Things to Bring on Archaeological Expedition, A Voyage of Scientific Exploration, or a Long Train Ride into the Unknown
Are you planning to join a car race across North Africa? Are you wondering what to pack in case you are invited to dine at the Embassy? Are you worried that your shoes wont hold up if the train breaks down and you have to walk to civilization? So am I, because these have all happened to me.
My job, for the last 30 years or so, has been to Get Paid for Adventure. By that I mean that, while on a job, I have had to Navigate in Dakar, search for shipwrecks in the Cuba, tag sharks in the Florida Keys, make documentary films in Bolivia, Drive Race Cars in Japan. Dig up Antiquities in Laos, Transport bags of Cash in Manilla, Brief embassy officials, and jump on board sinking ships. Kayak through mangrove swamps, deliver babies, be attacked by Pirates, and Drive Robots under the sea.
But my true love is underwater archaeology.
Although you might think that list betrays a subtle psychological break, it’s a carrier that I have to manage out of the same Carry-On sized bag as everyone else. And Like everyone else, I want to look good doing it.
Have you every played the game in the Airport, “What Would James Bond Wear today?” or Indiana Jones? Try to spot the best dressed guy or gal travelling. Its odd, but the person that looks the most prepared and sharp is often dressed for comfort first, practicality second, and yet does it with classic styling.
Please try to ignore the teenagers you see mopping around the airport in their pajamas, with their pillow under their arm, and their hair in a mess. But almost as uncomfortable are the people that are overdressed, and prisoner to their gear.
Practicality can be a trap too. Have you seen the catalog shoppers wandering around Paris dressed in camping gear? Or the guy in Egypt, dressed for a prolonged engagement in the Sahara while standing in line at the MacDonald’s near the subway entrance in Cairo.
I’m often travelling with an international crew of young adventurers who have surfed revolutions and looked good doing it. We often compare notes on the best gear for an adventurous, international lifestyle, including classics that endure, and new creations that revolutionizes.
A key principal is that these items augment our already beautiful lives, and do not detract from it. This blog will be my attempt to catalog my favorite things for The Exploration Lifestyle, and share them:
And who knows, next time you play that game in the Airport, the best dressed Guy or Gal, it might be you.