im getting close to heading out to a new city. still not sure where yet.

last night was interesting, stayed up late with erwin and charlotte, talking and drinking. we swam in the rooftop pool at her hotel.

weird things: the music piracy is rampant, as has been reported mant times. there are multiple vendors with stacks of loose CDs, some with the CD insert, some without. they're all $3 or less. What suprized me is the backpacks. They have tons of really nice North Face and Lowe/Alpine packs. I mean they'd $150 and up in the states. But they sell here for $5. Ive been told they are imitations. I've looked at them and they look like quality stuff. erwin got a pack for himself. im gonna stay with my small red one for now. although its very very full.

i havent met any other americans on my trip. a masseuse said the shop has been empty since the iraq war seemed unavoidable.