Top 5 things in my backpack

1. Waterbottle- filled daily and during agua emergencies. A kind lady filled it up at the Brazilian checkpoint. Bless you whoever you were.
2. Gaucho knife- Despite the initial shock, this has proved itself a most useful item. So far used to cut both salami and sewage pipes. That reminds me, better give it a wash.
3. Finisterre clothing- body warmer and merino tops. Light, compact, warm and stylish (even on me. And the kind people in the shop sent me a new one out without the last having been returned. Love them. http://www.finisterreuk.com/
4. Black moleskin pad. Its in my pocket now. Thanks Al and Moira.
5. HSBC plus account. You've got to pay monthly but theres no charge for ATM withdrawls. Pity I lost the card.
   

Things that almost made it into the top 5:- Foldable wash bag. Salamon walking boots. Becky (Entertainment and Translation purposes). Headtorch. Dry bags.