Off to India

After excellent December travels in Vietnam and Laos Gordon and I are in Kuala Lumpur and have spent recent days prepping for our 5 week trip to India. Our trip begins in the north of India in Rajasthan, and tomorrow we fly from Kuala Lumpur to Jaipur.  The northern state of Rajasthan borders Pakistan and is famous for its majestic forts, Thar desert and lakes.

Today's preparations included a trip to the pharmacy for charcoal tablets.  I bought two boxes (one each).  We're hoping we won't need them, but just the mention of visiting India opens up conversation about getting sick. Activated charcoal, available over the counter at the pharmacy, is a popular Asian remedy for diarrhea and has been heartily recommended. My medicine chest (a plastic ziplock bag) contains Imodium as well. Fingers crossed we won't need either of these remedies.

I can say we are backpacking, as we both have backpacks, but I suspect Gordon will do the manly thing and wave me away furiously when I try and pick up my bag.  On holiday in Greece last year he refused to let me be a backpacker.  Being married to someone with a strong back has its advantages.  Talking of marriage we are making our way towards 35 years in February.  Time passes so quickly.

Preparation for any trip demands decisions about what to take and what to leave behind.  In spite of our frequent travels I still find this difficult.  I've watched You Tube videos about the benefits of rolling or folding (I remain unsure what's best) and then discovered packing cubes. I'm now a huge fan of lightweight see through packing cubes.  Tops, trousers and underwear are housed in their own pouches and then neatly and quickly stuffed into the backpack. This really does speed up packing and keep your luggage organised. Gordon is old school and laboriously fills his backpack item by item. Obviously I think my method is more efficient.  Amazon have great packing cubes costing very little. Try them next time you travel.

Essential preparation always includes emergency rations: for this trip, nuts and dry wors. We were delighted to find small packets of the latter in a supermarket nearby.  Dry wors is a type of South African dried sausage, and will be perfect for those moments when we feel like meat and all around us is vegetarian fare.

We feel well prepared and eager to set off tomorrow. Wifi permitting I'll be posting stories about our travels and sharing photos, so check the blog now and then if you want to see where we are!

Ready for India