Excitement and anxiety
The first ruin we have visited is our bedroom. Packing has left it in quite a mess. While interesting, you won't find it in any guide book.
The trip officially starts on Monday the 27th, when we fly from Phoenix to London. In an attempt to save money we are flying to Bari on the 29th, leaving us with a 22hr layover. We plan to tube it in to Paddington station, take in the sites, and head back to the airport for a lovely sojourn on Heathrow's famed bench-beds. I know some people are freaking out over this, but get used to it. This sort of luxury travel will be a theme of our trip.
Before we go we thought we would fill everyone in on what we are taking. So here are our Italy packing lists-
Gabe- 1 60litre backpack, 3 wicking t-shirts, 2 wicking long sleeve shirts, 2 pair of wicking travel pants, 1 swimsuit, 2 pair of wicking socks, 3 pair of wicking of man panties, 1 pair size 14 trekking shoes, 1 pair size 14 Tevas, 1 bucket hat from bigheads.com (size 8+), 1 pair of wicking long-johns, sunglasses, bandana, Adidas wicking windbreaker (Italian soccer team colors), 1 wicking rain coat, toiletries, health and first aid supplies, 1 novel, 1 travel guide (rough guides Italy), 1 Italian dictionary, small flashlight, origami bowl (weird but cool), camping utensil set, lock, bungee cord, wicking travel towel, wicking sleep-sheet, collapsible daypack, compass, 2 water bottles, travel alarm clock, zip locks, elastic bands, pens, papers, journal, duct tape and paper clips (for those MacGyver moments).
The theme of my trip gear is big and wicking. I am worried that if I wear all of my wicking gear at once I might die of dehydration, so I'll try not to over do it. Additionally I will make that cool swishing noise when I walk. On the bathroom scale the pack weighs about 23 pounds (with empty water bottles). It feels kind of heavy but the toiletries should get lighter over the course of the trip.
Shilo- 1 55liter backpack, 2 T-Shirts, 1 button up, 1 long pant, 1 skirt (below the knee), 1 short, 1 swimsuit, 1 long underwear set, 1 travel bra, 3 pairs of undies, 2 pairs of socks, 1 camisole, 1 fleece, 1 rain jacket,1 hat, 1 bandana, sunglasses, real glasses and contacts, 1 pair of Tevas and 1 pair of trekking shoes. 1 sleep sheet, 1 travel towel, toiletries, very low on the make up and hair stuff, but I am bringing my pomade. First aid stuff, home made sewing kit, 1 journal, 1 novel, water bottles, same eating gear as Gabe, bungee, lock, day pack, and a couple cliff bars just in case (I get cranky when hungry).
Some of this stuff is wicking...but I'm not as wicking sensitive as Gabe. My pack weighs 20lbs. All of my clothes fit into a 1 gallon Ziploc...scary.
It is worth noting that Aaron said we were crazy to only bring two pair of underpants on our trip. This advice gave us pause. So we are each bringing a third pair. Shilo out of fear that Aaron instilled, me out of a desire to prove Aaron wrong. Each time I use the third pair I will duly note it in the travelogue.
On the language front, we rented an Italian film titled "Facing Windows" to prepare for the trip. Basically we could not understand a damn thing. We were able to pick out phrases such as "I will drink a beer" and "me too." So, trying to be positive, we know we can handle ordering beer, or at least know when someone else is.
Until next time-
"C'e' del brodo di carne o pollo in questa zuppa?"
(Is there meat or chicken broth in this soup?)
Shilo and Gabe
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