Well, I have purchased many things. I am still awaiting some of those purchases (pronounced per-chases… because it’s important you hear my tone of voice) and in that exact moment as I bemoaned that I was awaiting some items good old Amazon delivery knocked on the door. I mean… an undisclosed online shopping store? Because obviously on this little private blog for friends and family I have to state that this is hashtag-not-an-ad and I am not promoting any store or brand or whatever and anything I mention is bought and paid for with my own goddamn hard-earned cash. Anyway, I call this “Negative Manifestation” – the complaining about the thing makes the thing happen. I could say it’s because I believe in “The Universe” however a) that would be a lie and b) If it weren’t then what I’m saying is that “The Universe” is super petty.

Anyway, I digress. I have finally packed (more or less) my bags and I am thrilled. My rucksacks are from a British brand called Salkan that shamelessly (and successfully) marketed itself to me on Instagram. Originally they only had a larger rucksake that was not suitable for carry-on but then they released a 35L rucksack and I had to have it! So glad that I did because they look amazing (not, of course, that that’s important…really) and are also very confortable once adjusted and literally tardis bags.

Anyway, thank to packing cubes and solid cosmetics, these bags hold all the worldly goods I (hope I) need for my upcoming 10 weeks in South Amercia. I was told I was packing too much (by the man who thought that 5 T-shirts was excessive) but I did not listen and stayed true to myself. Not gonna lie, I do feel I have excelled myself, because in 1 compressable packing cube I have managed to fit:

• 1x denim shorts
• 1x sports shorts
• 1x lightweight shorts
• 1x leggings
• 1x stripy long sleeved T-shirt
• 2x heattech long sleaved tops
• 2x heattech vest tops
• Like… 13x other assorted tops
• 1x overshirts
• 1x snazzy skirt
• 1x snazzy jumpsuit

The other packing cube was mostly pants, bras, swiming cosumes, cold weather stuff for the high altitude times and assorted accessories. I’ve also squeezed in some hiking sandals, basic flipflops, some microfibre towels (mine and my partners), lightweight coat, pack-a-mac type waterproof, a laundrybag, and a bag of essentials. I am now beginning to think that I may have overpacked, but I still have time to do a last minute cull! I mean, it all fits in, but it’s heavy, man.

Now in the day-bag I’ve gone for my (minimal) liquids, tech, makeup/washbag (such as it is), camera, binoculars (I LIKE BIRDS NOW, I APOLOGISE FOR BEING OLD) cards, wires, iPad, Kindle, first aid kit, and the mini SAS survival guide because my paranoid father insists upon it. I kid you not. My favourite part about my daybag packing is my “Emotional Support Craft Kit”, as alluded to in my previous post. As I suspect that the only people reading this are those of you who know me… this will come as no surprise. I need to have craft supplies with me at all times “just in case”. I’m pretty pleased with how I’ve organised it though:

The beauty, the grace. The shockingly unprofessional photography. It is entirely possible that I won’t open this once but will I regret carrying it around? No! Anyway, as I type this, it’s 11:46pm the day before we head to my parents for a few days before we actually set off on our travels! The flat has been scrubbed and cleaned, things tidied, put away, affairs set in order and random odds and ends of alcohol worked through. A few panic attacks worked through as well to be honest. I am certainly not a natural traveller and am a natural worrier so to say that I’ve found the tidying and packing process of the last few days rather challenging. I’m most definitely looking forward to actually getting this show on the road… so to speak.

For now though, I’m just going to go to bed. Ta ta!