Koren
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10:10:20 pm on March 3, 2010 |
Although I consider my trip to be my first “backpacking” experience, let’s get real: I am not backpacking. To begin with, I don’t even own a backpack and I decided today that I will not purchase one (practically speaking: its just not in the budget). I do, however, have a small weekend duffle bag, that unfortunately does not match my 26″ Samsonite glider bag — which by the way, is too big to be a carry on. Thus I am on my way to official vagabond status, me and my mismatched luggage.
The other thing is: I have rented an apartment in Casco Viejo for the month (with access to washer & dryer), which means I will only be needing a hotel/hostel for a few days a month when traveling away from Panama City. Kind of an upgrade from the full-fledge “we’ll find housing when we get to next town” attitude that i assume die-hard backpackers subscribe to.
Back to the bags . . .
The downside of traveling with these 2 bags is that a) I have 2 bags and b) should I extend my trip beyond Panama, I will be traveling with 2 bags. I anticipate constantly worrying about my 2 bags — being stolen, being forgotten, being a barrier to entry.
The benefit is that a) I have 2 bags b) since I have an apartment in Panama City, I can stash the large bag there while I travel around the country with the smaller bag.
Now on packing.
It’s summer in Panama. But it can get really cold out west near the mountains, so I hear. I’ve also read that Panamanians dress very neatly and don’t appreciate grunge. Since, I am going to be doing the urban sophisticate thing, the beach thing, the trekking through rainforest thing, the mountain thing, the Spanish classes thing, and the chilling thing, here’s what I can’t leave home without:
What I am packing:
4 flygirl dresses
2 maxi dresses
2 pairs of chinos/khakis (1 pair that can be jazzed up)
2 pairs of jeans
boyshorts
___ t-shirts (long & short-sleeved)
1 sweater
1 jacket in a bag
2 pairs of leggings
2 swimsuits/1 cover-up
10 pairs of panties
sweat pants
jeweled dressy flats
brown stilettos
sneakers
flip flopsToiletries & cosmetics
Skin So Soft (my preferred insect repellant)
feminine products
sunscreen
first aid kit
food — cereals, canned tuna, peanut butter, hot sauce
toilet tissue
wet wipesI know from previous travels abroad that wardrobe changes are unlikely and that the most important thing is being respectful and comfortable.
Panama: Practically. 
Rajanay 1:15 PM on March 10, 2010 | # |
Koren!!!! This is so exciting. Please take lots of pics. But I have one question – what do you need hot sauce for. I didn’t realize that was an essential food item…lol – T