What’s in The suitcase?
I’ll give you a hint it was a surprise to me.
Johannesburg, Monday morning.
I am pinching myself. You read correctly, I am in Johannesburg.
I need to back track a little.
I have a birthday coming up and this particular suitcase, or the need for it, is all part of the surprise. I am heading off on an adventure and I have only the vaguest idea where. I know I am in South Africa and I know the trip is about safari and the wild kingdom. Where in Africa? Which camp? I can’t tell you because I don’t know yet.
David is very good at keeping surprises and so far there has not been a peep, not the slightest hint. Believe me I have tried to work out where we are going. Isn’t that the fun of a surprise, mastering the art of a thousand questions in the hope of a hint or two. No, no success. I am usually quite adept at unravelling puzzles, but not this one.
He knows I have a love of safari more than anything in the world. This guy is a legend and I am pinching myself with excitement as the hours tick by and we head out into the unknown. We have spent the weekend in Johannesburg with some of our dearest friends (they helped organise the destination and aren’t saying a word either) before we fly out and explore a “secret” part of this incredible continent.
What is in a packed suitcase when the destination is a surprise?
The destination may be unknown but the activity is all I needed to know to get that suitcase open, filled and closed ready for take-off. I can’t tell you whether it will be a “successful” pack or not and I can tell you it was a hastily packed bag and there is not a whole load of complication within.
As I laid out the wardrobe options I saw that whatever the destination I still pack a version of the same. I am reasonably strict, most of the time, when it comes to what’s in the suitcase. Experience has taught me I generally take more than I need and way too many complicated options.
This trip I have streamlined.
The 3 Shoe rule is in but I have only one jacket.
I have packed more tee shirts than normal and extra trousers; one dressy blouse can traverse to dinner if the occasion arises.
There is a caftan (always) and a swimsuit. I am dreaming of the downtime and the lazing about. Yes, I did just come home from Christmas holidays and yes I do feel totally and thoroughly spoilt.
One light sweater, the oversized wrap and a sunhat makes three more.
Believe it or not, that is about it apart from the non-negotiable make-up, perfume and skincare.
I’ll double check…. No, that’s it. xv
What’s In The Suitcase: Much The Same As
the jacket
madewell fleet // **free people utility // b.p anorak
the pants and the tops
**bp cargo // stretch crepe ankle // crew neck tee // long sleeve tee // bella freud sweater // frame silk blouse
the shoes and hat
nike roshe // gucci mule // bacari bootie // sensi studio panama
the extras
kalman zig zag caftan // escentric molecules 01 // marysia one piece
image, will davidson vogue
