India, March 12 -- When I realized my first trip back to my father's native homeland of India was really happening, and got over the initial shock and excitement, my brain and body went into organization overdrive on what and how to pack for that cross-country trip. There would be long flights, days in the sun of Delhi and in the potentially cold and rainy mountains of Rajasthan, dusty and packed queues to get into mosques and palaces, and time spent exploring street food stalls and markets.
I had to factor in two weeks' worth of events in various locations with the contrasting weather conditions they would offer, all the while knowing I'd be bringing a heap of stuff home with me, including textiles, chillies, spices, and ceramics. With...