Scarves are travel essentials. My next ones are waiting for me in Beijing.
It’s very strange to be packing for a year long journey when I’m not even sure where I’m going. I keep reminding myself that I can get things over there. But I have to balance that with the fact that I’m much taller and, shall we say, curvier, than most Asian people. It wasn’t easy for me to buy clothes when I lived in Japan.
How do I distill what I “need” into one suitcase and a small backpack? What is “essential?” Now that I’m almost finished, I feel as though I’m taking way too much and should toss a bunch of it back into the storage boxes. But, Tom’s of Maine toothpaste and deodorant is not readily available over there, so they stay.
A couple of days ago, I posted on Facebook about the number of scarves I was taking. “Thou shalt not pack more than one scarf. Period. OK, maybe two.” A lively conversation ensued with people weighing in on the number. Two friends, who have both been to China, reminded me that I will have no problem getting beautiful scarves over there. They are right. My scarves are staying here.
I am both sentimental and superstitious, as well as something of a packrat. This is not an easy process. Every single thing I am taking; every slip of paper, hair clip, pair of earrings, article of clothing, pair of shoes, books, toiletries and electronic item has been carefully chosen. They have been sorted and organized and stuffed into Eagle Creek packing cubes and other small bags. The suitcase is at once my bedroom, closet, kitchen, bathroom and office, all miniaturized and compacted.
I know that there’ll be things that I bring that I don’t use, and times when I wish I had thrown ‘that one thing’ into my suitcase. Regardless, this is a great way to evaluate my life, to simplify and prioritize. And it’s fun as hell. I highly recommend it.
Today I’m grateful for:
-mediation CDs
-sleeping in
-shoes breaking in
-finishing my final project a week early
-eight days to enjoy family and friends
-a giant, gorgeous moon
-an easy move
Posted from Grand Junction, Colorado, United States.
