In 24 hours I am off to the South Pacific for a week of entomological ecstasy and monsoon rains. Last night on the Weather Channel: a typhoon predicted for the island I am traveling to. Good times.
The packing commenced several days ago and because of the expected temperatures and humidity (never lower than 80F and 66%, respectively), my clothing takes up very little space in my suitcase, while the accoutrement of traveling almost to China hogs most of the room. I’ve labeled anything unusual so as not to encourage destructive testing by luggage searchers. I’m always tempted to be a smartass and label things like my UNDERWEAR and ANTIFUNGAL CREAM.
Because we’ll be collecting in mountainous jungle, I’ve taken a few anti-fungal precautions, like packing powder, Lotrimin, and too many pairs of socks.
Other things I’ve packed: an insect box and pinning supplies, a compass, lots of knitting, a stack of journal articles and books, my iPod, camera and extra cards, a sleeping mask (in the photo above, it’s the sleepy sheep face), travel journal, diarrhea kit – hee! (Cipro, Immodium and rehydration salts), DEET, snacks, more DEET, 3 pairs of shoes, 2 rain jackets, 2 hats, and partridge in a pear tree.
Today I’m charging up all of the electronics – camera, phone, iPod – and uploading music and podcasts to fly for a total of 30 hours round trip. It seems I pack of lot of things to entertain myself – I think it all helps me don the coat of ambivalence about discomfort. And I’m flying United, so I think we can rest assured I’ll be damn uncomfortable (may I have to post and retract this bitter prophecy upon my return).
I bought this carry on and didn’t realize until about 3 days ago it’s camo. Sezzy.
