It all goes to my hips

I realized that I havent introduced all of you to my luggage. While it has gone through a number of different stages, the core baggage has been minimal. The peripheral things I've carried include bicycle equipment and a sleeping bag in Pakistan, and now a motorcycle helmet and jacket. Beyond these things, everything I've carried for the last 6 months is in the picture above. The following is a list of what is (or is not) shown above:

1- My bag carries almost all of my non-clothes belongings. This includes, but is not limited to, my camera, a sketchpad, a pen, a world map, a notebook, my ipod, a balloon pump, balloons, a cd case with photo-cds, a pocket knife, sunscreen, chapstick, a calculator, dental floss, various world coins, my passport and my money belt.

2- This is a sidepocket for an extra water bottle. I use it for half of my bathroom stuff plus a little extra. It includes, my razor, extra blades, toenail clippers, shampoo, twine, fishing line, hooks, etc.

3- Clean water is such a problem traveling that I always keep a bottle with me. Not all water is unsafe, its just that drinking what the locals drink is a game of russian roulette that can keep you in bed/on the toilet for a long time.

4- This is my clothes bag. Inside is a pair of long shorts, 4 pairs of underwear, 4 pairs of socks, a tee-shirt, a dirty clothes bag, and a masquito net for my head. Also in this bag is my first aid kit, which is comprised of band-aids, IB proffin, tiple anti-biotic oitment, claritin, motrin IB, alcohol pads, and some gauze. Lastly, in the top pocket is my sewing kit.

5- This is my bike/motorcycle lock which I still havent used more than a couple of times. I'm thinking of getting rid of it. Usually people just let you put your transportation inside their building or courtyard if they have one.

6- This is my lonley planet travel guide for India. In China I kept the guide in my bag by cutting-out the sections on places I'd been or was sure I wasn't going. In Pakistan I bought a trekking guide, but didn't have a lonley planet guide for Pakistan. Having travelled with and without a guide I feel that they are kind of a mixed blessing. They are wonderful for reference, they make finding hotels much easier (usually), and if you want to hang-out with foriegners you can find the places they congregate. The problem is that they are very easy to become reliant on and then you really end up missing out on the places that are off the tourist track. Of course some people want the tourist track, so this is pureley my opinion. Also, a heavy well bound book can be a big help. There is always somthing to read, its a good bludgening weapon, works as a paperweight, and the thank you section can double as toilet paper in an emergency.

7- I sewed on some extra straps and pockets throughout my trip. This is the only one that has stayed. I keep my headlamp here for 2 reasons. One, there are rolling black-outs-applenty through-out Pakistan and India so it always good to have quick access to a light. Two, there is a magnet in the light and I would prefer to keep it away from my ipod.

8- My hat.

9- The thing that looks like a black stick attached to the bottom of my bag is my collapsable fishing pole.

10- (not shown)When I took the picture I neglected to attach my thermal top to my bag. It usually goes where the lock is and doubles as my towel when none is available.

Well, thats that. Some people have called me crazy for traveling this way, but really its been pleasant. I have'nt felt inconvienced by the lack of things I have, and traveling has been a cinch when it comes to dealing my bags. Till next time...