Travel light.

In the 1930's, a swag was sufficient luggage for poorer travellers while those better off had a suitcase or two. In the 1960's and 70's younger travellers carried backpacks. They still do, although the packs are large and often counterbalanced by a smaller front pack. It's not all that easy to downsize and travel light, especially when the move is long term. Ben's collected a room full of things while in Tas, with more on the way from Berlin including: a pair of army boots, a new tent, a Russian hat and another hat that looks like a frozen chicken complete with wings and drumsticks - I'm not sure how useful that last item is. Even the dog has belongings to be transported. She's lucky enough to retain her house which is to be disassembled then reassembled on site.

Ben's trip to Berlin is nearly over. Medical problems have been investigated and treated as well as they can. He didn't manage to catch up with Damien who arrived in Freiburg then travelled south instead of north. He did have a surprise visit from mum, who seems to like Berlin and may have gained some benefit from three weeks away from her usual frenetically busy lifestyle.

The next chapter is about to start in a small town in NE Tasmania, population 27 and soon to be 29.