Lisa is backpacking her way from Guatemala to Rio.

Having left the frivolities and trappings of city life behind she is truly travelling light.

She has only three pairs of trousers, one pair of shorts, a skirt, a pair of shorts that look like a skirt, two cardigans, a poncho, a sarong, two bikinis, four pairs of shoes, five pairs of socks, a pair of thermals, a pair of pyjamas, top and bottom rain gear (sadly not matching) and only eleven different tops. Being a good Catholic she was far too modest to let me know how many pairs of knickers she had.

I suspect three hundred and sixty five.

Having spent the last four days with her trekking through the Santa Cruz valley I can say she is a natural master of the matching outfit. Colours were perfectly co-ordinated on every occasion.

I now see the error of my ways and will pay more attention to my colour schemes. I also promise to seek urgent professional advice on my wardrobe, especially after both my pairs of trousers ripped during the hike, much to the amusement of passers by.