March 28, 2004

The most amazing backpack

Hanoi, Vietnam

My friend Hilit has the most incredible backpack you have ever seen. From the outside it looks just like a regular backpack, a little larger than some perhaps, but inside it contains a CD stereo, complete with external speakers, coffee-making kit, and a medical kit that would make a city hospital jealous. (drugs, syringes, scalpels and a stethoscope! When laid out it covers an entire bed!)

The most treasured possession though is a silk scarf that was presented to her by the Dalai Lama. It always occupies a prominent place in the room and provides much inspiration.

At the other end of the spectrum is an older Dutch chap I met in Hanoi. He was travelling in Vietnam and Laos for a few months with a backpack that weighed six kilos. He hoped to get it down to five.

Best of all, although I didn't see this, was the girlfriend of a traveller I met, who had travelled for two weeks to Europe with nothing more than one of those photographers jackets with all the pockets. One pocket for toothbrush, one for a change of underwear. What more do you need?

Posted by David at March 28, 2004 01:12 AM