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So here goes, sat down with a bottle of beer, our belongings boxed up and stored away at Shaun's amazing dad's house, nearly packed, fairly organised, only about 5 points to cross off on my "to do list"....
Not sure if it is tradition to list what we ended up taking, so I'll do a little summary in case anyone's interested. I think we've done pretty well, considering we'll be crossing over from moderate early winter European climate, getting gradually colder to Finland's balmy early December -15-20c to remote Russian and Mongolian -30c if not worse.... :) Once we've endured this and hopefully got all our toes and fingers intact, we'll be slowly making our way to warner climates after New Year in Beijing, January in Vietnam and so forth... anyway, this is the initial summary of what's coming with; the Packing List:
- Both got 38 litre Osprey rucksacks, which are awesome.
- about 4-5 short sleeved T-shirts each
- 1 long sleeve smarter shirt each
- 2 pairs of trousers (1 convertible into shorts)
- 1 pair of comfy chill-out pants (can't go without)
- Merino wool top and leggings (for thermals)
- Fleece (will purchase another one when/if it gets colder)
- Hat, gloves and scarf (like an over-the-head tube thing)
- Underwear (4-5 pairs each; yes, you DO need to know this)
- Shorts
- Swim wear
- Quick drying trek towel each
- One pair of shoes (like trail-shoe type, not ankle boots)
- Flip flops
- Wash bag with all your essentials
- Anne's glasses and contact lense stuff
- First aid No1 (painkillers, plasters, everyday stuff etc...) & No2 (more hardcore bandages, wound care stuff, all sorts of lotions and potions, yes I am prepared for everything...) AS WELL AS a sterile kit
- Sewing kit (homemade, it's brilliant, you should see it)
- Duct tape (re-rolled by hand...!)
- Cameras, leads, adapters, charges, mobiles, more leads and chargers....
- MP3 player (more leads and charges)
- Padlocks, cable locks
- Reading lights, one torch
- Book to read, note book, pens
- Wallets (and a fake wallet)
- Door Guard (locks any door)
- Money hide-away wallet things (to go under your trousers)
- Documents, PASSPORTS (with visas)
- oh and MoiMoi the Cat...! This will become evident. :)
...There might be more that I've forgotten, but I'll review this list once we've got going... :)
Very strange feeling to be going, how quick has this day come?? Kind of sad to be leaving Manchester, I have really made this my home, but to be embarking on something like this must be worth it... my friend Maria from Finland asked me today if I was nervous and I said yes, but thought, I dont even know what I am nervous about... I think for the first time it really sunk in - it is nice not to know, nice not to have to have all the plans.. and just being able to go. :)
Oh, and I'm SO looking forward to getting to Finland, see you soon Suomi! :)
So, adiós Manchester, hasta luego!
- comments
antti Go Shaun and Anne, go! This is really awesome. I'm so glad you are keeping us updated on your journey though this blog. Have a wonderful and inspiring trip through Europe and see you guys next month in Vaasa. Or in Helsinki… just name the place and I'll be there. ^__^
Gordon Best of British luck! I will be following your adventure...
Anne Supertramp Awesome both, thanks Gordon, stay in touch! :) Antti, hienoa! Laitan viestiä kun ollaan itäeuroopassa! Nähdään pian!
Paula I thought you were joking about the 4 pairs of knickers lol. Have a fantastic time, missing you already p.s - is middlesex mine or yours????