True Friends

With a month left in a gap year that has honestly gone so differently and so much better than expected, I would like to take the time to acknowledge the true friends who have stuck with me throughout this journey. I've made friends on farms, in bars, in the office, on the street and at the supermarket this year, and I've had to leave many of them. But every time I leave a place, there are a few faithful friends that come with me. There are always the little buddies who have stood by my side and been my constant companions (cue "Lean On Me"). In no particular order, I present to you 'Pia's True Travel Homies'
(Disclaimer: Inappropriate and personal details have been included, not to mention that this post serves no real purpose in the universe ever)

Baby wipes. It's like a tissue but moist. And it smells like a baby. Genius. 

Toilet paper. Because you just never know...

Scissors and tape. Tape and scissors. You know how every time you travel you're like "Golly, I wish I had some scissors. Or some tape. Or both". No? You don't know? Well I do and now I bring them everywhere. 

An excessive amount of birth control. Trying to keep this blog PG but ladies lets be honest, a period in 108 degree weather? Please, I don't have time for that nonsense. Also, I bet it's super hard to fit a baby in a back pack with all your other stuff....just saying

The sentimental Leatherman. I love it just as a multi-tool but I love it more because it was given to me as a graduation gift by my ex-boyfriend's dad. Thanks Dann! Also, it's good to be the girl with the bottle opener when you're trying to make friends. 

Hanky! Won't go anywhere without you. Wipe off the sweat, dry my hands, pick up something hot, tie it around my head to look cool while hiking, mop up some blood, anything! Just make sure you wash it...

Feces! They are everywhere but not on your Purell fresh hands

Chapstick. Chapstick. Chapstick. Tweezers. End of story. 

"A real lady always carries a pen"
(cite Celia Greene) 

Mama took it around the world and I'm just trying to live up to the legacy. Bertha the front zip Lowe Alpine is the tetanus shot to my rusty nail. Also, I promise I was wearing clothes in this picture

Rainbows. Had em for five years and I don't intend to give em up...ever. The picture on the left is the color they used to be. I'm not bothered. 

Last but not least, the pocket photo album. The farther I go the more I feel that home is about who and not where. So I like to carry who with me. I have 15 pictures of my cats, my family and my friends that I leave next to my bed, rotating the open pages every few days so I get to see everyone over the course of my trip. It's a little extra space in my bag but it's worth it every time.