Big Blue Roller (2010-2012) RIP

Earlier this week I finally had to replace my blue suitcase I'd carried around with me all around Argentina and Chile the past 3 months.  Getting rid of big blue was not an easy decision for me.  Having a suitcase that rolls is quite convenient the majority of the time.  The problem is that once you begin moving around from place to place you never know what situation you're going to be in when you get off the bus in a new location.  I found myself in unroller luggage friendly conditions only twice in the past 3 months, but that was enough to make me realize it was time to look at the man in the mirror tugging a giant blue suitcase. . and make that change.

I am now officially a backpacker.  Everything I need for the next couple months must fit inside a 70 liter bag that I can carry on my back.  It makes me more mobile and flexible with my travel plans but it has also forced me to make some very difficult decisions on what to keep and what to leave behind.  It's also a huge pain in the ass each time I change locations and no longer have the option of simply unzipping my dresser on wheels to instantly reveal all my possessions folded and organized. Below is the "group picture" I took right before abandoning big blue at the apartment I was staying at in Santiago.  To the left is my new backpack.  In the middle is my smaller backpack I use to carry my laptop, papers, and smaller electronics.