The pre-trip shop

We were stupidly, horrendously over-prepared. You don't need this much food. In fact, I'd suggest you don't need any (although I accept a couple of cans in case of emergency is never a bad shout). Amazingly, all countries east of Blighty have shops, and those shops by-and-large have well-stocked shelves, selling pretty much the same basics that we're used to over here. Pasta, sausage, biscuits, bread, cheese, beer - all your standards are at your beck and call. There is absolutely no need to take £90-worth of provisions with you, unless you want to end up delivering some of Mr Heinz's finest to somewhat bemused charity workers in Ulaanbaatar.

Admittedly, looking at it now, there were some educated guesses in there at what might come in handy. The Berocca certainly did, but the Pro Plus didn't. Of course we felt bloody knackered, but relied instead on caffeine based energy drinks like Red Bull, due in part to the added refreshment of a cold fizzy drink in the oppressive heat. Likewise, the Eye Wash seemed genius for getting all that sand and dust out of our eyes - but as it turned out, we never needed it as our sunglasses bore the brunt of the abuse.