da plane...da plane

does not leave for another ten hours. and i still have not packed. no big deal though...after 20 trips out of the country, i can do it in 10-20 minutes; got the routine down pat.

been reading up some in my new guidebook that i bought at tattered a few hours ago. this time, i purchased a Rough Guide...which i haven't used since my last trip to Guatemala in '95. they're excellent guidebooks that contain excellent history and transportation info.

other guidebooks that i have relied heavily over the last 13 years are:

Lonely Planet...although prices aren't always up-to-date, one of the best guides w/ the most destinations. heavy as a brick though...
Footprint...comparable to LP guidebooks, but usually tall and bulky.
Let's Go...a guidebook based in the U.S. (the above titles come out of the U.K. and Australia) that provides some unique, if not quirky, info for the traveler. this title was started by Harvard students in the 60's.
Frommer's...not for the traveler on the cheap, but at least it's updated annually.

so, what do i typically take on a three week trip?

2-3 pairs of pants
1 long sleeved shirt
1 windbreaker
2 polo shirts
1 light jacket
5-7 t-shirts
2 pairs of shoes
1 pair of sandals
20 rolls of slide film
1 deck of cards
music
2 guidebooks if i haven't done my homework
1 crossword puzzle book
2 cameras (1 SLR and 1 point and shoot)

all this kee-rap usually fits in one small suitcase and a daypack. if i'm traveling to a warm climate for two weeks, i can survive w/ just one carry-on duffel bag and a fanny pack. a cold climate? throw in long johns, another long sleeved shirt, a couple candles (you'd be surprised how you can raise a room's temp. a bit w/ candles), a hat and maybe some gloves.

often, i'll take pretty ratty clothes if i'm going to a third world country...for two reasons:

1. thieves won't even consider me as a target if i look poor. granted, i don't dress in tatters, but it sure ain't flashy ;)
2. i can leave most of the clothes in the hotel room at the end of a trip and use the extra space for souvenirs. the hotel workers can either use some of the clothing or know someone who wouldn't turn it down.

well...we're looking at t-9.5 hours now ;) perhaps my next post will come from an internet cafe in Madrid...provided i don't oversleep and miss the plane LOL. i swear, it's too weird to take an afternoon flight. i know it's more convenient for Europe and South America because you'll get there the next morning, but i am so used to taking the 7AM flight to Mexico or Central America; i'd be leaving for the airport about now and asleep on the flight in no time ;)