CMaDFA: South America visit Learn about Meal-a-Day projects with Bruce Parker and Steve Johnson while they travel in South America.

Packing

Did I say that I'm learning a lot about blogging, computers, the internet, video on the internet, etc, etc?  This is actually a cute little sped up video that you might be able to see once our Web guru  has had a chance to figure out what I'm doing wrong.  All I can show you right now are frames.  Click on them to open them up a bit.

In any event, I was attempting to answer the question, "How do you pack for three weeks for a trip to South America?"  I was also trying to win a competition.  Bruce informed me that his bag totals 43 pounds.  As you can see, my clothing bag on the right weighs in at only 25 pounds while the mostly technical gear bag weighs in at 21.  I think the video guy gets a handicap.  I declare myself the winner of the packing contest. In case you're interested, here's Bruce's "Road Warrior" packing list that he sent to me:

• Passport (with Bolivian “visa”)/ Ticket info*/ Itinerary and contact info* (use back of these for daily notes, etc)/ pen
• High energy snacks/ Water bottle (or use locally sourced pure water in bottles)
• Spanish Bible*/ exhortation & illustrations*/ light reading
• Insect repellant (best way to avoid malaria)/ Sun block and lip sun block/ Motion sick meds/ Ibuprofen/ Dietary supplements
• Cash (dollars & local currency), credit card and pin # (notify Credit Card company of planned travels)
• Hiking boots, running shoes, socks
• “Wicking” t-shirts (avoid cotton, if we get wet), light underpants, insulated long underwear pants & top,
• Guide pants (light weight (not cotton) with zippered legs, serve also as shorts) + one pair jeans
• Warm hat, mittens, “baseball” cap
• “Fleece” top, rain proof top & bottom
• Small backpack/ Small suitcase with wheels/ Liquids in carry-on go in 1-Liter clear plastic bag for x-ray, if not checked
• 1 Plug converter* (220v/ 50 Hz two prong to 120-220v/ 60 Hz 2-blade (USA standard)), use appliances that accept 220 v or bring small transformer if 120v needed
• Flashlight* & batteries*
• Personal care items- razor, toothbrush & paste, soap [& shampoo- not sure I need it any more)]
• Ear plugs/ eye cover/ inflatable pillow (avoid neck & back problems)
• Spare glasses, sun glasses, glasses repair kit*
• Wedding gift for Joanie’s dear friend in Quito/ house gift for the Cranes (we will stay with in Bogota)
• Secure money pouch, locks on luggage, short chain and lock (to secure luggage when not with us)
• International and US driver’s license
• Meal a Day “business” cards