Feel the power!

XLerator Electric Hand Dryer from Excel Dryer, Inc:

Electric hand dryers have long had advantages over use of paper towels in commercial restrooms, but there has been low acceptance due largely to the length of time required to dry hands. The new XLerator hand dryer made by Excel Dryer, Inc. offers much faster hand drying by providing a high-velocity fan. Much of the drying is actually accomplished by blowing water droplets off the hands. As a result, the typical drying time is just 12 to 15 seconds (versus 30 to 45 seconds for conventional electric dryers).

The new "18-mile Stretch" near Key Largo, Florida that connects the Florida Keys to the South Florida mainland features a concrete median barrier to help eliminate head-on collisions. The barrier's Belize blue color was chosen by marine artist Wyland to match Florida Keys' waters and skies. About half of the USD 300 million project, including much of a new bridge over Jewfish Creek, has been completed with the remainder of the project set to culminate in early 2011.

I just came across your site and have been reading it. I saw your article about the contents of your pack, and saw that you carried a mosquito net with you and commented that it was invaluable when needed. My husband and I are planning a four month trip through Central and South America, and we're debating whether we need to purchase one or not. Did you use one in hostels at all? I would imagine it would be good for camping, if we do that which we haven't decided yet…

Any input would be appreciated.

Thank you
Happy travels,
Melissa

Craig's Response:

Howdy Melissa,

I started traveling without a net, and didn't think much of it until I was given the one I carry (in Colombia) by a retiring guide working in the Amazon. I think it generally unlikely that you'll use the net in Central America, with the exception of Costa Rica and maybe Honduras. You'll have a good chance of using it in South America. It certainly saved my sanity in Brazil.

I carried and used those green, slow-burning incense coils more times than I can remember — they don't take much space or weight and can really keep mosquitoes from zeroing in on you whilst you sleep. Mosquitoes can also only fly at around 1-1.5mph, so a fan blowing directly on you can also do a good job of keeping them from landing on exposed skin.

The reality is that in place where you'll need the net, you'll be able to purchase one at a fraction of the price you'd get in the U.S. …but not having one in your pack could mean nights of misery until you procure one.

The most important thing is that the meshing is fine and free of holes. Get one that packs small and is big enough for a double bed (so that only one of you have to carry it in your packs). Don't worry if it's been soaked in permethrin or not (though it's a bonus until it wears off). In the U.S. a good place to check would be a military supply store/depot. Take a look at the Lifesystems nets (the type I'm using and have been very happy with) to figure out what you should be looking for. Purchases off eBay might be an option.

For what it's worth: Taking anti-malarial medications for anything longer than a 2 week trip into a hot zone isn't recommended. There are regionally-specific strains that are resistant to some medications, and such things can really hurt your body (plus the pills can give off some really nasty side effects). No need to buy this type of medication in the U.S. or ahead of time if you do want to take them, they're locally available for a few dollars.

Good luck!

//craig in the usa
June 27, 2008

Many people are growing more interested in how their food is produced, or how the population of a foreign country produces food. Agritourism is a style of vacation that normally takes place on a farm, either domestically or abroad.

Agritourism farms in Zimbabwe offer tours to allow a person to view the growing, harvesting, and processing of locally grown foods, such as corn, coconuts, sugar cane, and pineapple. Often the farmers provide a home-stay opportunity and general education on the workings of the farm.

Children who visit the farms often have not seen a live duck, or pig, and have not picked an apple right off the tree. This form of expanded agritourism has given birth to what are often called entertainment farms. These farms cater to the pick-your-own crowd, offering not only regular farm products, but also food, mazes, open-pen animals, train rides, picnic facilities, and pick-your-own produce. In the United States, dude ranches offer tourists the chance to work on cattle ranches and sometimes include cattle drives.

Please submit the location and details for agritourism farms in Zimbabwe.

Many people are growing more interested in how their food is produced, or how the population of a foreign country produces food. Agritourism is a style of vacation that normally takes place on a farm, either domestically or abroad.

Agritourism farms in Zambia offer tours to allow a person to view the growing, harvesting, and processing of locally grown foods, such as corn, coconuts, sugar cane, and pineapple. Often the farmers provide a home-stay opportunity and general education on the workings of the farm.

Children who visit the farms often have not seen a live duck, or pig, and have not picked an apple right off the tree. This form of expanded agritourism has given birth to what are often called entertainment farms. These farms cater to the pick-your-own crowd, offering not only regular farm products, but also food, mazes, open-pen animals, train rides, picnic facilities, and pick-your-own produce. In the United States, dude ranches offer tourists the chance to work on cattle ranches and sometimes include cattle drives.

Please submit the location and details for agritourism farms in Zambia.

Many people are growing more interested in how their food is produced, or how the population of a foreign country produces food. Agritourism is a style of vacation that normally takes place on a farm, either domestically or abroad.

Agritourism farms in Yemen offer tours to allow a person to view the growing, harvesting, and processing of locally grown foods, such as corn, coconuts, sugar cane, and pineapple. Often the farmers provide a home-stay opportunity and general education on the workings of the farm.

Children who visit the farms often have not seen a live duck, or pig, and have not picked an apple right off the tree. This form of expanded agritourism has given birth to what are often called entertainment farms. These farms cater to the pick-your-own crowd, offering not only regular farm products, but also food, mazes, open-pen animals, train rides, picnic facilities, and pick-your-own produce. In the United States, dude ranches offer tourists the chance to work on cattle ranches and sometimes include cattle drives.

Please submit the location and details for agritourism farms in Yemen.

Many people are growing more interested in how their food is produced, or how the population of a foreign country produces food. Agritourism is a style of vacation that normally takes place on a farm, either domestically or abroad.

Agritourism farms in the Western Sahara offer tours to allow a person to view the growing, harvesting, and processing of locally grown foods, such as corn, coconuts, sugar cane, and pineapple. Often the farmers provide a home-stay opportunity and general education on the workings of the farm.

Children who visit the farms often have not seen a live duck, or pig, and have not picked an apple right off the tree. This form of expanded agritourism has given birth to what are often called entertainment farms. These farms cater to the pick-your-own crowd, offering not only regular farm products, but also food, mazes, open-pen animals, train rides, picnic facilities, and pick-your-own produce. In the United States, dude ranches offer tourists the chance to work on cattle ranches and sometimes include cattle drives.

Please submit the location and details for agritourism farms in the Western Sahara.

Many people are growing more interested in how their food is produced, or how the population of a foreign country produces food. Agritourism is a style of vacation that normally takes place on a farm, either domestically or abroad.

Agritourism farms in Wallis and Futuna offer tours to allow a person to view the growing, harvesting, and processing of locally grown foods, such as corn, coconuts, sugar cane, and pineapple. Often the farmers provide a home-stay opportunity and general education on the workings of the farm.

Children who visit the farms often have not seen a live duck, or pig, and have not picked an apple right off the tree. This form of expanded agritourism has given birth to what are often called entertainment farms. These farms cater to the pick-your-own crowd, offering not only regular farm products, but also food, mazes, open-pen animals, train rides, picnic facilities, and pick-your-own produce. In the United States, dude ranches offer tourists the chance to work on cattle ranches and sometimes include cattle drives.

Please submit the location and details for agritourism farms in Wallis and Futuna.

Many people are growing more interested in how their food is produced, or how the population of a foreign country produces food. Agritourism is a style of vacation that normally takes place on a farm, either domestically or abroad.

Agritourism farms in Vietnam offer tours to allow a person to view the growing, harvesting, and processing of locally grown foods, such as corn, coconuts, sugar cane, and pineapple. Often the farmers provide a home-stay opportunity and general education on the workings of the farm.

Children who visit the farms often have not seen a live duck, or pig, and have not picked an apple right off the tree. This form of expanded agritourism has given birth to what are often called entertainment farms. These farms cater to the pick-your-own crowd, offering not only regular farm products, but also food, mazes, open-pen animals, train rides, picnic facilities, and pick-your-own produce. In the United States, dude ranches offer tourists the chance to work on cattle ranches and sometimes include cattle drives.

Please submit the location and details for agritourism farms in Vietnam.

Many people are growing more interested in how their food is produced, or how the population of a foreign country produces food. Agritourism is a style of vacation that normally takes place on a farm, either domestically or abroad.

Agritourism farms in Venezuela offer tours to allow a person to view the growing, harvesting, and processing of locally grown foods, such as corn, coconuts, sugar cane, and pineapple. Often the farmers provide a home-stay opportunity and general education on the workings of the farm.

Children who visit the farms often have not seen a live duck, or pig, and have not picked an apple right off the tree. This form of expanded agritourism has given birth to what are often called entertainment farms. These farms cater to the pick-your-own crowd, offering not only regular farm products, but also food, mazes, open-pen animals, train rides, picnic facilities, and pick-your-own produce. In the United States, dude ranches offer tourists the chance to work on cattle ranches and sometimes include cattle drives.

Please submit the location and details for agritourism farms in Venezuela.