Me, hoping not to burn in hell.
Taking a breather from planning an upcoming trip to celebrate an anniversary and be with friends. Did not really think that we’d get to use the newly renewed passports this soon (machine-readable na!) what with the economic crunch and the never-ending moral tug of war between the correctness/incorrectness of spending on expensive things like travel in these financially unsure times. But, having received several enthusiastic invitations from friends to visit them in their hometowns, we said to ourselves, F*ck it, life is depressing enough as it is without having to worry about the morality of things. Anyway, I plan to justify this expense by staying within budget and not buying anything ridiculous–maybe just a few really interesting books for me, a couple of CDs for P, and whatever other interesting, but justifiable items that we actually need back home. Try not to go home with more books than clothes this time (our last trip to KL, BKK, HCMC, and SIN cost us a small fortune in excess baggage–all books and CDs. We were so tanga. P said that we should have just hand carried them). I’m really looking forward to doing a whole lot of sightseeing and walking and plan to reserve an entire day to revisit Macau and go to the places we missed seeing the last time we were there and, yes, take plenty of pictures! Also drop by the popular Pinto Livros on Largo de Senado. Panahon makisama ka! Araw magpakita ka! We need light, light, light!
Have already spent a few days putting things into order, i.e., washed stuff, made lists, paid bills. I can’t help but feel that I am getting a little too old for all this running around. OC that I am, I must always have a plan–from our “things to bring,” to our “things to buy,” down to the “things that I hope to wear from day to day (see “Packing List” below for an idea of my neurosis).” I know, bordering on creepy, right? But I’m sure I’m not the only one with the “Monica Geller” tendencies. Recently learned that plane travel is a big contributor to air pollution and this being the case kailangan masulit ang ticket. Sorry, Mother Earth, will try to make amends na lang by bringing my own bayong to stores, using less plastic, maybe even bringing my own reusable containers for takeouts/restaurant leftovers and, heck why not, making luhod sa munggo.
PACKING LIST
Destination 1: Day one: Black jeans/Green shirt with hood/Progres bag/ Red shoes/Alternate sandals: Lime Crocs PM: Black jeans/Floral white blouse with belt/Red sandals Day two: Blue jeans/White blouse with buttons/Pink Crocs or Havies Day three (Macau): Black jeans/Black dotted blouse with belt/White slip-ons Day four: Blue jeans/Pink striped blouse/White slip-ons or Crocs -Jackets/Shawls -2 Workout clothes for P and me -Undergarments: Bfs, Brs/Pnts/N. Cs -Accessories: Watch/Dress watch/ Teardrop earrings/ Red Indian earrings/Blue Bangle/Wedding Ring -Extra shirts -Sleepwear: Nightshirt, M&S top + black drawstring pants Destination essentials: Cell phones/chargers Camera/charger/USB cable Flip/Alkaline Batts. iPod Meds. (Imodium, Kremil-S, Fibrosine, Benadryl, Off lotion, Caladryl, Analgesics, Bonamine, Prescription meds. in original bottles, Berocca, First-aid kit) Sunglasses Sunscreen Documents Passports Flight tix or confirmation # Travel insurance/itinerary Business cards Emergency nos. Prepaid phone cards Copies of prescription Maps/travel guides Journal/pen
Misc.
Antibac. wipes or hand gel Sewing kit/safety pins Crazy glue Keys Ziploc bags Q-tips Ear plugs Foldable umbrellas Small flashlight Sanitary napkins/panty liners Razors Moisturizers(face, eyes, body, feet) Shampoo/conditioner Toothbrush/toothpaste/mouthwash/floss Destination 2 Day one (Beach): Denim capri/Striped shirt/Samsonite casual bag/Black-&-white Havies Day two (Tour): Cargo or drawstring pants/Blue peasant blouse/Pink Crocs Day three: Blue jeans/Pink tee/White Crocs Day four: Black jeans/Yellow top -Extra shirts: Black and Red M & S formal, tees -Sleepwear: Two PJs, two loose tops, M&S top + black drawstring pants -Accessories: Watch/Red Indian earrings/Blue bangle/Plain wedding ring Beach essentials: Beach bag iPod Beach towels (2) Sarongs (2) Swimwear (2) Aqua shoes (2) Goggles/Snorkeling gear w/o flippers (2) Sunglasses(sport, 2) Hat Dry bag Shorts (2) Cover-ups (1) Sunscreen/lip balm with sunscreen Waterproof camera 2 Foldable umbrellas