2026-03-10 17:29:10
Watched: 9 March 2026 (labour day public holiday in Australia)
Honestly, the ending of Game of Thrones left a sour taste in my mouth and despite being a huge fan, I only watched a couple of episodes of the House of Dragons, realising it was pretty much similar story line to Game of Thrones, which it is because I have read the book. Unlike the Game of Thrones books, George R R Martin has finished the House of Dragon story. Rant over.
However, this one is different. Yes it is set in the Game of Thrones Universe but it has a different authentic vibe to it with a bit of comedy spread over its pretty serious settings. The comic elements come up in the most serious of settings in the show and that makes it even more funny.
The connection between the two main characters is so beautifully crafted and executed that I was not ready for the twist when it eventually came.
I watched all six episodes in one afternoon.
2026-03-09 18:25:49
Background and context:
MereCivilian
It has been a week since I got back from Bali; it would be an understatement to say that it has been an eventful week. It often puzzles me that the world works in such mysterious way that after every vacation, the amount of work I have often doubles the amount of work I left behind.
7KG does not sound like a lot but this trip has proved that it's more than enough. There is a special sense of comfort carrying around everything one needs and having the assurance of permanently removing the risk of losing the luggage. I remember, I took a trip to Fiji prior to COVID and the airline lost my luggage. I still recall going to a store in Fiji to buy new underwear because a man needs underwear. From that day, its always at the back of my mind that my luggage might not be traveling with me. AirTags provide some comfort, but it is not a sure thing.
At the airport, the process was seamless because no physical check-in is required. Two nights before, I checked in online and added my boarding pass to my Google Wallet (this also tracks my flight, how cool).
So, when I got to the airport, I went straight through security and passport control, quickly walked past duty-free and grabbed a coffee. Since I had time to kill, I thought I would keep myself busy playing around with my only electronic device, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Unfortunately, while propping it up on the MagSafe stand, I accidentally hit my coffee mug and spilled it over the table. Thankfully, none on me or my things. Not the best of starts and didn't feel good spilling coffee that I paid over AUD8 moments ago.
Anyway, after hanging around the gate aimlessly, in no time, I boarded and was on my way to Bali. I have travelled a lot and over the years; I have found airports to be more stressful, but this time around, things were a lot calmer, a lot easier. Perhaps because I was travelling by myself, perhaps because I had everything I needed close to me, or perhaps I just got lucky. It is probably a combination of all of the above.
Coming back was equally easy. Same process: checked in online, downloaded boarding pass to Google Wallet, and went straight through passport control and security. Meanwhile, on both occasions, I noticed a huge line of people checking in and dropping off their luggage. Bali airport had better food options compared to Melbourne. I enjoyed a very well-made kaya toast. Oh boy, I love a good kaya toast. So even at 7pm, I had toast. That was my dinner. By 8pm, I was boarded and ready to take off.
Despite my many attempts, I probably got an hour's sleep in the 5.5 hour flight from Bali to Melbourne. I landed at 5am Melbourne time, 2am in Bali. I was tired and sleepy and, admittedly, a little cranky. While others waited for their bags, I walked out like a king, grabbed an Uber, and was on my way home. That feeling boosted me for the rest of the day.
When I weighed the bag at Melbourne Airport, I couldn't believe that it was exactly 7Kg. It turned out I was worried needlessly because, other than myself, no one else weighed my bag.
In that bag, I packed:
Looking back, I would have been fine with 2 less t-shirts and shorts. I did laundry once, and that is all I needed.
This bag comes in two versions; I bought the smaller 30l one (paid AUD 200) and I think I made the right choice.
There is a balance to be struck here because other than carrying the bare essentials, anything extra is basically dead weight on my shoulders, and these shoulders are not getting any younger.
I am going away for a week in April but that is a road trip so the benefits of 1 bag are limited, but I still intend to only take one bag on that trip. However, we have a family holiday coming up in June to go New Zealand and I am currently in deep negotiations with my wife encouraging her we should be a one-bag family on that trip. We will have three carry - on bags between myself, my wife, and my son, equating to 21kg, which is more than sufficient. She has not given in yet, but I am persistent. The bad news for me is that my wife is the most persistent person I know. She is unlikely to give in.
2026-02-26 12:13:48
I only started travelling in my 20s, prior to that, I didn't have the money nor the motivation to travel. This is because I lived in a remote part of this wonderful planet and going anywhere was costly and extremely time consuming.
Since then, I have travelled a lot. And in the last twenty years, my taste has changed significantly. Gone a days where I seek out loud experiences like going clubbing in the best club etc etc. I crave a much calmer environment where I can soak in th vibe and enjoy a wonderful conversation with my fellow travelers.
Last night, I went to the best beach club in Bali and I felt out of place. It was too loud and the human behaviour on display was not to my liking. I did not enjoy that the club was first and foremost designed to give men a great time by showcasing women in a way that I found disturbing. Perhaps this is what the clubbing scene is like now, admittedly, it has been a long time since I went to a club.
I suppose, in this decade of my age, clubbing is out of the question.
On the other hand, going to a nice jazz bar is now my jam 🎷🎷🎷
Written and editted on Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
2026-02-24 07:54:57
Up until recently I didn't not find the need to have a travel setup because my nature of work was such that if and when I am travelling, I cannot do any work. Therefore, my computing needs are limited to personal use and blogging.
Blogging is not something I have to do but I enjoy doing it and it also provides me an outlet to think through my thoughts. I find that when one documents things, one has a better chance to make the correct decision after careful consideration of all relevant factors.
Anyway, with all that said, I am currently travelling and the only device I have with me is my Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Thus far, I have found that I do not need anything further. It is an excellent travel companion.
My blogging setup is limited to four physical items:
I feel like a Gangstar blogging with the above setup. As we speak, I am writing this blog from the kitchen in my Airbnb. The Ulanzi stand is propped up on a tissue box and the pixel fold is unfolded providing me with a larger canvas to write this blog. The MagSafe support in this year's Pixel phones is a great addition, something that Samsung Fold 7 does not have.
A special mention to the Microsoft Arc mouse. It is super portable, lays completely flat when turned off and the battery literally lasts forever. I have had this mouse for almost 2 years and have yet to replace the batteries (admittedly, this mouse is not used daily).
Lastly the foldable keyboard. I bought this keyboard to use predominately with my 12.9 inch M2 iPad Pro when using the iPad Pro attached magnetically to my monitor. This keyboard is handy during work when I need to do something personal and cannot use my work computer for that. Only when I was thinking about my travel setup, It occured to me that it is an excellent candidate for that as well and since it can be used with three devices, I paired the Pixel Fold as the 2nd device. Typing experience is pretty good and battery life is great. The keyboard is light and when folded is extremely portable. I do not need a number pad so I much rather have a smaller foot print.
Lastly and most importantly, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold continues to impress and as the only device currently with me, it has performed well. Using Google Maps on a larger display is fantastic and extremely useful especially when one is travelling and looking up places, checking out reviews etc etc. The camera has also not disappointed. For my use case, it has been sufficient. The large display has been great because I can quickly see the image taken on the left of the screen and take another shot as necessary. Battery life has been great thus far as well. I must say, I do not regret travelling with only one device. Actually, I am pretty happy doing so. It is a completely different experience and in many ways, its much neater setup. Having to only charge one device and having only one device that requires a travel Sim is also fantastic. I used this one device to read books on the Kindle, play streets of Rage 4 using the 8Bitdo Micro controller that I picked up days before the trip and also to watch a few Netflix videos. The entire time, the phone was plugged in so battery life was a non issue.
Post by @[email protected]View on Mastodon
Also, there is something calming about waking up early while everyone else is asleep, making a cup of coffee and writing your thoughts down.
Finally, here is my blogging setup in all its glory. Borrowed my friend's Pixel 9 Pro to take this picture and used QuickShare to transfer the image from his Pixel to mine. Yes, the process was not as quick as transfering a file from one iPhone to another using airdrop but for my use case, it did the job.
Pixel 10 Pro Fold: 259.7 grams
Magsafe stand MA38: 108.2 grams
Microsoft Mouse: 78.9 grams
Inateck portable foldable keyboard 186.3 grams
Total: 633.10 grams
Blogpost: written entirely using Ghost Editor, using Vivaldi.
2026-02-20 17:03:24
As mentioned on my previous post, I only recently came back from a trip with my family so this section basically compares what I took for that trip that I am not taking for this trip to Bali.
Additionally, I am not taking any smart watches or any watch for that matter. Taking this opportunity to disconnect as much as possible. The only smart device I have is my Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
Blog post written entirely on Pixel Pro Fold at the Melbourne Airport, while enjoying a cup of decaf.
2026-02-17 14:05:23
I do not recall the last time I traveled by myself. That is actually a good thing because of course I travel with my wife, my son and sometimes even my parents. I almost never travel by myself. The only occassion I recall is when I had to urgently go see my grandpa who resided out of country.
Long story short, for about 4 years, I have been considering travelling with one carry on luggage only. Travelling with the family, this isn't practical because even if I do carry on, the rest of the family is checking in their luggage.
I am travelling to Bali for a boys trip (these are the guys I grew up with). My friends are flying in so we are all going to meet in Bali. This means, I will be travelling by myself from Melbourne to Bali and obviously returning home 10 days later.
I don't know how well this one bag journey will go but I have given myself the best possible chance of success. I booked my ticket on Jetstar which charges for checked in luggage. Already saved over AUD80 by not purchasing extra luggage. Instead, I used that money towards getting an exist row seats, which is also something I have not been purchasing because when traveling with a child, I am not eligible to buy exist row seats.
So, what am I taking with me:
I weighed the bag with all my clothes etc etc and its currently sitting at 5.90kg, well under the 7kg requirement.
Honestly, I am super excited for this boys trip but I also very keen to explore this one bag travel lifestyle. Is it even worth it? Or am I just building it up on my mind.
My Pixel 10 Pro Fold is going to be my everything device. I am planning to read a bit and also play games. 3 weeks ago, I went on a holiday and caught over 6 flights. During these flights, I read entirely on my Pixel Fold and finished 4 books. The only downside of the Pixel Fold is the battery life but than again, when travelling, most phones need to be charged eventually. Speaking of charging, Jetstar (and other airlines as well), do not allow the use of power banks on flights. This means, I will be relying heavily on the USB A port on my seat to keep my phone charged during the flight. Fingers crossed that the USB A port does not let me down.
Also, I bought the Inateck Bluetooth keyboard a few months ago to use it with my iPad and I figured it would be handy for this trip should I wish to write a blogpost or journal etc etc. Its relatively lightweight.
Anyway, to prove that I can even blog from the Pixel Pro Fold, I decided to write this very blog post using the setup I would use when in Bali.
This is what the setup looks like and if you can read this blogpost that means, it was written, edited and published entirely on the Pixel 10 Pro Fold using the Bluetooth keyboard and a magsafe stand. I used my bag Bellroy lite as a way to increase the height.
