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| Jasmine and Rex |
On a brighter note, I have finally made hotel reservations for my first two nights in Chile. I've been in touch with Mario from Hotel Riviera, and everything is set. I know which shuttle service will take me from the airport to the hotel, and Mario has even assured me, most kindly, that they can hold my luggage "in custody" if I arrive before noon check-in time (which I will). The plan is to spend a couple of days in Santiago with Molly before I have to fly up to Arica to meet up with my program. So excited!! Not only do I get to see Molly after all this time, but how awesome is it that one of the first people I get to see after landing in a strange city is one of my best friends? Also, the girl who introduced me to Carole King. And neither last nor least, my best harmonizing buddy. ¡Tengo muchas ganas de verle!
ATTENTION globe-trotting friends: Any packing tips for me? One thing that I have already made a mental note not to forget is a travel alarm clock. Since I use my cell phone at home, this is one item that I tend to forget. Every time. Anything else?
ATTENTION globe-trotting friends: Any packing tips for me? One thing that I have already made a mental note not to forget is a travel alarm clock. Since I use my cell phone at home, this is one item that I tend to forget. Every time. Anything else?
Tip #1 -- Take less of everything you think you'll need. You can almost certainly find substitutes (or the real thing) wherever you're going. That goes for clothes as well as toiletries.
ReplyDeleteTip #2 -- Consider buying a local (Chilean) SIM card for your (3- or 4-band GSM!) cell phone when you get there. It'll be far less expensive than roaming on your American SIM card. I always use pre-paid SIM cards that I top up as I need. But be sure that you select a provider whose network reaches where you'll spend most of your time.
Tip #3 -- Consider packing some comfort food (and/or music, reading material, etc) to help get past culture shock and homesickness, especially if you get delayed or sidetracked in some unexpected place.
Tip #4 -- Be very sure to have a camera that's easy to carry and use, 'cause you'll find yourself wanting to take a pic at the most unexpected times. I also like to take a notebook or something similar to record my experiences, thoughts, feelings, etc. as they happen instead of hoping I can remember them when I get home.
Tip #5 -- Don't worry too much about any of this...have fun!
Take lots of photos of things you see and want to remember, whatever it might be. Have a great time. Wish we were there too! BTW, I never use a purse, ever. When we travel, important stuff goes into deep pockets or pockets that have some kind of closure. I always use a small backpack for a jacket, water, or whatever. Never forget that you're precious, unique, and wonderful just the way you are and loved by many people. If you feel sad and lonely read a novel. We used to have to go to the airport in Nice to get books in English when I lived in France! Do you have a kindle or anything like it? Love always, - Barbara
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