Remember the game we used to play as kids to make the time go by faster during long road trips? Well, I'm going on a trip to Chennai, India the first 10 days of December and I thought I would make a little list of the things I'm bringing with me. I don't want to be a pack mule, but I also want to make sure I bring "enough" for a trip half way across the world.
I'll be flying from DFW to Dulles to meet up with my boss and two others. Then we fly from Dulles to Brussels, Belgium — a 9-hour flight. After a 3 hour layover, we fly from Brussels to Chennai — another 9-hour flight. We'll work in the offices in Chennai for 3 days then travel to Pondicherry on the weekend. Pondicherry is some sort of resort town near the beach and is supposedly pretty nice. Then we go back to Chennai to work for two more days before coming home.
The following are things I'll be cramming into my backpack:
Books
- Opening Day: The Story of Jackie Robinson's First Season
- I am the Messenger, by Markus Zusak
- The Elements of User Experience, by Jesse James Garrett
- Transcending CSS, by Andy Clarke
- Don't Make Me Think, by Steve Krug (this one's not for me to read, but to give to one of the guys in India trying to learn about Web Design)
I hope I'm not bringing too many books. I hate to load down my backpack with superfluous stuff, but the last thing I want is to be stranded on an airplane with nothing to read.
DVDs
- Minority Report
- Matrix Reloaded
- Good Will Hunting
- Office Space
I am borrowing these movies from my brother. I haven't seen any of them. Hopefully they'll provide a nice mental reprieve when I need a break from reading.
Electronics
Of course, I'm bringing my MacBook Pro, my extra mouse and battery charger. Also bringing my iPhone and charger. I plan on taking some good pictures with our digital camera. I've never taken it on any of my trips, so I'm a little nervous that I'll forget I have it and miss some good photo ops. i also don't want to lose or break it.
Miscellaneous
Passport, sunglasses, business cards, gum. Maybe a couple of good articles printed off the internet and maybe a Sports Illustrated or two.
I'll probably bring a full size suitcase, but haven't even thought about packing it yet. I think its relatively warm, but not hot, over there this time of year, so hopefully I won't need to worry about a jacket. The typical jeans, t-shirt and running shoes outfit will probably be standard for me over there.
I'm very curious about what I'll be bringing back with me. I plan on getting souvenirs of some sort for Cori and the kids but no idea yet. I joked earlier that I'd bring a King Cobra back for Bennett. :)
Am I forgetting anything important? Any recommendations?