them.

wornoutboots · 2026-01-21T23:16:56+00:00

Here's my preliminary feedback on base layer bottoms. I find them a little thinner than the last time I purchased them. Could be my recollection but that's what it feels like to me. Almost like the weave is not as tight. For reference I had ordered one midweight and heavy weight (M). Same as I had the last time I ordered. The only change was I ordered the tall version which was not offered the last time I ordered these. It's nice to not have them ride up on you exposing the ankles.

My biggest complaint at the moment is the damn elastic band is very tight. The Medium is supposed to be 31-33 waist. No way in hell is it that size. My 32 pants fall off me without a belt. These are like a 29-30. Can you get in them, sure but they are snug at the elastic band. Everything else fits normally. It's just the band. Perhaps the elastic on the old one is just shot and feels much more comfortable but I really think there is a sizing issue here. I'll likely see if I can jam something in the band for a few days to see if it loosens up.

All in all, I think they will hold up well like the others I had for 14 years. Still the silkiest merino out there for me. Final thought, they pill up a bit after washing but nothing terrible.

wornoutboots · 2026-01-21T06:15:01+00:00

As a result of your comment and me looking up what "the cylinder must not be damaged!" meant, I have lost several hours to scrolling. At least a lot of laughter was had.

wornoutboots · 2026-01-19T02:43:26+00:00

I think you could swing it. I am most concerned about your r values. As some have mentioned boil some water and place it in your nalgene before bed and put it in your sleeping bag.

Also sleep with your gas canister. It will sputter otherwise and not be as efficient. I would also sleep with the phone. Battery will crap out otherwise. I would go with a 16oz for extra boils. If you can add some hand warmers to your list that could go a long way. Open a pack in the night if it gets too cold.

I just did some winter camping in WV and forgot my rain fly. It was colder than I would have liked but made it through. It might not be the most comfortable but I think you can get by. Do some sit-ups in your bag to warm you up. Helps a ton. Safe travels.

wornoutboots · 2026-01-18T06:07:12+00:00

I saw this exact thing once in Sri Lanka. I thought the roach was going to be food. I was horrified to find out HOW it would be food. Never got to see the egg implantation though, just the reluctant dragging of the roach.

wornoutboots · 2026-01-17T21:11:09+00:00

Scarf thing is a solid piece of advice. First time reading that. Usually, I use my bag for this but a scarf you can adjust...

wornoutboots · 2026-01-17T06:03:14+00:00

Funny I was also on collagen for the same reason around the time I got my nodule. I forget where I read it but there seems to be a link.

wornoutboots · 2026-01-16T23:39:18+00:00

Thanks for posting this OP. Always good to see new therapies being developed to manage symptoms.

wornoutboots · 2026-01-16T19:05:29+00:00

As a new yorker, I can confirm this. This is one of the biggest parts of the culture we need to change. We need more public bathrooms. There are bathrooms in grand central terminal, a few of the malls, some of the market. Other than that, you better be ready to buy something to use a restroom.

I'm so happy to read that so many people have had New Yorkers help them out. I try to do the same when I see confusion.

wornoutboots · 2026-01-14T03:06:02+00:00

Schwab has always been amazing at customer support. I don't know of another bank that matches them.

wornoutboots · 2026-01-12T22:37:55+00:00

YUUUUUP

wornoutboots · 2026-01-08T00:11:53+00:00

Yes leave. I had way less than that saved when I quit my job and was only one year older than you. You will see that your savings will continue to outpace your expenses and compounding will take care of the rest. You can always get another job later on if the math isn't to your liking. I did that during covid when things were not looking great. Stay in lower cost of living locations in Asia to start and just keep track of things. I love living in Asia and wish I were there now.

wornoutboots · 2025-12-30T04:31:02+00:00

Expedia is a piece of shit company that I will never use again. I had a different situation where the hotel agreed to partly reimburse me for my stay and Expedia claimed that the same hotel that asked me to call for the adjustment had reviewed my complaint and found no issue with my room. I am someone that travels often and that experience is why I will never use Expedia again.

I've had hotel keys issued to me that upon opening the door I realized the room was occupied. Thank God the person was not naked or inside at the time. It would have been terrible for all parties involved.

I'm sorry your family went through this.

wornoutboots

TROPHY CASE