Every time I think about writing for this blog, I get overwhelmed with all the things that are happening. I want to write stuff that is useful or interesting, but honestly preparing for a trip like this also requires a lot of checking things off of lists. So here’s a list of some of the little things that make up a whole lot of our time these days.
- My right foot has started acting up. Wonderful timing wouldn’t you say? I’m getting it checked out by a professional first thing in the new year.
- We’re walking comfortably (or as comfortably as you can, I guess) with 11kg on our backs now. Still aiming for a maximum of 9kg in total, but better to take weight off than having to add on.
- We bought so much Smartwool gear that I think it only fair they start sponsoring us soon.
- There are no mountains to practice on in Denmark so instead we have moved to the 10th floor. Well not really. But for a couple of months now, once a day, usually in the evening, when we reach our apartment door on the fifth floor, we tap the handle, turn around, and walk right back down again. We got the inspiration from our acrobatics teacher, Rikke, who, after having coached us semi-successfully though a particularly tricky pose, exclaimed “rep!”. “I assume that means do it again?” I said with a laugh, as we set up once again to find the delicate balance of hip-to-foot, that constitutes a so-called “star-pose”. She responded, laughing as well, “yeah sorry, it’s just become part of my vocabulary I don’t even think about it anymore”. Well, Rikke is a pro for a reason and practice makes perfect, so after new years we’ll move to the 15th floor.
- I bought a new pair of shoes. I’ll do a post on them (I will, I promise!), but basically they are just a newer (and prettier) version the ones I’ve been walking in for the past two years. Stepping into them feels like homecoming for my feet. Jonas still hasn’t decided on which shoes he’s going to bring, which feels somewhat disrespectful and irresponsible for his.
- I think we’ll get the vaccination for Japanese encephalitis. We’re not really going in the risk season or areas, but we are going to be outside a lot, so better safe than sorry I guess … Also we need to get our tetanus shots renewed, since they’re both more than 10 years old. Final shot that’s recommend for Japan is hepatitis A, but we both got those covered from earlier trips.
- We’re going on a short trip to Tromsø over new years, and the amount of stuff I have managed to squeeze into my Osprey without exceeding the weight limit has renewed my faith in my ability to pack light.
- I got a poncho for my birthday that I think I’ll bring as rain protection. It fits nicely over both me and my backpack, and can go on and off quickly if the weather changes. Also it’s more breathable than regular rain gear, as it lets in lots of air in the sides. Only downside is I look like Quasimodo wearing it.
