Three years ago today, I arrived fresh off the plane from Kazakhstan (I actually was quite exhausted and smelly, not fresh at all). I had all my worldly possessions in two 50 lb tubs and didn't feel like I was lacking in much. Fast-forward to today and my belongings have somehow accumulated exponentially. It's ridiculous, especially seeing how I get rid of a suitcase full of stuff every 6 months or so.
This is not even the entirety of my stuff either!One of the things love most about traveling is seeing how little I can bring to survive. In India, I managed fine with less than four changes of clothes and some soap for almost four weeks (although I have to admit that it had mostly to do with the fact that most of my luggage never made it to India :). Nevertheless, it was still great to be able to travel around with a light school backpack, and it showed me how little I truly need to survive.
Possessions just weigh me down and give me a false sense of security. So even though I may never be able to downsize to two tubs again, as I have been packing all my things, I have realized that I need to make a more conscious effort to live lightly.
Therefore, I have managed to fit everything I need for Sweden in one 46 lb duffel bag and backpack! This may not seem impressive, but considering that on my last backpacking trip to Tahoe I took about 25 lbs of warm clothing (and wore them all!), I am pretty excited. Now, hopefully I won't freeze to death in Sweden because I didn't pack enough warm clothes!
This is the bag I'm bringing to Swedenon loan from my lovely sister, Sarah.
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