You’re embarking on a yearlong round-the-world adventure, and can take only one small object with you to remind you of home. What do you bring along for the trip?

I used to think that I’d love to travel for a whole year. Now I’m older I’m not so sure. it’s a long time to be away from home. So many things change. I think I’d rather take my year in three month batches but that’s another story.

Obviously I’d want photographs of the people close to me and of my pets and I’d want some of my favourite books but a laptop or tablet would be able to take care of those needs and I’d be in constant contact with home I’m sure. But what item would I want to take that’s not practical or useful but I can’t do without? It didn’t take long to decide that I could not go a whole year without a doll. I’m sure I’d acquire new ones along the way of course but I think that I’d want to set out with a doll in my luggage.

I’d pick a small one, probably a Barbie that I liked and she would become my travel doll. I’d pack her a small travel wardrobe, just what would fit in a sandwich bag, and I’d photograph her at various places I went and write about what I saw from her point of view. It would be fun to do for my doll blog and I would enjoy having a doll to play with. Several years ago I participated in a travel doll project with some internet friends. The doll was sent to each participant and everyone photographed her and wrote about her adventures. I was the only one out of the USA & Canada I think. It was a lot of fun and that is what gave me the idea to travel with a Barbie.  The only question would be which one to take?