Some years back, I found myself in Ouagadougou Burkina Faso sans luggage. Inside said luggage were granola bars, malaria meds, film and batteries for my camera, headlamp, and of course, clean undies. In the backpack I was wearing, now my only resource, I had a toothbrush, a camera with a dead battery and the suggested change of clothes.
After one mild tantrum in baggage claim, I gave up. I would never see that luggage again. So I set about buying odds and ends as I traveled through West Africa. Like the tennies I got at a good market in Mali. And the batik dyed kaftans I got in Bamako. Oh I’m sure I made a statement as a Westerner in a Mumu and used tennis shoes two sized too big.
It was liberating.
Fast forward to the present and I have just finished packing for a little trip. I have decided I have everything I need. Except for a sweater. And a sweatshirt. And one more scarf. Remember the time I had Delhi Belly? I’d better add alka-seltzer. In case I get a headache, Advil. What if I can’t sleep in the hotel?
Perhaps I should take another pair of shoes because what if the only pair I have give me blisters?!
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am packing for a weekend in Vegas!! What next? Will I be one of those people who carries my pillow along in case the hotel pillows are substandard?
Enough – I am done adding to my bulging suitcase. Except for a couple of band-aids. They don’t take up much room and you never know…..
W