All My Bags Are Packed I'm Ready to Go (sort of...)

Packing blows.  In all the trips we have done we have yet to master the fine art of minimalist travel.  What it comes down to is that I just refuse to do without certain comforts. So aside from my yoga mat and our ginormous sleeping pads here are a few things no self respecting gypsy would leave home without.

1. Sani-gel.  And not just any sani-gel -this is one that clips onto your pack or belt loop.  Because you know what?  You want that germ killing goo the MOMENT a rat runs over your foot,  any time you access a public toilet (or what passes as a toilet), or you just fondled a stray dog that your guide has now told you is a typhoid carrier and has tape worms.
2. Tampons.  This, second to a good latte, is the hardest thing to find on the road and the one item you really don't want to be searching for when the moon rises.  Yes Angelica, I know you told me just go to a pharmacist since they all speak English but something tells me that the nomads in Kyrgyzstan are unlikely to have a pharmacy yurt and I am not using tundra moss this time around.
3. Good Hair Conditioner.  This isn't a vanity issue.  Trust me, by day 2 of an overland you give up on every looking your best and by day 7 you've pretty much forgone bathing.  But when I do get near water my hair demands some lovin'.  Otherwise, I get the matty headed psychotic witch thing going on and that look isn't what you want to go for when you need to get through airport security coming home.
4. Lip Balm with Sunscreen.  Nothing ruins a trip more than burnt lips. (Plus dry lips make me look like shit.  This one IS a vanity issue.)
5. Sandalwood Oil and Nag Champa Soap.  If you are a wandering gypsy bohemian then it is without question that you must smell like one.  Travelling with me is like having Joni Michelle and the Dali Lama sitting beside you wafting their magnificent essence in your general direction.
6. Andy Warhol Playing Cards.  Long drives in a truck require copious card games and Shithead or Crazy Eights is infinitely better with 52 images by bohemian counter culture's greatest icon.  (If I can secure enough tin foil I may even turn the the truck into a travelling "Factory.")
7. Starbuck's Instant Coffee.  I like to tell myself  every trip I am going to forgo coffee and cleanse my over caffeinated soul but who am I kidding? 

The Wild Woman's Travel Kit

It is also important to have your camping gear blessed by the Yorkie gods.  We have it on good authority that the spit of a Yorkie can ward off evil spirits, rheumatism, hang overs and erectile dysfunction.  So the Good Doctor is making sure he gets lots of that tiny canine liquid elixir all over his equipment.

Next stop:  BEIJING!

"Let me anoint your sleep pad with my magical saliva"

Sleep System Inspectors searching for contraband kibble