Intermission

I have always taken pride in my ability to travel light.  A two week trip to Russia with only carry-on luggage–no problem.  A bicycle trip down the Danube, with less than 10 lbs. in my panniers (including little black dress, pumps and pearls for the opera), ditto.  It is simply a logistical exercise, a puzzle to be solved.

I have maintained that I could go happily through life with the contents of two suitcases (and with Tom at my side).  Needless to say, as a successful urban professional, I have accumulated far more.  So as I get to the pre-trip crunch of packing this now non-theoretical suitcase, I am experiencing escalating angst.  How can I distill my essence into one bag for the six-month journey? 

Is this trip different from all the others?  The last time I took a trip of longer than 2 weeks I was starting university and pretty nonchalant about touring for three months with a few hundred dollars and a new backpack.

Self-analyzing, I would have to say my current crisis is two-fold and it revolves around two seemingly trivial things:  aesthetics and shoes. This makes me very uncomfortable, as I think one of my strengths is that I am comfortable with change.  Those that know me will tell you that I am equally happy standing on my head as on my feet. (What does standing on your head have to do with anything?  Well, I maintain that looking at the world from a different angle helps you to adopt other people’s points-of-view.) 

So why am I having a cosmetic meltdown?  Call me shallow; call me vain.  Having shed my CEO mantle just a couple of months ago, I am worrying that I am at risk of taking off too many layers too fast.  I am willing to embrace change, but the truth is that a girl still needs a bit of protective lacquer.

Let’s take the issue of hair.  Yes, I know that people in South America get their hair cut, and that some of them might even enhance their hair colour, but I have been faithful (mostly) to my hair stylist for over 30 years. Aside from an early suggestion that he could add some purple streaks to highlight my creative self, we have mostly been on the same wavelength.   Can hairdressers who specialize in the raven-haired women of the South keep me in the lioness tones I habituate?  Probably. But just in case, my hairdresser has given me a do-it-yourself maintenance kit.  As for style, I am letting my hair grow long enough to wear up or back and will worry about it when I return.  Watch the blog pictures to see if I decide to go brunette (or gray).

On the subject of the shoe angst, it is really just a practical matter.  Shoes are heavy and take up too much space.  I need to take my hiking boots for our climbing expedition.  It makes sense to take running shoes and walking sandals. How will I make do without some dancing shoes for our Argentine tango excursions?  Unless I am willing to look like a North American tourist for the duration, I will need to add at least one more pair.  What to do? I still need room in the bag for clothes. 

Maybe my next career will involve innovative shoe design.  Comfort, durability and style all in the same shoe–what a revolutionary concept!   Well, self-reflection must be good for the soul.  I have vowed to pack up my troubles, make sure my credit card is well charged and let the story unfold.

Maybe if I figure out how to happily downsize for this trip, I will be on the path to enlightenment. (Pun intended—sorry.)