19:43 Traveler's Backpackers Lodge; Kuala Lumpur-Malaysia :: 31 MAY 95

Not Again!

Traveling tip: For travelers, theft is practically inevitable. When attempting to protect oneself from it, consider not the value an item might have for a potential thief but its value to you. For example, a notebook computer is only slightly more valuable than the proprietary power-supply required to power it, if that computer is absolutely essential to daily operations. What good is it if you can't plug it in and use it? Similarly, for professional image-makers on assignment, a few rolls of professional film are as valuable as a Hasselblad and Metal-E Hi-8 videotape is more valuable than any camcorder; exposed film and video are irreplaceable and, therefore, invaluable.

For the second time on this trip my email journal has been interrupted by theft. At least this time I lost no data. Fortunately, I've been able to replace the power supplies for both the camcorder and the computer. The thief who rummaged through my bag while our bus was on a lunch stop took only those and a small amount of cash.

In three months of Asian travel I consider myself relatively lucky.

Now to get back to writing. . .

Patrick. -- Responses Sought --