Attachment to Stuff...

I have been pondering what to take with me to India again. I know what I liked to have in the past, and what things I missed. Last year I think I went overboard with video projector and sound system. I still have a amplified speakers and helmet stashed in a "safe" at Murty's "office".

Things disappearing from peoples rooms brought nothing but misery to them. So, if I have nothing to loose, will I be happier?

We are conditioned to think that "stuff" can make our lives better. Just think about advertising campaigns by kitchen appliance makers... But, me with old gameboys, juice machines and old blenders stashed in storage, "more stuff" has never brought me happiness. Worries about what's cool to get, and what to do with stuff I don't want anymore. Vicious cycle... Industry loves it!

Now, when you travel, never it is more obvious about axiom "less is more". Cuz you have to tote your stuff on your back, and that's not a good thing. I know what I NEED: my glasses, pair of sandals, pants, couple shirts. Passport. Money. Everything else can be easily acquired while abroad. Now, nice things to have are useful electronics, like a GSM unlocked phone (so you can get a local sim card and stay in touch with your friends around town), then a camera (digital now days) and computer to manage pictures, emails and blogs, also using it for Skype and Yahoo... But what do I really need? My Canon 5D rig with bunch of lenses and strobes? Or a little Fuji F20 p&s is sufficient? Bring my laptop or use internet cafe to transfer my images to my website? Will I be shooting and editing my stuff in India? Hi Def camcorder?

The answer to me is that it is nice to have my 5D and my computer. Yet my 5D spends most of the time in the closet, as it is a heavy beast. When I stay in one place for over 2 months, and taking walks around the city and taking pictures is very pleasant to me. So I guess I have just answered my own question... I am sooooo attached... I need to simplify my life, not to make it complicated with stuff. But creature comforts... Three more weeks to decide.