I’m very much in the process of dismantling my entire life, so it’s hard to get overly excited about embarking on this trip. That said, knowing that I will be in Brazil in just over two days is starting to bring a smile to my face.

I was fortunate that some longtime friends came to my apartment to avail themselves of anything I had of value. My grandfather gave me an awesome courdoroy coat that I gave away, along with house plants, framed pictures (of myself) books, tools and assorted knick nacks.

This week has been about buying stuff in preparation: A new camera, another camera, headphones and lots of gear. Giving stuff away was really nice because not only do I not neet to throw things away, I had a second to take stock of how much stuff I need to live. In short, the answer is very little.

My plan is to take one small suitcase and two bags with me and live out of them for two months. Do you think it’s possible? I certainly don’t need as many changes of clothes as I have to survive. A couple shirts, some clean underwear and socks and I’ll be good to go. I also want to pickup and wear souveniers from the places I visit, so it would be a shame to overpack.

Tomorrow will be a whirlwind of activity from the moment I wake up. Lately I have been savoring the quiet, but I am ready for the electricity and unknown of Brazil.