Sunday, January 11, 2009

Pack- Revised!

Packing for this trip will be a challenge. I'm trying to put things together which will ensure looking nice in front of the Eiffel Tower and still be practical by the time we hit Nepal. We will also experience different temperatures along the way - I will probably send my long johns and sweater home- or give them away- before Egypt! But maybe the Himalaya will be cold and I will need them....agh...Steve says its not about fashion- strictly function. We clearly aren't on the same page. I wish we could hire a sherpa for the whole trip...Here is a rough copy of our gear list...we are following the 'one man one kit' rule ;)

I don't know what we were thinking! We already planned to bring WAY TOO MUCH!!! Everything we bring is stuff we are willing to leave somewhere, give away, or have stolen :). I have found 'Rick Steve's Packing List" and agree with most of what is on that...so here is our revised list!


Shirts. Bring up to five short-sleeved or long-sleeved shirts in a cotton/polyester blend. 

Sweater or Lightweight Fleece. Warm and dark is best — for layering and dressing up. Dark colors don't show wrinkles or stains.

Pants. Bring two pairs: one lightweight cotton and another super-lightweight for hot and muggy big cities and churches with modest dress codes. 

Shorts. Take a pair with pockets — doubles as a swimsuit for men.

Dress - for BJ :)

Swimsuit. 

Underwear and socks. Bring five sets (lighter dries quicker).

Long underwear (merino wool)-doubles as pj's.

One pair of shoes. Take a well-used, light, and cool pair, with Vibram-type soles and good traction. 

Sandals- for the shower too!

Jacket. Bring a light and water-resistant windbreaker that has a hood. Gore-Tex is good if you expect rain.

Tie or scarf. For instant respectability, bring anything lightweight that can break the monotony and make you look snazzy.

Money belt. It's essential for the peace of mind it brings. You could lose everything except your money belt, and the trip could still go on. Lightweight and low-profile beige is best.

Money. Bring your preferred mix of a credit card, debit card, an emergency stash of hard cash, and a couple of personal checks. 

Documents and photocopies.  Passport, airline ticket, driver's license, hostel card, and so on.

Small daypack. 

Camera

First-aid kit.

Medicine and vitamins

Extra eyeglasses, contact lenses, and prescriptions.

Sunscreen and sunglasses. 

Toiletries kit.

Sealable plastic baggies. 

Soap- on a rope? :)

Clothesline. 

Small towel. 

Travel information. Rip out appropriate chapters from guidebooks and staple them together.

Computer!!

Monday, December 15, 2008

We are bloggers!


The adventure has yet to start- but I'll start the blog now! I'm new to 'blogging'- but will give it my best shot- I had to write a couple hundred journal entries in school so this can't be too difficult! I'm sure Steve will get in on the blog action at some point too! Feel free to comment or ask questions :) . If we are visiting a place that you have been, your input/advice/suggestions on what to see and do are welcome! You can contact us through this blog, email, facebook or you can try your luck with skype.

We have alot to do before our departure- which is scheduled for March 11, 2009. We need to pack up the rest of our stuff and bring it to Seester's basement in Golden, sell our vehicles, apply for visa's, visit a travel doctor, research our destinations, work, Oh- and go on vacation! We are cruising to Mexico for M&V's wedding!!! 

Our Route:
Seattle-Spain-France-Italy-Malta-Turkey-Egypt-India-Nepal-Thailand-China-Vancouver (trip ends Nov.30th, 2009). 

We may see a couple other countries along the way...maybe not. Our time will be filled with sightseeing, volunteering, and good ol' people watching. We hope to make new friends and learn about other cultures. Perhaps we will learn to chill out from some of the cultures we encounter and not go crazy if we have nothing planned for a day or two! 

Will keep in touch.
Love Love,
BJ