Weather 2, Bernadette 0

Many of you may remember last summer's mishap, when I arrived in 15 degree (celsius)Sapporo wearing a tank top. Well, mother nature has struck again. This time with snow.
Thinking I had learned my lesson, I had actually checked the weather report last week. It didn't mention anything like this. It cheerfully predicted weather in the 60s (fairenheit) with those smiley sun icons. Let me tell you who's not smiling now!
The good news is that I can't start cycling right away because I have to wait about a week for my Kazakh visa. That's all for now, I'm off to buy some long under ware and maybe some vodka.

Getting my feet wet, the dry run

It is never as I plan. Saturday I combed the apartment for anything and everything thats coming with me on 'the derby' and tossed it into my panniers. It struck me I must be forgetting something. Something big. Everything I found fit into two bags! Not the four I jumped through hoops to figure out how to mount on my bike. (Apparently, front racks are 'special' in Taiwan)
What am I leaving out? I still can't imagine what it is.
So, two bags short of a load we set out early Sunday morning. Along route 3, I kept my eye out for uniquely Taiwanese scenery. I was looking for everyday things that I often forget to appreciate because they have become so commonplace these two years. Mixed in with the 7/11s, Family Marts, motorbike repair shops and temples I saw this. (See photo) Nothing says 'how about a betel nut?' like a hamster in a hat! Oh Taiwan, I'll miss our little chuckles.
Never did figure out what I forgot to pack. What is it?!

The Mongolstan Derby Countdown has begun!

Ladies and Gentlemen place your bets! Two more weeks til Galilea and Bernadette 'steppe' out in Mongolia.