Extra Baggage?

Some of you may have seen the size of our luggage when we left for our first trip to Central America. One standard sized backpacking pack (75 litres if that means something to you), and one day bag each. It was a struggle to fit everything we thought we needed into these two containers because we knew that we would be visiting steamy jungles as well as cool highlands. Well, we didn't use everything we brought and it caused us, more so Steve than me, to consider a lighter load and smaller pack (25 litres). I amassed everything I wanted to bring to Asia, and the pile was at least twice the size of the bag! With a bit of ruthless elimination, I was able to fit the remainder of the items in the bag. On a good packing day, I can close the zipper myself. On a bad day...it's a two person job.

There are some sacrifices for this light weight life: a exceedingly limited wardrobe, zero variety in bath products, (see how to create your own hotel spa for under $1 below) and sharing one toothbrush really is gross. Alright, alright we don't share a toothbrush, but if you would like to go ultralight, it's an idea.
On the plus side bus transfers are a breeze. I don't have veins popping from my head everytime I lift my pack from the ground, nor do I have to worry about it on the roof of a bus. We never have to wait to claim our bags, and it is oh-so-satisfying every time someone asks in astonishment where our other luggage is.

We recently were able to stay at the Champasak Palace Hotel in Laos. Okay we weren't really in the palace building, it was probably servants quarters at one time, but it was still a wonderful room and location. It was one of our first hotels to have a bathtub! I'm not a big bath person, but given this opportunity, I decided to create a spa evening. I visited the local market and came back with fresh ginger, limes, candles and a lighter. Oh did I mention that the bathroom also had hot water? Ahhh, instant relaxation.