Soon last night I tried my best to get everything ready for my flight. Nas kept messaging me about stuff as he was flying out before me so I had to accommodate his requests for information. We made a reservation at our first hostel, only for 2 nights as we might go somewhere else for the famous Mexican Day of the Dead festival.

He had concerns about money. So did I as I misplaced my backup debit card. It means if my single and only debit card gets lost/stolen I won’t have any other way to get money out. But at the last minute I remembered about prepaid cash cards! You get a credit card loaded with cash and that can be used to pay or withdraw money! Genius! I’ll take two.

This evening my brother came round for dinner and gave me his spare iPod and multitool that I bought earlier in the week. Sorry work buddies, I loved your leaving gifts but I already had the items you got me!! I’m taking them nonetheless. Thanks guys.

I’m particularly grateful for the iPhone 3GS 32gb that my bro has lent me. It means I can have a mobile/smartphone device to use while I’m travelling so I don’t have to whip out my “look at me I’m rich” tablet and draw attention.

It will be put to much use and I hope it doesn’t get jacked. In fact, I have brought with me some particularly cheap gold chains so I can give to potential robbers so they may leave the rest of my belongings alone. I have these chains by pure accident as I have been trying to replace my grandmas gold chain since it was snatched. I have a brass medallion with KCCO stamped on it. Keep Calm Chive On. The Chive is a web community that I’m part of and wanna show my appreciation to them by having it round my neck. The Chive community are generous, honourable, loyal and charitable. I hope to bump into Chivers when I’m abroad.

I spent the day with a best bud, Julius. We watched Skyfall and we went round Westfield Stratford buying all my leftover items. Didn’t finish until 6pm! I was supposed be packing the entire day! It was sad seeing him leave. I know he wants to come out with me n Nas.

I was up until 2am packing and preparing my gadgets for the trip. I thought I was packing less but my backpack feels like weighs the same as last time!

5 t-shirts
2 shorts
Swimming shorts
6 boxers
4 pairs of socks
Standard bathroom toiletries
Flip flops
2 jeans (I’m wearing a pair now)
Rugged shirt
Mozzy net
Travel meds
Duct tape
2 pen knives
Solar charger
Camera + charger
Platters
10 packs of pocket tissues
100 facial wipes
Hydration pack

That’s in the back pack. While you think you’re prepared, most likely you’ll forget something. In my case: bog roll, string, my international banking number, umbrella, collapsable contact staff. I so desparately wanted to pack my summer matching pyjamas but I didn’t have any space. Damn.