What to Pack

When deciding what to pack on my year long trip, many things came to mind... Fairfax Scoop's ice cream, my fuzzy robe, Lu's sarcastic comments. However, my 50L carry-on sized backpack would not allow for them. Normally, I would travel with my usual two pairs of pants, two short sleeved shirts, and 1 long-sleeved shirt, but I had to consider variations in climates that factored in more weight. I threw in a fleece, a windbreaker, a bathing suit, and one skirt that converts into a dress. You can once again expect to see me dirty and in the same outfits in every picture. I am also bringing a pair of trail running shoes, Keen water shoes and I couldn't leave without my Haviana flip flops.

My clothes may not take up much room, but boy do all those drugs. I feel like I could set up shop on a street corner and sell out of my backpack. The pharmacy gave me Tamiflu should I catch the bird flu virus, a year's supply of malaria drugs and a bunch of other drugs for altitude sickness, random bacteria, and of course diarrhea. My organic vitamins will only last me 30 days and I may need to call in a FedEx shipment along the way.

Since I have traveled quite frequently, I was up to date on all my shots; Hep A, B, tetanus, typhoid, yellow fever, menigococcal, and polio. However, I have been avoiding the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine due to the bad side effects and Rabies shot because of the pain. I decided to check with the travel clinic 10 days before leaving to see what I really needed only to find out that I did indeed need both shots, but I also needed 3 weeks to get them for the 3 shots each took. Oh well. At least I wrote, notarized and had witnessed my last will and testament before leaving. Although, I'm not sure I have much to give away since I've resorted my life to the basics.

I've enjoyed downsizing my life into a backpack. In a whirlwind of activities, I've managed to divest my couches, my liquor cabinet that was quite extensive considering I don't drink, tupperware, just about every book I have ever bought since I was 7 years old including all the classics, half my closet, and a hodgepodge of random stuff. I am amazed at how many things accumulated in my life over the years. My backpack is purposely small so that I can focus my life on important things such as relationships and experiences. I really don't need another dress nor souvenir, but unfortunately, the pharmacist had no vaccines nor drugs for shopping addicts. I may be in trouble... at least I have this link that Ward gave me as a nice send off, which made me smile. http://june.fujimoto.youaremighty.com/ Thanks Ward!