So let me tell you what I've gotten so far. First off, I have resolved to not check any luggage. I've seen Brokedown Palace and the documentary Ganja Queen one too many times I think. Also it's going to be hella hot and I really don't want to lug a 65L backpack all over the place nor do I want to deal with all the luggage requirements on intra-country flights. Whittling my stuff down to nearly nothing has me filled with separation anxiety. I don't know why this is. I guess the illogical thought is that my clothes will get so dirty and will become unwearable. My hair will become matted and people will mistake me for a homeless person. As if Thailand doesn't have any washing machines anywhere or showers and I will have to find the nearest stream to wash my underwear and beat them against rocks..you know..like you see on the movies/teevee! In my mind it's like I could possibly go from Hilton Hotel to Survivor contestant in the span of 3 weeks. Anyway here is my list of shiny new things:
1. Kelty Redwing 50 Internal Backpack - I got a great deal on it at Sierra Trading Post.
2. Light As Air Hipster Underwear - 18 bucks each to feel like you're going commando!
3. LUSH Godiva Solid Shampoo - Also bought the conditioner. Gotta cut down on liquids. TSA.
4. Kinky Curly Knot Today and Curly Custard - Amazing..simply amazing.
5. Icebreakers Merino Wool Camisole - Supposedly keeps you cool and somehow stays odor-free.
6. Trespass Quickpak Jacket - Cheapie jacket for the rain.
7. REI MultiTowel Lite - Quick drying and I can also use it as a blanket on the plane.
8. Energizer 6 LED Headlamp - For walking home sober/drunk in the pitch black.
There are only two more things that I need to get. TSA travel compliant bottles, a shawl/scarf for temple modesty, and maybe some earrings for those fancy evening meals. Then I will be set. Oh and shout out to Sierra Trading Post where I got my backpack, the wool camis, and rain jacket. The stuff there is already discounted and then they keep sending you coupons to use on top of the discount which made everything ridiculously cheap. REI is also having a sale and I bought a membership there. I went to the store on Sunday. It was pissing down raining and I thought there's no way anyone would be out shopping today. Apparently 100s of other chumps thought the same thing I did. The parking lot was full, but luckily I didn't have to wait
long for someone to leave so I could get their space.
It was my first time actually in an REI store. I don't even camp or bike, but I swear I wanted to do all those things. Very cool stuff. After walking around for a while, it kinda started to feel like being in high school. On one side you had the campers (kids w/arguing parents, Bear Grylls wannabes), then the rock climbers, hikers, bikers (muscular legs), travelers (high school/college students,me, retirees). One thing that really annoyed me was that they were having a sale, but made it clear it was only on select items and you'd find out at the register. Why so mysterious? I don't get it. I was there for an hour and only walked out with the towel..which was not on sale by the way.The one place where everyone sort of mixed and had common ground was the travel backpack area. Some were stupidly expensive. I mean, unless the backpack is going to walk itself to my room/plane, I can't see paying 250+ for one.
Thinking about it, I've bought different luggage for the past three trips I've been on. Hmm...maybe I've got a luggage addiction problem. Well I've already gotten to step 1 in the recovery process, which is to admit it. To be fair, I do bring less each time and each of those trips had different needs which almost required me adapt my luggage. For instance, I was mostly in cities for Brazil and Argentina, so a big rolling suitcase was fine. However, when I went to Colombia the next year there would be a part of the trip where I would be on a motorcycle and a roller would have been awkward. So I got the 65L backpack. This year, I will be arriving somewhere by boat that supposedly doesn't go all the way to shore and I will have to get out and carry my stuff to the beach, not to mention walking up stairs with no railing. Lighter weight =easier time getting around in all situations.
I couldn't find a lot of videos on how a woman packs for carry-on only. This is the video that made me think I could do this and also tipped me off about the Icebreaker wools.
She's my hero. I mean, she went a year. Surely I can stand 3 measly weeks.
My packing list as it stands now:
Clothes
3 pairs of pants.- all linen and lightweight for temple days. I will be wearing one on the plane. So really 2.
2 pairs of shorts
2 tank tops
1 lightweight dressy shirt/dress
1 long sleeve tshirt - for the plane(s).
3 pairs of underwear - All quick drying for wash and go. Should be easy to rotate.
2 bras
1 bikini (plan on buying a new one there)
1 rain jacket
Shoes
2 pairs of shoes: beach/waterproof/walking sandals and casual flats.
I would just wait to buy there, but I think I will be forced to buy men's shoes since my feet are an enormous size 10.
TSA compliant bottled toiletries...mostly composed of the Kinky Curly Knot Today, Curly Custard, and Kiehl's Oil Free Facial Cleanser.
The Kinky Curly stuff is awesome. It's the only thing ever I've found that completely tames all the frizz and flyaways when I let my hair air dry without making it feel greasy/weighed down or the exact opposite effect products sometimes have on curly/wavy hair; crispiness. It feels soft with well defined waves/curls. It just feels like my hair even tho there's two layers of product in it. Crazy!
As for Kiehl's Face Cleanser it's also a non substitution. I don't need to take it, but I want to take it. I like it simply for the lather. It's dumb, I know. I should also say it also makes my face feel clean without making it feel tight like regular soap does...blah blah..but really it's the lather.
Trash compactor bag to keep my stuff dry inside my backpack if there's a monsoon.
umbrella
Electronics
Kindle --Yes dammit, I go on vacation to read. It's the only time I get to actually finish a couple of books.
Laptop - Serves 3 purposes..offload my photos, entertainment while waiting in airports, keeping in touch via FB, G+, Skype, and GVoice.
Camera- Duh
Phone
Now, I should REALLY try to start learning how to say basic phrases like 'thank you', 'bathroom' etc.. in Cambodian, Thai, and Japanese.
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