I’m sitting at JFK, waiting for my flight to Delhi. I haven’t had time to sit down and wax poetic in the past few weeks, but I’ll take this opportunity.
I have to laugh as I ponder my preparation for this journey. I am wearing the same shoes I’ve traveled with (and is their only purpose) since my first trip to New Zealand in the fall of 2000. They’re nothing fancy — some black and navy Lowa hiking shoes — but they work so well that I don’t even think about it anymore. Same goes for much of my travel gear, and I joke that Ｉhave a uniform for traveling. I sport the look in most of my pictures from recent trips. So this time around, I’m traveling with much tried-and-true gear, and a few new gadgets. Here’s a partial list:
- Osprey convertible pack — I had an identical one for traveling in India 2 years ago, though I busted part of the frame and the one I have now is a warranty replacement
- EMS daypack — this is a smaller-than-usual pack, but I’ve had it on every trip, and it’s the perfect size. Packs up small, but big enough to hold all the essential carry-ons and day-trip supplies
- Isis layers — raincoat, powerstretch fleece, long underwear, hat (all trips)
- Assorted comfy clothes — pretty much the same ones I always bring… and rarely wear at home
- Stuff sacks for odds and ends (all trips) — A few years ago I worked at a canvas shop and made a few little bags while I was there. These have been essential for keeping organized.
- Camping equipment (Australia, John Muir Trail) — my tent (a coleman exponent inyo2), sleeping bag (ems 20 degree) and sleeping pad have kept me warm and dry for a total of months, maybe years at this point.
- Electronics — iPod (also India), Digital SLR, Point and Shoot camera, tiny laptop (Eee PC)
- Chocolate and assorted gifts for friends
- I also always have a big envelope and a pad of paper. The envelope for holding all those papers and receipts that become important to be able to find, and paper for sketching, noting, journaling, etc.
I’ve developed a bit of nostalgia for my gear, a fondness that comes from realizing how many strange and interesting experiences it’s gotten me to (and through).
It’s also poignant, bringing me back to the experiences of those earlier trips. For example, I found out about the Bush/Gore election from far southern New Zealand. I was confused for three days about why they hadn’t reported the winner. This time around, I’ll find out about the election results from Lhasa, by either filtered Internet or short-wave radio. It could have a profound impact on how well we are able to relate to the world, how well we can work with people from different backgrounds, and whether there will be resources for new projects — and it’s strange to think that I’ll experience the decisionmaking from such a far-off place.
