Post-Trip Observations
A recent comment from a friend of mine on this blog read as follows:
“Some people say that when you travel, you must adopt a nomadic approach to the things you take with you. Looking at the stuff strewn over that bed, I’m inclined to ask what things you found the most useful. And the things you didn’t use as much as you thought you would. The stuff you picked up, and what you left behind.”
I must say that I could have survived just as well with a lot less than I actually carried around with me. I am not too good at chucking things away, or giving them away either, so I kept many items, mainly clothing, that were hardly ever used. I really only wore one or two favorite t-shirts, jeans, jandles (flip flops), sneakers, shorts and a pair of plain green army trousers with large side pockets which were great for carrying my iPod and books around on my daily visit to whatever town I was currently visiting.
I had a big mountain medical kit which I only opened once or twice for a plaster. The rest was just bits and pieces really.
The things I found most useful were, my iPod, a waterproof jacket, camera, cell phone and a fair amount of underwear and socks so I did not have to do laundry every time I got to a new hostel. I also had 2 pocket sized notebooks that made note taking easy.
I bought one or two t-shirts while away, a pair of AUS$10 sunglasses at Darling harbor in Sydney, a waterproof jacket my first week in NZ, a cell phone and a NZ$3 beach towel.
I probably bought a few other things which escape me right now. Rest assured, on my next trip of any length I will be taking a lot less clothing.
Thanks to Innes for posing the question to me. I hope I answered them to your satisfaction. OH, one last thing I will mention. I found out very quickly that having a traditional style top opening rucksack is a real pain for getting what you want out of the bag. Most people had the type that act like a suitcase and unzip all the way round for easy access to the contents. So, if you are going on a long trip I suggest buying one of those rucksacks, it will make your life SO much easier.
Tags: Post-Trip
