I have this old blue backpack—a trusty companion since I stumbled upon it in an unexpectedly upscale shopping mall in India. Over the years, it has been with me through countless adventures: tucked into the stowage compartments of Airbus A320s, occasionally stashed under the seat in front of me, and even serving as a makeshift pillow on overnight train rides. It’s seen office life, too, faithfully carrying my laptop and a tangle of Ethernet cords. Never once did it let me down.

So naturally, when I was invited on this trip at short notice, I planned to enlist its help once again. Unfortunately, the night before my departure, disaster struck: the zipper gave out. To be fair, I may have been overly ambitious, stuffing too many items inside. Still, it felt like betrayal from an old friend.

A Last-Minute Replacement

With no time to spare, I had to make a last-minute trip to the store to find a replacement. My new travel companion is a sleek, modern design—a bit more polished than my old blue friend. But out of respect for the years of reliable service, I’ve decided to let the old backpack carry my gear for a while longer, as a kind of farewell tour. After all, it’s earned its retirement.

Fond Memories

This backpack holds more than belongings; it carries memories. It’s been by my side in the Himalayas* and countless other places. And while I’ll admit I didn’t venture too far into the Himalayas (it’s a bit of an exaggeration, but the word sounds impressive), it’s fun to reminisce. Saying goodbye to this loyal companion is bittersweet, but I’m excited to see what adventures my new backpack will join me on.

*Well, technically speaking, my Himalayan escapades didn’t go that deep, but still—it’s a nice bragging point!