"Learnings" is something Rob & Tod & I do every year after camp. We make notes about what worked and what didn't. So here are some learnings that I can refer to for next time I go on a long journey.
- t-shirts are universally acceptable but they take forever to dry
- four pairs of underwear is plenty; three bras better than two
- clothes and personal stuff will all fit into a 34L backpack with room to spare
- pack as little clothing as possible; more will find its way to you
- juggling balls are easy to make on the go with rice and balloons
- give away your toys as generously as possible
- bring the ukulele, somehow
- teach everywhere - hoop classes are popular
- a show costume or accessories will get used
- an ear spoon is more practical to carry than a bunch of q-tips
- ditto for bringing a comb instead of a brush
- separate the wet and the dry toiletries
- menstrual cup works pretty well in India but bring tampons, too
- we consumed ~4 bars of soap and three small tubes of toothpaste in 10 weeks
- salt in India is not iodised, so no need to bring salt for neti
- coconut oil is good for everything and 50 ml lasted the whole trip this time
- bring something to ease itchy mossie bites, neither tea tree nor turmeric work
- Macbook Pro is big and heavy; invest in a travel friendly computer next time
- a Kindle is probably a wise addition
- consider a smart phone - everyone relies on them and it puts us at a disadvantage
- yes to A4 notebook and a couple of Sharpies
- don't forget scissors
- repeat-ties tame backpack straps for airline transport
- stretchy cover for the backpack helped to contain the hoops and instruments for transport
- headlamps are useful for power cuts as well as camping
- chappals (flipflops) are indispensable footwear
- a reusable water bottle is smart
- u-shaped neck pillows are daggy but practical
- ziplock bags are treasures
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