BEIJING - Asia is not rolling suitcase friendly.
The chunks of frozen mud that litter the streets of Ulan Ude made reaching the Odon Hotel difficult. The bag almost fell through the gap between subway and platform in Moscow. And the rolling suitcase was no help in yesterday's Manhole Cover Incident.
Now that I'm in Beijing, I took a look inside the pack, and took stock of what was left in there.
Naturally, a few things are missing. Here's a list of what won't be joining me on my Chinese adventure:
1. Towel
Last Seen: Hostel in Warsaw
What Happened?: I took showers at the Warsaw hostel each evening, and then hung the towel up to dry. On my last day, I probably forgot to retrieve it.
Importance: Low. I borrowed a towel in Moscow and then bought a new one in Ulan Ude.
2. Headphones
Last Seen: Moscow
What Happened: Fell out of my bag on the subway.
Importance: High. Bought replacement ones almost immediately from an electronics store.
3. Russian Phrasebook
Last Seen: Aboard the Russiya, near Irkutusk, Russia
What Happened?: The last night on the Trans-Siberian, a couple guys came over from the next cabin. We talked, drank several beers and ate tons of smoked fish. We made conversation by passing the phrasebook around, and then shouting out the appropriate phrase in English or Spanish. My companions especially enjoyed the "sex" chapter.
Importance: Medium. This happened quite late in my Russia trip, but I still could have used the book during my adventures on the border.
4. One Rag Wool Glove
Last Seen: Sukhbaatar Square, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
What Happened: It was a relatively warm day in Ulaanbaatar, so I carried my gloves inside my fleece hat. I kept this under my shoulder as I took pictures in the square. When I arrived at the Museum of Natural History, the museum guard handed me one glove off the ground. The other one was gone.
Importance: Medium. The glove was warm, but I have others.
5. China Lonely Planet
Last Seen: Erlian, China
What Happened?: As Kim hurried us off the Ulaanbaatar-Erlain train, I grabbed my rolling suitcase, jacket and pack. I meant to keep the Lonely Planet in my hand for reference, but accidently left it in our cabin.
Importance: High. Rather necessary for travelling. I managed to get a French replacement for free from the hostel here.
