Go South, Young Slacker, Go South!

I’ll be honest, when I decided to travel the south was not my first choice. The American South, for me, brings up images of rednecks with shotguns, people who walk and talk slow, and mounds of fried food. Aside from the fried food, nothing really appealing there. But then I got thinking, What if I’m wrong? What if there is an amazing adventure to be had and I’m just turning my back on it? And lo, a ticket to Memphis was bought.

The ticket price was also a big factor. You can’t beat $8.50.

As I travel to this unknown land, I’ll do my damnedest to keep y’all(Oh no! I’ve gone native!) updated.

I’m traveling with the same backpack I used for my senior year of high school. It’s real small, by globetrotting standards. Let’s hope it doesn’t let me down!

After I cleaned the cat hair off of it, I stuffed it with, 1 t-shirt, 1 longsleeve shirt, 1 buttondown, 1 pair of shorts, 1 pair of jeans, 2 bras, 5 pairs of underwear, a zip-up hoodie, a tanktop, 3 pairs of socks, bandana, and a sarong. Already, the pack is stuffed. I become worried. I add shampoo, sunblock, toothpaste and toothbrush, lighter, a razor, eyedrops and foundation. The pack swells. I add a book, and a notebook, plus pens. My phone and charger are squeezed in. I add tweezers, nail clippers, pocket knife, deodorant, and pain and allergy pills. A little strained, sure. But it seems to be holding. I’ve sewed a strap to the bag to clip my pink plastic cup on.

I want to bring a gift for my host, something Wisconsin-y. I decide cheese won't hold up too well, and burn a Fever Marlene CD instead.

I know this doesn't seem to be a lot of clothes. But as they say, change cities rather than clothes.

I’ve got a little purse for extras, too. Space-wise, I think I’ve done it. Hurrah!

Total Pack Weight: 10.5 lbs.

Total $ left: 1,073. That's $18 a day, including food and transportation.