Packing for a trip is usually easy. It just requires using a method to prevent madness. I list the basics (pretty much the same garments with seasonal adjustments–long sleeved or short sleeved, light sweater, heavy sweater–short or pants. We all know how hard it is to pack for transitional weather–which jacket or coat, umbrella or poncho, boots or walking shoes? There are few irregularities, like no camo clothing in many African nations, take a sarong for temples in Asia, modest attire for the Middle East, ad infinitum. None of that applies in this case. We understand it’s hot during the day, but the game drives have been 50-60F and they provide blankets and such–hand warmers and hot water bottles...ahhhh...sounds like I don’t need much at all. No dress ups–no heels, no perfumes!!

I’m having a dickens of a time packing for a weeklong trip to South Africa.. Our safari accommodations were bought over a year ago thru LL. Flights were chosen based on standby probability. Connecting accommodations and spa arrangements were reserved with some flexibility. 2 days out–reservations are confirmed; standby looks great.

I have already checked my Flip video, and my PHD (“push here, dummy”) Canon camera and a few accessories. Never leave home without the eee laptop–so compact! No DVD; we have AVOD on the flights. All the toiletries are minimized and zip-loc’d.

It’s funny how a 7 night trip has distinctive parts that require distinctive packing:
CVG to ATL then 17 hours to Joburg plus car rental gets us to our first stop about 24 hours after leaving home. That’s one change of clothes. No problem. Full spa experience on the second day. Don’t need much for that plus a casual dinner. Same clothes to carry us over to the 3 hour drive to the lodge where they include laundry service in our package for the next 4 days. Nice clean set of clothes for the drive back to Joburg and another 24 hours in transit.
So why am I having so much difficulty??
I have so little to pack!!

There’s one issue that’s gnawing at me. It’s such a tiny little item–it weighs about 40 grams and it’s already sealed in a bag. I knew I had to bring it with me to Africa, for personal reasons and it just halts my packing progress every time I work my list. It shouldn’t be a hindrance to getting packed since I have so much room left over–it’s just having to take it. But, at least, I don’t have to bring it back with me. That little bag holds some of my mother’s ashes and part of her will remain a part of the Gabbro Hills for eternity. It just makes it tough to pack.

To be Continued...