Packing was interesting: I ended up with two bags of extra clothes I could't fit into my two backpacks. I spent several minutes relearning how to adjust straps to desired lengths. I found an esky that I had left in the top of my cupboard and completely forgotten about. I found out that a friend lived just opposite me from the main road and that he was willing to store my extra stuff (Thanks again!).
Walking around in the hot Canberra weather, I learned how to use my backpacks. It took me a while to realise that I could wear one on the bag and the other on the front; that you can use the straps to support the weight of the packs; that there are always two straps that can be strapped over the front of one's body. I will be able to bring 30 KG on Malaysia Airlines, so this is the first time that I have travelled overseas and not worried about the weight!
It will be freezing in Hénán, so I'm bringing the sleeping bag that I bought for participating in the ANU Mountaineering Club. And when I wrapped it up by rolling it out tightly as I sat on it, I was reminded of my one camping trip in the Snowy Mountains (in which I only brought one change of clothes for the whole weekend and had to borrow stuff from everyone. Let's hope I'm better prepared this time).
I am also bringing some cash, travel EFTPOS cards for HK, a MP3 player, a cellphone, an international student ID, travel itineraries, warm clothing, a seat pillow, a watch (that I can't figure out how to tune), running shoes, gloves (I hope they're still in there!), socks, underwear, passport/visa, earplugs, face masks for pollution (which I got in the mail on the day I moved out), a waterproof jacket, a padded jacket, a medical kit, medicine, extra bandaids, notebooks and stationary, travel insurance and accommodation details, and finally, a travel diary my mum gave me... which included a sense of adventure and a book in its "To bring" list. I should have thought the sense of adventure was automatically included! In any case, I should probably buy protein powder, creatine, icepacks and power transformers as well...
I was given a lot of advice about travelling in China: I should only speak Chinese, I should never drink tapwater, I should stay away from street food, I should plan the taxi to the hotel before I arrive, I should always look like I am going somewhere.
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| I am now a student backpacker. |
It sounds like you are packing well.Do you have rechargable batteries and a compass?A dual sim mobile telephone is really useful,They are cheap.I got a Samsung Galaxy Ace and left my iPhone behind as they are tempting items for people to steal here.Actually I substituted all my expensive electronics for that reason.I also got Puri_Tabs and a good LED torch as well.I have found that strapping tape, electrical tape and heaps of other small items can be so useful when travelling.It is all a case of learning as you go I find and talking to others who do the same.You have thought out a lot well from what I have read.And yes Winter really sucks away from Australia,thermal gear and Thinsulate brand items are really very good.Best of luck on your journey.
ReplyDeleteZena! How are your travels? You've gone all quiet behind that bamboo curtain...
ReplyDeleteHey we met briefly at Smith's the day before your flight out of Australia. Hope the trip is going well! Don't forget to post!
ReplyDeleteYes, she has gone very quiet... I hope that she is ok....
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