half the clothes, twice the money

less than a week until my departure from the states. i am frantically trying to figure out bus systems, money exchanges, couchsurfing hosts...all things a normal person would have already figured out by now. i still stick by my plan of having almost no plan, though, and know that i will be able to figure most stuff out on the fly.

it's been real fun, visiting my hometown for the past couple of weeks. getting to see old friends, being spoiled by my mom, having fun with my sister, eating a ridiculous amount of southern cooking: all very comforting situations. though in hindsight, perhaps the trip home should happen after being out of the country; i fear all this fried food and security will leave me a little less sharp witted. still, visiting my old stomping grounds and haunts with old friends has been such a lovely experience. and since i haven't seen my family in over a year and a half, i'm glad i'm here.

packing, though, oh PACKING i am not always glad of. there is a saying about travel: "bring half as much clothes and twice as much money". i think i have effectively followed the clothing rule, with very, very few clothing items. while backpacking, you learn to wash your clothes in the sink at night and wearing the same thing...a lot. it ain't no fashion show. but what i love about traveling light is how each thing gains more worth. since you only have one pair of pants, those pants become your pants. each shirt is precious, each sock is lovingly looked after. your tennis shoes become part of your home.

as for the twice as much money rule, well, i am bringing just about all i have. which isn't a whole lot, hence the couchsurfing and volunteering. and i suppose i might try busking if i need to.

this time next week, i will be on the island caye caulker, right off the coast of belize city. so whatever you do, don't cry for me...