Things I Should Have Brought (But Didn’t)

Earplugs

A big bag high quality foam earplugs. Disposable, so as to be able to toss as they get gunked up. It doesn’t seem to matter how far you go, into the wilderness or the desert, someone, somewhere, is hammering something.

Less Clothes

I can’t stress this one enough. If you’re going adventuring, you probably won’t need half the nicer clothes you’re bringing. Once on the edges there is no need for putting on airs. More underwear, more socks, less everything else.

Small Gifts

When I first came out to Asia, I came with five pounds of candy. Jolly Ranchers specifically. I gave them away plentifully as I drove Vietnam, always to delighted squeels from school children. It made my day (plus I ate some).

When I needed to thank someone older, my only medium was usually a small tip. But money is impersonal, and if it doesn’t make much financial difference to the person, then a small gift would be preferable.

I had recently thought about U.S. Kennedy Half-Dollars. They are relatively rare, yet can be found for face value in large amounts. It’s cultural. A gift from my home. Symbolic. Lucky maybe?

I think a small bag of those, to gift to the unforgettable people who go beyond to help a stranger, would have been valuable.