So. Packing.
After many months of thinking about packing, the time has arrived.
More or less.
I have two days to go before I leave, and I'm feeling like it's a good thing I didn't wait until Sunday night to start packing. Because it's been, shall we say, a process.
Not that I actually have that much stuff. I really don't - one 40-liter pack and a medium duffel. However, balancing the weight between the two packs (so that I'm not slinging around a 50-lb duffel), while still keeping all liquids in the duffel so I can bring the pack as a carry-on - well that's where the process part comes in.
I won't give you the laundry list of everything I brought. That's really not that interesting (although you'd be amazed how much I fit into said pack and duffel, about 75 lbs total). I've figured out that I need to keep the duffel under 45 lbs - it's still manageable to heft around. Somehow, when it's 50 lbs (airplane max), those 5 lbs make a huge difference in slinging it around.
What does that 45 pounds consist of? Some skirts, some pants, some T-shirts, a dress or three, button-downs, workout capris, a couple socks and a pair of Chaco's. Plus my running shoes. A lot of batteries, some good kitchen knives and a non-stick pan - we were advised to bring those items, as volunteers said it is hard to find decent quality ones in country. Travel towel, prescription sunglasses, my iPod and several pairs of headphones.
But as for the more personal/bizarre items - these are what I really can't live without OR I think will significantly improve my quality of life. (This should tell you a lot about me.)
jar of creamy peanut butter. 'Nuf said.
bottle of sriracha. 'Nuf said.
big bag of spices - tons of ginger, cardamom, garam masala and some oregano. They weigh nothing and will be crucial to my happiness in the kitchen.
that indestructible soccer ball
hammock with bug net
hand hoe (No.1 gardening implement and scorpion/snake killer)
Anna Karenina and Crime and Punishment in Russian - I know I started with 5 Russian books, but when it came down to it, that's all that fit.
water filter from my fabulous aunt and uncle who would rather I did not ingest tons of chlorine over the next two years.
seeds! Kale and swiss chard, since I'll miss those leafy greens most. Green beans and eggplant since I think those will actually do well in the hot climate. Plus, some nasturtium and other seeds from my aunt's garden.
shortwave radio - I like my BBC.
yoga mat (a foldable travel one)
duct tape - can you say, the answer to every home maintenance problem ever?
Kindle in a waterproof case - bored, you say? Never.
Despite all the neuroses about packing... here's to an adventure I can't possible pack for!