Inventory

I broke my camera on New Year's Day while using my tote bag as a cushion against a rough rock wall during a sunset sitar concert. Sipping black tea and swaying to the unpredictable melody remains a highlight of my India experiences, though, so perhaps it was worth the loss.

The longer I stay in India, the more American possessions I seem to lose. No price is ever fixed in India, and it seems the country and I are continually haggling over how much I must give to travel here. My iPod disappeared months ago, a casualty of a pit toilet pit-stop on the way to Mysore. My scarves disintegrated. My shoes were stolen or broken or lost. In fact, as I pack to come home - in three days! - I'm amazed at how little remains of what I brought with me.

Back in America, I agonized over ever single item I packed, certain that the omission of bug repellent or a sufficiently warm sweater would mean my doom. Now, my bag is full of colorful floaty clothes, a stack of books and journals, gifts for the folks back home, and not much else. (OK, I did keep the bug spray.)

I really hope this shift in my backpack real estate towards lighter, more creative and generous living, reflects a similar transformation of mind. Keep your fingers crossed.