BruceSA

Hi Friends,

Just got back from the mine and found out I need to go away for about a week or so on Friday morning. Just great!

Things were going pretty well up to now. Guess this is a new test?

First thing going through my mind was: Must draw up a survival kit. So here it is in terms of preparation and requisitioning rations / survival gear:

1. Hefty dose of humility and wariness / caution regarding “just one drink”.
2. Defence mechanisms and techniques documented and rehearsed.
3. Photostat of first step (can’t lug that giant book all over Asia.
4. Copy of my Sober Song (can’t leave home without it)
5. Copy of my Day 1 video.
6. My vitamins.
7. My restless legs tablets.
8. Some prints of a few selected posts from SR.

Anything else you guys can think of please?

I leave early Friday morning. Should be away about a week.

Internet usage will be limited to one hour's personal use a day. (They are kinda tight fisted) The rest of the time I can use their network for the design and review work.

Well, that's about it.

Any other suggestions please?

Hey Chilledice, I’m going to miss you especially out of all my friends here. (no favouritism, honestly, We started at the same time so have a special “support”) Keep it cool and strong, please China. Want to see at least 7 days notched up when I get back!


"Everything's gonna be alright"

All the best,

Bruce.

Anna

I'm glad you have a plan.

I hope you check in when you get back.

BruceSA

Thanks Anna.

South East Asia can be like searching for an honest politician when it comes to sobriety.

Those guys can pack the grog away like three's no tomorrow (and sometimes there is very little tomorrow).

Luckily I've worked with these guys before and they are of a "milder" species.

Gonna miss you guys.

Keep strong. I'm positive and when you get there the volume of work sort of swamps you so there's little time for even sight-seeing.

Hotel, taxi to site, taxi back to hotel, sleep. That's about it.

All the best and thanks again, see you in a week or so and maybe I can upload a version 2 for my diary when I get back? Do you think the members would find value in it?

Feeling strong like a lion at the moment.

B.

Aarryckha

Take care Bruce!

I'll miss you!

BruceSA

Thanks, Aarryckha,

It's always like this ....a 2 day notice period if you're lucky.

Did you get my PM's by the way? Just curious. Hope I didn't upset any apple-carts!

All the best and keep on the path.

All the best,

Bruce.

Aarryckha

No, you didn't upset me at all! I'm sorry I haven't gotten back to you yet! I shall do so shortly! Short answer, yes, it's fine!

Sparkos

Stay alert and strong Bruce.
I did the Airport-Flying-airport-taxi-site-taxi-hotel-taxi-site-taxi-hotel (ad infinitum) for 10 years. It was fraught with excessive drinking. (On expenses)
Take care my friend. Watch out for that sneaky AV.

Shoshie8

Happy sober travels, Bruce. Hope it's a great trip for you, looking forward to hearing from you when you're back home.
Shoshie

BruceSA

Thank you Aarryckha,

That's a relief!

Looking forward to it and thank you!

Cheers,

Bruce.

BruceSA

Thanks, Sparkos, will heed the warning.

My anti-booze radar will be on maximum search range. It's funny. I don't have any cravings what-so-ever. Nothing.

It's that little black dog sitting on my shoulder that may say "common, one's, not going to hurt".

Thank you for the sound advice. I WILL come back clean.

All the best, and thanks.

Bruce.

BruceSA

Thank you Shoshie.

I appreciate your comments and advice. I've been wired in South East Asia too many times and kind-of know what to expect. My primary defensive weapon is that I am allergic to alcohol. They tend to respect that kind of honesty and will go out of their way to make sure they keep the "respect".

Good luck with your recovery too.

Will write another boring trip report when I get back.

All the best,

Bruce.

zombiegirl

Good luck will be thinking about u xx

BruceSA

Thank you Zombiegirl.

Much appreciated. Good luck with your recovery!

All the best,

Bruce.

Shoshie8

You're right to be vigilant, Bruce. The SE Asian business drinking culture is in a league of its own. You've seen it, been there, done that so you'll navigate it just fine.
Bon voyage!
Shoshie

BruceSA

Thank you Shoshie,

Vigilance, vigilance and more vigilance.

I've got 2 white lies up my sleeve. Sorry to admit it but it's literally not drink or screw up badly.

First is I am allergic to alcohol (which I guess I am)
Second is I suffer from "mild" migraines if I need to make a quick exit. (which I also guess I get with hangovers)

I know it's bad to lie but everyone "saves face" (and I get to prolong my life).

Don't like the idea of having to use either but I guess in this case it's survival.

Need to hit the sack now. 900km round trip drive is starting to say "howzit".

Hope you don't disapprove. Any other more civilised ideas?

Night night now,

B.

PurpleKnight

Safe travels Bruce . . . see you on the Sober flip side!!

Aarryckha

Am I a bad person for thinking it's okay to lie in such situations?

Raider

Travel safe. Blessings.

Raider

Bruce/Aaary, I wouldn't feel too bad about fibbing in this case. That said, it is too bad that you think you have to.

PurpleKnight

It's a means to a Sober end!!

I guess there are other ways to deal with situations, but everyone has their own set of ethics they conduct their life in accordance with, it's therefore a personal choice!!