I finally bucked up and bought a backpack. It means something very scary — I’m really, truly going abroad for six months! I do feel better knowing that the pack is a good one, the REI Grand Tour for Women, and should treat me well. It has a bunch of sweet features (Zip-off daypack? Yes please! Stow-away shoulder straps? Mhmm!), lots of pockets, and fits pretty darn well. I feel pretty confident I can make it through the wilds of Madrid safely. ¡Gracias a Dios!
I’ve also recently acquired a Packtowel, a travel alarm, a camera case, a 2G memory card, some comfy walking shoes, little Woolite packets, a travel pillow, and a hostel sleep sack. Interesting discovery: I was going to invest in a converter, because the sockets over there put out a higher current, but the only electronics I’m bringing over (laptop, iPod charger, battery charger) all accept that higher current. Some forethought just saved me about $30. May the luck hold!
