The Packing List

I’ve always been envious of my friend John D. John is a zealot about making lists. He carries around scrap paper and a pencil in his pocket and writes stuff down as he thinks of it. I can do this part. The amazing thing John does is not only makes lists but 1) he doesn’t loose the scrap paper and 2) he actually brings his scrap paper lists and collates them with lists he keeps on his computer. To that end here’s my packing list for next time.

Good Things I Brought But Wasn’t Sure I’d Use

1. Mini-flashlight
2. Tums
3. Google directions from rails station to our hotel
4. Guidebooks
5. Deodorant (allowed the use of shirts for more than 1 day)
6. French/Italian/German phrase book
7. iPod/iPhone

Things I Wish I’d Brought

1. Moleskin
2. Sewing kit with superglue (for shoe repair)
3. SMALL notebook with pen for communicating
4. More Google maps to attractions around town

Things I Wish I hadn’t Brought

1. An 800 page novel – I haven’t had a moment to read it

Observations for next time

1. 3 oz of shampoo last me a month
2. 1 bar of soap lasts a month
3. 3 razor blades last a month
4. 3 pairs of contacts last a month
5. 3 oz of contact fluid last a month
6. Bring 2 jeans 1 slacks – Europe isn’t a dressy as it used to be
7. Bring 1 pair of shorts for hiking/biking even if you don’t plan to do any
8. 10 shirts/pairs of socks/skivies are enough to last between launderings (most places will do laundry if you need it)
   
9. What you forgot you can buy here (cultural homogenization - you can buy M&M's instead of that stinky old hand made stuff they sell here)
   

Things not to lose next time

1. Belt (Italian belts bought at street markets are of dubious quality)