The Good Musician

OK. So what in the heck do you pack for a ten day tour in Central Europe? One bag allowance, which has got to hold music and concert gear. Not a lot of options after that, it’s purely a priorities and puzzle-solving game. Official papers and coin of the realm in my bum bag. Hmmm…

1 digital camera, batteries
1 pr. black Birkies
1 pr. black Footsmart closed shoes
1 pr. black knee his
7 pr. various undies
2 long-sleeved cotton shirts
4 short-sleeved cotton shirts
4 pr. trousers, casual to dress
1 journal
6 pens/pencils
2 thick paperbacks, sci-fi, historical NZ
3 qt. sized baggies of essential mini-toiletries, medication
5 pr. tweezers (strictly accidental–some local astrological congruence)
1 water bottle (tip: drink just prior to security, put the empty bottle in your one carry-on bag)
1 guide to Central Europe
1 set concert clothes (long black)
1 The Black Folder, music loaded
1 umbrella, collapsible
1 medium shoulder day bag, zippable, waterproof

That’s it. Good thing. What with being on the go constantly, walking 4-6 hours a day, rehearsing and singing, up and down stairs (the circular ones were really steep–excellent castle defense), marathon runs through opera houses and concert houses, churches, catacombs, on cobblestone streets. Wouldn’t have traded it for the world.

I might have wished for a light wind-breaker one chilly evening, sitting at an outdoor cafe at the bottom of Wenceslas Square.

Pack ultra-light.

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