My husband is nortorious for misplacing things. I'm pretty absent minded myself, but I have routines at home that make it look like my memory is better than it is. Keys always go on the hook, eyeglasses go on the shelf, chargers in the wooden bowl, etc. If I can put things away before I put them down, and stick to my routines, all is well.
Obviously travel throws a wrench in this process. In an effort not to lose my stuff along with my mind, I've made little cards that go in each bag, from suitcases to ditty bags, that lists what goes inside. We'll be staying in at least 13 different places, and moving every few days. That means a lot of disgorging of the bags, and sweeping up everything to depart.
The girls are old enough to keep track of their own stuff. I've been their Sherpa long enough. Their young brains are more nimble than mine, but they are still easily distracted, so I've made lists for them, too. They each have a double sided card, with a list of things to have for daily excursions, and a list of additional items for more grueling travel days. They decided not to bring any electronics, other than a small ipod that we loaded with audiobooks, and an inexpensive camera.
Then there is my bag. Looks pretty simple here on this card. Of course the passports, tickets, and credit cards will be in "deep storage" down in my moneybelt. Actually, I'll be wearing two of them, because I'll be carrying all 4 passports, and a majority of the cards and tickets. I'm not sure how effective a moneybelt is if it is so obvious it makes my midsection look like the Michelin Tire Man.
My husband gets to carry the money. He's not so sure about the moneybelt, but last time he teased me about wearing one he got something stolen, so I hope he learned from that experience. I got him both a moneybelt and a "disposable" wallet for carrying small change to share with the pickpockets.
I wonder which one of us will be the first to lose something or leave it behind. I wonder what it will be. Between the four of us, moving around as much as we will, and being on the road for nearly 6 weeks, the odds are high that not everything we take with us will join us on the flight home.
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