So exactly a month from now, I will be in Rio, probably horrifically jetlagged from a 12hour flight and trying to make sense of my new surroundings.

I got a really good Brazil travel guide earlier this week and I've used it to get some ideas about where I want to go.  Someone suggested going up to the northern part of the country, to places like Belem and Manaus deep in the Amazon.  Apparently there are all kinds of plants and wildlife there that are unique to the area.  Now I don't mind seeing new kinds of animals that I might not have come across before.  But I am definitely not going to go out of my way to travel to an area where there is a chance I might end up rubbing shoulders with a python, or snake of any kind, no matter how exotic or unique it might be.  I will admire (or stare with part fascination part revulsion) at one from a distance, if it is in a tank.  But you won't see me going near one if it has draped itself around someone's neck, sunning itself in freedom.  The only thing you could learn from getting me within ten metres close to an uncaged snake is that it is actually possible for a healthy 21 year old to die from heart failure.

Anyway, since for now I am working during the weekdays right up until the weekend I go away, I've been trying to sort out all the things I need for my trip during the weekends.  Today I went to have a look at some backpacks.  A lot of choice out there, and pretty confusing.  After wading through all the different terminology and brands, I thought I had found the backpack that was both practical (i.e. not large enough to pack my entire house into) and easy on the bank account.  But then I noticed the zips were partly made of fabric.  So even if I put a padlock to secure it, any would-be-thief could just cut away to the material to get inside.  Completely redundant.  It made me wonder though.  Why would the manufacturer pack all kinds of wonderful complicated-sounded technology into the backpack, such as an ergonomic back support system, this and that, even more of this and that, but then scrimp on the zip?

The only other backpack by the same brand that did have proper zips was too big and also a lot more expensive.  I have a feeling the manufacturer did that on purpose.

Anyway I decided that to be honest, the only things of high value that I will be taking with me are my passport, wallet and camera, and those items will either be on me or in a secure safe at all times.  So if someone does make a grab for my backpack and run for it, all they will find is clothes, shoes, and maybe a pair of sunglasses.  Items that are easily replaceable.

So I'll get the cheaper backpack and just put a (redundant) padlock on it, to at least deter the thief if s/he is in a hurry.