Friday, July 12, 2013 0 comments

Procrastination, Preparation H, and Packing

I am a chronic procrastinator. Like all other chronic procrastinators, I swear to reform after every episode. But despite countless college essays that were written more by caffeine than by cognition, I still haven't mended my ways. Nowhere is this habit more evident than in my suitcase. It is empty and I depart in one week.

In my defense, the only thing I know about my living arrangements is that they will be within walking, biking, or hitchhiking distance of a school. Seeing that Namibia is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world, second only to Mongolia, I can deduce that this school will probably be somewhere quite rural--rural and full of mosquitoes. Despite this display of detective work, I haven't been particularly proactive about my packing research, which extends to a few suggestions from current volunteers and an episode of Man vs Wild. If I follow Bear Grylls' lead, I will wash up on the Skeleton Coast (Namibia's northern coastline littered with rusting, abandoned ships) with nothing but a bowie knife, empty canteen, plastic garbage bag, and my own teeth. The last item is especially useful for decapitating poisonous snakes. While this light list appeals to my sense of adventure and would save me the hassle and expense of dragging two 50 pound suitcases through multiple airports, I am sure the Namibian customs officials would immediately dispatch me back to the U.S. in a straight jacket.

Although I haven't begun packing, I have made a list. So at the very least, I know what will be hastily stuffed into my suitcases by next Sunday. This list includes--among other items--a silk kimono, Tide pens, hemorrhoid medication, my star finder, iodine tablets, crayons, and candy--lots of American candy.

Now if only I could find space in my luggage for Bear Grylls.


 
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