Hi everyone, Before now, it used to feel like I should take everything I have along when travelling but I have been proven wrong in many occasions, where I only realized I didn't pack what I actually needed when I got to my destinations. You know that feeling of packing nothing, while one thinks she packs everything. It's really a painful feeling. I have packed and carried luggage many times, realizing I didn't take the necessities.
In one of the occasions, I travelled to mother's village. It was unforgettable experience. l I only slept two hours in the night. The thought and anxiety of seeing my grandmother after a long time wouldn't let me be, I jumped up to continue my packing until it was dawn and everyone bade me goodbye. I however had my greatest shock when I wanted to brush my teeth in the village, the following morning. Alas! I took no brush. I wanted to buy, they told me it would only be available in 5 days time, which was their market day. Hence, they offered me 'chewing stick'. They even said it washes teeth more thoroughly than a toothbrush. I was reluctant at first, but I couldn't be going around with my mouth unwashed. So, I accepted to try it, but not for long. The stick was so hard and bitter that I couldn't use it all. That really spoiled my mood for days and made me uncomfortable till I found alternative.
So, such an occasion has taught me what I should and shouldn't try to leave behind no matter how small my bag is. Now, that I know better my priority includes my toiletries. As a woman traveling to a known or unknown place, I don't leave my sanitory pads behind, whether the date is near or far. I believe anything can happen, fatigue and other things can change a woman menstrual period. I do ask myself, what of if it comes and meets me unprepared. What of if comes and I'm in a place where I couldn't get pads easily like my grandmother's village? What of if there's an event and it comes like a thief, will I be looking for fabrics to cut? Hence, I can't leave behind my toiletries: toothbrush, sanitories no matter what.
Aside my toiletries, I can't also leave my power bank behind. Anyone that has been stranded before wouldn't even risk having a flat battery. It doesn't even make sense. We are now in digital era. Aside using our phones to make calls, it also accompanies us while traveling, we surf the internet and lots more. It keeps us from boredom, so leaving a source of power for my phone behind is doing myself a lot of bad. So, I wouldn't do that.
However, while I will pack clothing items, I won't also pack irrelevant ones like too many clothes or many handbags, because they will later end up as burden.
Thanks for reading.
Pictures are mine.