Only 10 Days

There are ten days till I leave for East Africa. I just got back from AIESEC Canada's National Conference in Edmonton and the first thing that I did (after sleeping A LOT) was buy my traveling backpack from Mountain Equipment Co-op!!!

I have been to MEC a few times with my brother (who is the real adventure traveler/backpacker/camper in the house) but I have never really gone for myself. With the help of Debbie and my mom and a really rugged MEC sales guy named "Hanible", I tried on a few backpacks...

I'm happy because the backpack is empty

The packs were all definitely taller than me when full, and Hanible def needed to help me put it on my back (as in hold the entire weight of the pack up and let me put my arms through, like I was putting on a coat) and then quickly tighten all the straps before I began to fall over.. (We shall see how I manage this on my own in East Africa)....

This is my new pack!!

So with 35 pounds of weight in a 60 litre pack, I was instructed to walk around the store to get a feel for the pack that would carry all my possessions for 6 months.... This one was especially made for a female frame (that's me!) and I LOVED IT. I loved the colour, I loved how adventurous it made me look and most importantly, I loved that it said "diva" on it.... I'm pretty sure we will become the best of friends during the next few months.

I'm just a little worried about how its going to fit my 6 pairs of shoes, my formal dress, and my harry potter boxed set. Hahaha I KID... but really... I have no IDEA HOW TO PACK STRATEGICALLY, especially for an extended period of time and especially because I'll be in so many different environments like camping, research facilities, hotels etc..


Anything that you think I absolutely really really must bring?

My five day orientation starts Monday and I can't wait :)