Roughly anti-clockwise from bottom left:
- One pair of trainers for work
- White scarf
- Work trousers
- Shorts
- Leggings should it become cold, or on flight
- Two tops, may become three as I've got a bamboo fabric one that dries really quickly
- Shorts and top for pyjamas
- 5 knickers, I will wash them! Alternating bra and bikini top.
- One jumper
- One dress
- Two shirts to keep the sun off
- Swimming costume
- Microfibre towel
- Small day bag for water and camera
- One pair of flipflops
- Small deodorant, shower gel, shampoo and toothpaste (toothbrush will be here too!)
- Hairbrush so I don't come back with dreds.
- Headtorch, 28 grams. That's right, 28 grams.
- Insect repellent I may or may not need
- Various pills
- Sunglasses
- Phone charger, adaptor
- Ear plugs
- Sleeping bag liner
- Phone, with headphones for music
- Spanish dictionary
- Book to read, currently Cold Mountain
- Bags of sweets for the niños
- TinTin and Charlie and Lola as presents for the kids but also to help a little with English
- Camera (currently not in picture!)
- Passport and euros
- Notebook/sketchbook + pen
- Buying sun-cream after security
I've read quite a lot on packing light in the past, so thought I'd contribute with what I think I need. I think this packing list would be just as suitable for backpacking as staying in one place. I can see a few differences between this and a longer trip, mostly that it's got to be handluggage. But there is not much I would change for Ecuador, other than climate meaning I'll need more layers i.e. a decent windproof/rainproof jacket and that I may buy more there as I'll be in the country a while. And more English snacks in case I get ill. (It makes such a difference to have normal crackers to recover from a tummy bug!)
I'm going to work with a family I found with the help of www.helpexchange.net, I can really recommend it. Teaching the children English and helping in the two cabins they have in the hills, as well as orchard (which I think may be figs, yum!).
Hasta pronto.
