Vape Ventures: Chronicles of a Wanderlust Vaper

 

Introduction: A Journey Back in Time

Let me take you back to the end of 2023—a time when my vape arsenal was modest compared to the collection I have today. It was a simpler stage of my vaping journey, with just a few trusty devices and hand-wrapped coils to my name. My passion for vaping was already well-established, but I hadn’t yet reached the level of expertise or the overflowing toolbox I now call my own.
At this point, life took an unexpected turn: I transitioned into a new role as an export sales rep, one that would take me across borders and into the unknown. My first destination? Angola. Little did I know that this trip would not only be a professional milestone but also a personal adventure into navigating vaping in unfamiliar territory.
This story chronicles those early days—when my kit was lighter, my experience more limited, and my curiosity unbounded. It’s a snapshot of a time when every vape break was an experiment, every new flavour an adventure, and every challenge a lesson learned. So, pack your bags (and your vape gear) and join me as I relive the journey.

Chapter 1: Preparing for Takeoff

As a vaper with a passion for exploration, travelling with my vape kit has become a saga in its own right. My new role as an export sales rep has me jet-setting across Southern Africa, beginning with a trip to Angola. While the thought of adventure excites me, the intricacies of travelling with vape gear have added a layer of complexity to my journeys. Let’s unpack what it takes to prepare for a smooth vaping experience abroad.

Pre-Flight Preparations: The Vape Odyssey Begins

Travelling with vape gear demands meticulous preparation. Whether it’s understanding airline policies or safeguarding your devices, the journey begins long before you reach the airport. Here's what my pre-flight ritual entails:

1. Research Airline Regulations Each airline has unique rules regarding vape gear. Some are lenient, while others impose strict restrictions on batteries and e-liquids. It's essential to comb through the airline's guidelines well in advance. From battery capacities to liquid limits, knowing the specifics can save you from a frustrating experience at the security checkpoint.

2. Carry-On Your Vape Kit Vape devices and batteries should always travel in your carry-on luggage. Checked baggage undergoes temperature fluctuations that can compromise battery safety. Keeping your gear in your cabin bag ensures it stays within a controlled environment.

3. Empty Your Tanks Cabin pressure can wreak havoc on filled vape tanks, causing leaks that leave your luggage sticky and smelling like a candy store. To avoid this, empty all tanks before boarding and pack your e-liquids in leak-proof bags.

4. Secure Your Batteries Loose batteries pose a fire risk, so store them in a protective case. This prevents accidental firing and ensures they remain safe throughout the flight.

5. Label Your E-Liquids For those of us who mix our own e-liquids, clear labelling can make a world of difference during security checks. Include details like flavour, nicotine strength, and bottle size to avoid any confusion.

For this trip, I packed my essentials into a trusty shower bag from DisChem. Its compartments kept my coils, e-liquids, and tools organized. I even dusted off my old Dead Rabbit V2 RDA for the journey, resurrecting it like a goat climbing back onto a mountainside—determined and unyielding.

The Art of Packing: Balancing Convenience and Compliance

Packing for a vape-friendly trip is both an art and a science. Beyond the basics, I made sure to bring spare coils, wicking materials, and enough e-liquid to last the entire journey. After all, running out of juice mid-trip is a vaper’s nightmare.

One lesson I’ve learned the hard way is to pack disposable devices for regions with uncertain regulations. Compact and hassle-free, they serve as a backup in case your primary gear encounters issues. For this trip, I tucked a few disposables into my bag, ready to save the day if needed.

Another key consideration is organizing your kit for easy access during security checks. Place your vape devices, batteries, and liquids in a single compartment of your carry-on. This makes it easier to remove them quickly when going through security screening, ensuring a smoother process.

A Cloud of Anticipation: Setting the Tone for the Journey

With my vape kit prepped and my bags packed, I was ready to embark on my Angolan adventure. The anticipation of exploring a new country was exhilarating, but so was the thought of navigating the unknowns of vaping in a foreign land. Would I find vape shops? Would language barriers pose a challenge? These questions swirled in my mind like vapour in a freshly wicked coil.

As I stepped onto the plane with my trusty gear in tow, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. Travelling with vape gear may come with its hurdles, but it also adds a layer of adventure to the journey. After all, what’s an Old Goat without a few mountains to climb?

Chapter 2: Touchdown in Angola – A New Vape Frontier

After a seamless flight and a safe landing in Angola, I was greeted by a mix of excitement and apprehension. Travelling with vape gear had its challenges, but now it was time to dive into the unknown: navigating a new country’s vaping culture and keeping my kit running smoothly.

First Impressions: A Land of Contrasts

Angola is a country of breathtaking landscapes and vibrant urban life, and its energy is infectious. But as I stepped out of the airport and into the bustling streets, I couldn’t help but notice the lack of familiar vape clouds drifting in the air. Vaping, it seemed, wasn’t as widespread here as in South Africa. My first mission was clear: find out if the local vape scene existed and, if so, how to tap into it.

The Vape Hunt Begins

Armed with my travel essentials, including my trusty vape mod and an assortment of e-liquids, I ventured into the city. My first stop was a quick web search to locate any vape shops nearby. While Angola isn’t exactly a vaping hub, a few scattered shops popped up on the map.

My first visit was to a small, unassuming shop tucked into a side street. Walking in felt like stepping into a hidden oasis—walls lined with modest selections of e-liquids and devices. While the options weren’t as vast as what I was used to backing home, the shopkeeper was welcoming and eager to share knowledge about the local vaping community.

The Local Vape Culture: Challenges and Curiosities

Angola’s vape scene is in its infancy, with enthusiasts still working to establish a strong foothold. Many vapers here rely on imported gear, which can make availability and pricing a bit of a hurdle. While the range of devices and juices was limited, the sense of camaraderie among vapers was refreshing. Everyone I met seemed genuinely curious about my gear, especially the custom coils I had brought along. It felt like I was bridging the gap between two worlds, sharing insights from South Africa’s established vape community.

The Old Goat’s Survival Tips for Vaping Abroad

Adapting to the local vape scene required a bit of ingenuity. Here are some tips I picked up along the way:

1. Stock Up on Essentials: Bring enough coils, cotton, and juice to last your trip. It’s better to be over-prepared than to scramble for supplies in unfamiliar territory.

2. Build Bridges: Engaging with local vapers can be both enlightening and rewarding. Sharing a common passion often leads to valuable tips and connections.

3. Be Adaptable: Sometimes, you need to make do with what’s available. Experimenting with unfamiliar brands or flavours can turn out to be a surprisingly pleasant experience.

Navigating Challenges: When the Clouds Thin

While my initial foray into Angola’s vape scene was promising, it wasn’t without hiccups. Power outages, a common occurrence in the region, occasionally threw a wrench in my plans to charge devices. But as any seasoned vaper knows, part of the journey is adapting to the unexpected. A reliable power bank quickly became my MVP, ensuring my gear stayed ready for action.

Chapter 3: Clouds on the Go – Work Meets Vaping in Angola

As the novelty of being in Angola began to settle, my focus shifted to balancing the demands of my new role as an export sales rep with my passion for vaping. This chapter explores how I juggled long workdays, cultural nuances, and the challenges of keeping my vape game strong in a country where it’s still finding its footing.

Workdays and Vape Breaks

Export sales is not a job for the faint of heart. It’s a whirlwind of client meetings, logistics planning, and endless paperwork. Throw in a foreign country, and things get even more complicated. But no matter how busy my day got, I always carved out time for a quick vape break—it was my little pocket of calm amid the chaos.

Angola’s pace of business was slower than what I was accustomed to, which ironically worked in my favour. While waiting for meetings to start or for documents to be finalised, I could step outside, find a quiet spot, and enjoy a few puffs. My Vaporesso Target 200 proved to be a dependable travel companion, handling the long work hours with ease.

The Goat’s Golden Rule of Vaping at Work

When vaping abroad, especially in professional settings, discretion is key. While the sight of vape clouds might be commonplace in some places, in others, it could raise eyebrows or spark curiosity. I made it a point to find less conspicuous areas for vaping, ensuring I respected both local norms and workplace etiquette.

Gear That Made the Difference

Travelling with the right vape gear can make or break the experience. Here’s what stood out during my time in Angola:

• Vaporesso Target 200: Its reliable performance and sturdy build made it ideal for the unpredictable travel conditions. With its long battery life, it powered through my busiest days without breaking a sweat.
• Custom Alien Clapton Coils: My hand-wrapped coils were a talking point among the few local vapers I met. They were curious about how I achieved such flavourful hits and dense clouds. Sharing my process felt like an impromptu masterclass.
• E-Liquid Variety: Having a mix of my favourite juices from home helped combat homesickness and kept my taste buds entertained. It was also a conversation starter when I shared a bottle or two with the locals.

When Creativity Saves the Day

Not every moment went according to plan. One particularly memorable day involved a miscalculated juice supply that left me dangerously low on my preferred custard blend. But improvisation is the name of the game for any seasoned vaper. I took the opportunity to try a locally made e-liquid—a tangy tropical mix that, while not my usual style, turned out to be a pleasant surprise.

The Highs and Lows of Traveling with Vape Gear

If I’ve learned anything from vaping on the go, it’s that preparation and adaptability are everything. From power outages that tested my patience to discovering the camaraderie of Angola’s small but passionate vape community, every challenge came with its rewards.

The goat pun here? Sometimes, you have to hoof it through the tough spots to find the sweet cloud nine waiting on the other side.

Outro: The Adventure Continues

And that wraps up my Angolan adventure—or at least the highlights of navigating travel with vape gear in tow. From pre-flight packing to adapting to local customs, every step of the journey was an opportunity to learn, grow, and share a few laughs along the way.

If you’ve enjoyed this story and want to dive deeper into the (almost real-time) account of my travels, including all the ups, downs, and unexpected twists, you’re in luck. I documented the entire experience in detail on the Vaping Community forum. Click the link below to follow the full thread and join the conversation:

Traveling With Your Vape – Vaping Community

Whether you’re a fellow vaper, an avid traveller, or just someone who loves a good story, I hope you’ve found something to take away from this adventure. Until next time, keep your coils clean, your juice stocked, and your sense of curiosity alive. Safe travels, and vape on! 🐐💨

Next Stop: Africa – Vape Adventures Unleashed!

Hey Vape Enthusiasts!

I'm gearing up for my next African adventure, and this time, I'm taking you along for the ride! Early in January, I'll be jetting off to Zimbabwe, and later, I'll be facing the vaping challenges in Ethiopia and Tanzania. Here's a sneak peek into the prep for this exciting vape journey:

Zimbabwe Zest: Heading to Zimbabwe is a breeze, no vape worries here. I'm opting for my trusty travel buddy kit – a Sigelei FOG 213 and the Yachtvape x Mike Vapes Eclipse Single Coil RTA 24mm, graciously provided by the awesome Paul33 from ECIGSSA. Big shoutout to @Paul33 for the hookup!

Ethiopian Expedition: Now, Ethiopia is a whole different ballgame. Vaping is a no-go, but being the risk taker that I am, I will take my trusty travel buddy with me again and arm myself with disposables as backups. I've researched some vape shops in Addis Ababa, but it looks like disposables are the name of the game there. Fingers crossed for a smooth journey through customs.

Tanzanian Tidbits: Tanzania is next on the list, and I hope my vape kit is tagging along. A quick Google search revealed vape shops in Dar es Salaam, but disposables seem to dominate the scene once again. This might prove to be a problem if my kit gets taken away in Ethiopia I can't replace it. Nevertheless, I'm ready for whatever vaping adventures await.

Stay tuned for live updates from Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. I'll be sharing my experiences, discoveries, and, of course, the vaping scene in each location. Your virtual passport is ready – let's embark on this vape journey together!

Safe travels and happy vaping,

Behind the Scenes: Prepping for the African Vape Adventure!

Hey Vape Fam,

Just dropped back into the work grind, and it's a whirlwind of activity preparing for my Zimbabwe trip kicking off on Monday. Here's a quick snapshot of the chaos:

Vape Kit Ready, Almost: My trusty travel buddy kit is 99% prepped for the journey. Just need to spin a fresh coil for my Eclipse RTA – you know, just in case. Decided it's also the perfect time to treat my 'home vapes' to some new coils. DIY mode, engage!

Accommodation Hitch: Harare is sorted, but the hotel in Bulawayo is playing hard to get. Stress levels rising, but fingers crossed, I'll have a cozy spot to lay my vape gear soon.

Flight Confirmations: Flights are on the horizon, but my travel agent's on leave. Patience is a virtue, they say, but when you're dealing with flights, it's a whole new ballgame.

Ethiopian Visa Drama: Email ping-pong with the Ethiopian Embassy just kicked off. Unexpected document demands have me scrambling, but hey, it's all part of the adventure, right?

Reality Check: "Travel the world, they said, it will be fun, they said." – currently living the dream, or is it a rollercoaster? Either way, vape in hand, I'm ready for whatever comes my way.

Stay tuned for updates on the mad dash before departure. The countdown is on, and Africa awaits!

Vape on,

Embarking on my African adventure, my anticipation was matched only by the excitement of exploring new territories. Armed with a meticulously prepared vape kit, which included some freshly crafted Alien coils, my trusty Travel Buddy kit, and a selection of Old Goat e-liquids, I set out for Zimbabwe.

My handmade Alien coils are carefully crafted for optimal performance, ensuring that each inhale carries the essence of my curated e-liquids. In particular, the Chery Cola and Misty Mountain Pie e-liquids, products of Old Goat's passion for flavor, proved to be the perfect companions for this Zimbabwean exploration.

The journey commenced with a seamless pass through customs, offering a moment to indulge in mobile gaming during a flight delay. Grateful for the comfort of my emergency exit seat, I soon found myself landing in Harare, eager to unleash the cloud-chasing potential of my vape gear.

Before immersing myself in the bustling cityscape, the first order of business was securing a local SIM card. With a new number in hand, my Travel Buddy kit, consisting of the Sigelei FOG 213 mod and Yachtvape x Mike Vapes Eclipse Single Coil RTA, made its debut, delivering the familiar satisfaction of a well-deserved nicotine hit. The Zimbabwean adventure had officially begun.

During the drive to the hotel, I strategically chose the back seat, not for pomp but to seize a moment for a discreet puff from my Vaperesso XRos. The subtle aroma of Misty Mountain Pie permeated the air, offering a welcome departure from the typical scent of traditional cigarettes.

As the day unfolded, I checked into the welcoming Guinea Fowl's Rest, a recommended accommodation haven in the heart of Harare. The thoughtfully packed Alien coils now awaited their moment, promising a vaping experience that matched the vibrancy of this African escapade.

Having settled into Guinea Fowl's Rest, I swiftly transitioned from leisure to business, scheduling a meeting with my client. Little did I know that this work-related rendezvous would lead me to Haka Game Park, a Ramsar Site teeming with diverse wildlife. The Alien coils and Old Goat e-liquids played their part in punctuating this unique blend of business and environmental appreciation.

As the day unfolded, discussions about vaping's positive environmental impact found a backdrop in the vast landscapes of Haka Game Park. The absence of cigarette butts and the reduced fire risk associated with vaping became prominent themes, reinforcing the benefits of this alternative.

As this captivating journey unfolds, capturing each puff and panorama, remember, the adventure continues on my Instagram profile. Dive deeper into the hues of Harare and the Alien Adventures on my feed. Follow along at [@Old_Goat_82] for an immersive experience into the heart of my Zimbabwean escapade.

After a captivating visit to Haka Game Park, my appetite led me to Boss Café for a hearty burger. As I savored each bite, my eyes caught sight of a vape haven - Clouds2You on King George Rd. Unable to resist the temptation, I ventured inside, discovering a well-stocked shop catering to every vaping need. The rare find of coil-wrapping wire excited me, a gem that's becoming scarce back in South Africa.

However, their expertise on rebuildables and coils left room for improvement. Seizing the opportunity, I showcased my setup, shared images of handcrafted coils, and let them savor my DIY e-liquids. Their enthusiasm was palpable. Inquiring about locally made e-liquids, I was disappointed to find only international brands in their collection. Despite this, Clouds2You is a must-visit for any vaper in Harare. You can find a reel on my Instagram page of Clouds2You @Old_Goat_82.

Post-lunch and vape exploration, it was time to return to the hotel. The allure of the honesty bar awaited – a unique concept where patrons help themselves, record their choices, and settle the bill upon departure.

Now, let's talk beer. The first sip featured Bohlinger's Lager, paired effortlessly with Misty Mountain Pie. For an in-depth review, stay tuned to the 'Let's talk about vaping and beer' thread. It's worth noting that all the beers I sampled were paired with the same e-liquid, creating a consistent theme.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, I reflected on the most eventful day of the entire journey. The next chapter will summarize the remaining highlights of the trip, promising more tales from the heart of Zimbabwe.

Harare days were chill vibes – meetings with clients, lodge lounging with cold beers and warm vapes. Then, off to Bulawayo – but oh, the airport saga! Quick lunch, bags checked, and an Instagram sesh (@Old_Goat_82). The flight felt like an Arma 3 game landing, nostalgia hitting hard. Bulawayo Airport = Altis Airport. But boom – baggage chaos!

One MIA bag on the conveyor belt, and guess what? Not mine. Cue panic mode. Driver waiting, time ticking. Airport official to the rescue. Found the rogue bag 3 hours later, untouched. Crisis averted. Banff Lodge welcomed me, but the restaurant had lights out. Bummer, but hey, all my stuff was intact.

Bulawayo, smaller than expected, had a holiday town vibe. Work mode kicked in, and alas, no time for local vape shop exploration. Google teased me with their existence, though.

Airport tales continued on the last day. Met a London lass, a fellow vaper, puffing away. Odd twist – she prefers cigs when globetrotting, citing customs convenience. Got me pondering my Travel Buddy Kit for Ethiopia – decisions, decisions.

Back in JHB, reunited with my trusty vape kits. Next up, I'll spill the tea on planning the Ethiopian chapter. Stay tuned for the vape-filled adventures, vapefam! ✈️ 

Ethiopian Visa Dilemmas.

Hey VapeFam,

Quick update on my upcoming trip to Ethiopia and Tanzania. I submitted my Ethiopian Visa application back on December 20, 2023, and it's been a struggle to get any feedback from the embassy. With my flight to Addis Ababa scheduled for this Sunday, the situation is becoming a major headache.

Flights are booked, paid for, but the visa status is hanging in the balance. Anyone else dealt with embassy woes before?

And then there's the issue of my beloved Travel Buddy. I'm worried it might get the customs boot upon arrival in Addis Ababa. I've grown quite attached to it on a sentimental level. Promised myself, come hell or high water, the Travel Buddy comes with me everywhere. Let's hope customs understands the bond!

Tanzania is looking good, and worst case, I can grab a disposable vape in Dar es Salaam. The real challenge is flying back to Joburg via Addis Ababa. The threat of losing any new device is back on the table.

I'll keep you posted on the visa saga. Also, help me out with something—need a name for my Travel Buddy. Best suggestion gets a sample of my latest unnamed e-liquid.

Stay cloudy,

Victory.

Hey, vape fam,

I've got some thrilling updates on my upcoming trip to Ethiopia, and I couldn't wait to share them with you! After a bit of a bureaucratic rollercoaster, my Ethiopian visa got the stamp of approval today. Persistence pays off, right?

Last night, I was in full DIY e-juice mode, mixing up some flavorful concoctions for the journey. I whipped up a batch of my latest unnamed juice, threw in some peanut butter and syrup sandwich goodness, and even experimented with a peppermint crisp tart flavour (fingers crossed it's a winner).

Now, the real adventure begins—packing and prepping. On Sunday, we'll find out if my trusty Travel Buddy (yet to be named) makes it through customs unscathed. I'm optimistic!