Here we are, less than a week left and then off we go! And so the time to pack has arrived…
Jesuits in the XVII century packed very differently from us. They crossed deserted areas and camped in the middle of nowhere, They had to carry tents, supplies, tables, chairs and much more as they traveled for long periods and encountered all types of climates. All their equipment was carried by caravans of horses in big bags made of yuta.
They surely did not have to worry about weight limitations of air companies or space constraints as we do today, but always risked to lose everything due to bandits or bad weather.
When traveling today, no horse will carry the luggage for us, instead we will carry everything on our backs! At least we don’t need tents or supplies!
During our trip we will have to walk around crowded cities and hop-on and off rural trains, so trolleys or big suitcases are not the right choice… the humble backpack will be the best companion!
And so we prepared our small and light backpacks, but … What should we pack?
Apart from airy summer clothes (in summer, most parts of China experience temperatures between 25 and 30 °C) and comfortable shoes and sunglasses, the English translation of Kircher’s China Illustrata will come with us to be our guide!
In addition to that, essential medicines, passport, credit card, some dollars cash for emergencies and everything we really need is inside!