Since I realized that my stay in Rome would be the best and possibly only chance for me to store some unnecessary gear, I got rid of a few key items that have changed my life considerably. The biggest thing to go was the tent, as camping sites are now closed anyhow.
I also got rid of:
the Brothers K (wasn't going to brave a second reading on the same trip)
2 pairs of socks
camera case
sunglasses case
metal wine opener (exchanged for plastic!)
various maps and papers
bowl, cup, and spoon
My hat (worn a total of two times)
Mosquito repellent (note: sorely missed here in Campania)
Stove, Pan, Fuel Canister (ditched back in Paris, first things to go)
Treo and collapsible keyboard (the charger breaking was the last nail in the coffin)
Old Camelbak (as I predicted back in July, it did end up leaking, and was really gross at the end of three months anyways. Replaced with new one from care package)
So, the end result of this cathartic purge was that my backpack went on a major diet (Jenny Craig, gotta try it!!!!!). Last time I weighed it, I think I had it down to about 30 pounds, a full 15 pound loss from its heaviest days back in the North. You have no idea the difference it makes, especially around hour three.
And, just for fun, here is a clear difference between American products and Italian products, seen from the point of view of toothpaste.
2 comments:
Pat - I must be in the commenting mood. Reading these posts all at once is great. Pouya beat me to catching up on your blog a couple of days ago and I heard him yell from the other room,"Hey, that was my glasses case!" I had no idea what he was talking about until I just read this post. Had a good chuckle to myself...
Patrick, bet you are glad for a lighter load!
Cheryl
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