Category: The DayBook

While Carlton played tennis – I did the final pack packing.

Notice there are not many clothes. I am wearing one “outfit” and am packing 1.5 “outfits”. There are 30 thingies of instant “coffee”. Not for taste – but for caffeine. And a few snacks. 320 “fiber” capsules. (Getting old sucks – but, it beats the alternative – getting dead). Also in the bag – the Airness. After taking the photo – I decided to leave the the Airness “extension” cord at home. And, some of the Tide stays home. If I run out of laundry soap, I can wash my 2.5 “outfits” in hotel shampoo.

I was going to take two pair of shoes. Well, after my test run on Tuesday, I  decided that something had to go. Everyday, I look at the Japanese weather – and it always seems to be 30% chance of rain. If Tevas were good enough for Paris – they are good enough for Toyko. So, the leather sandals stay home. Also, decided to leave the ball cap at home.

Next, I’ll pack my purse. I looked at all my purse options today – and decided that normal at home purse will be just fine. I just have to do a little rearranging.

I decided  to stick a bunch of greenbacks in the titty bank. That will be my ATM machine problem Plan B.

Made steak for Carlton for lunch today. Sort of a “Last Supper” gesture.

Spent an hour in Sherpa-mode this morning. I used the backpack. Guess I’ll take it to Japan. But, the tote bag is still in the running. I might give it a Sherpa test. Or I might just use the tote as a really big-ass purse.

Mainly today, I am worried about what to worry about. I am worried about my first squatty potty encounter. Maybe, I should just hope that I am not suffering from a bad case diarrhea when I encounter it.

And, I am worried about not being able to get money out of ATM machines. I had a really bad experience with ATMs in Brugge five years ago. (See my tale of woe) ATM machines in Europe are normally traveler friendly. ATM machines in Japan are normally traveler hostile.  I am considering going into DC to convert some dollars. If it was just me – I wouldn’t be too worried. But, I feel some obligation to the kid traveling companion.

In my experience – the stuff you worry about doesn’t happen. What you didn’t think about comes along and kicks you in the butt.

Depends on what you call “expensive”. 32 nights in hotel is costing about $5,700. Tax included. And maybe 5 of the nights come with a “free” breakfast.

General McChrystal, is this going to be like the MacArthur mess in the 50’s. Or General McClellan in the 60’s – 1860’s that is. What’s it with the Mac-Generals?

Can anyone spell quagmire. Rhymes with Afghanistan.

Rule Three – I forgot – in addition to no Sherpas – no taxis.

In my world – There are no Sherpas. No bearers. No porters. And darn few bellmen.

Rule Three: Everywoman, young and old, schleps her own stuff. And gets it into the overhead compartment. But, a little help with the lifting by a nice young man can be appreciated.

Today, I finished making hotel reservations. Along the way I found out some things about Japanese hotels.

First, no matter how much you pay, if they have a swimming pool (1) you must wear a swimsuit and a CAP and (2) you will be charged 10 to 20 dollars. Now, if they have a huge community “bath”, that is usually free and you must be buck naked. Go figure. The swim togs have been deleted from my packing list.

Second, check in time. In Japan if check in time is 1500 hours – you are expected to be there to check in at 1500 hours. Not 1400 hours and by 1630 hours your room might be gone.

Speaking of schlepping – Carlton just asked “Why are you taking your computer?” Why indeed? The Airness travel weight is about 3.5 pounds.

Looking around Japan for where we are going to spend our last unreserved 5 nights in Japan. One is a Saturday. Saturday is a hard day to find a hotel in Japan. Every Japanese must leave home on Saturday morning.

And, I finally made my Japan2do list – and even started 2-doing some of the the items.

Mr C dented his beloved car – he took it to the shop today and is having a “car free” few days. At least until Monday.

Even as I am doing this – up in our apartment building party room – there is a going away party under way – with refreshments – for a dog. What can I say???

Finally starting to get satisfactory results from the travel camera.

According to the calendar widget – three weeks from today – I’ll be hating life on a very long hopefully very boring plane ride to Japan.

I think I should make a 2do list. I am sure there are things 2do.

Most un-Peg like, I think I am going to end up with hotel reservations for everywhere we are going to be in Japan before we leave. It seems to be the preferred Japanese way to do things. Organized, planned, orderly, polite. Not like Peg at all.

Summer note. They have Popsicles every Saturday at our pool. Spiderman Popsicles aren’t bad. Better than grape Popsicles.

Revised List:

Revised from last Saturday’s first cut.

• Five four   short sleeved shirts
• One  brown dress – a black pencil skirt might be better. Pencil skirt still in the running
• One brown linen skirt
• One jeans skirt – maybe too short for an old woman.
• One black cotton cardigan Replaced by long sleeve silk tee.
• One black linen shirt, with long sleeves. Sort of jacket.
• 2 1   camis
• 2  bras
• handful of pantie
• swim suit
• pareu
• sandals
• belt
• one pair of sox.

And the shirts were subjected to my drying test….

The one on the right almost flunked. The one on the left was good to go in 3 hours. Maybe I should just take one shirt? Extreme packing???

Next move is to pack it all up along with my travel electronic toys and pack it to work. That would be one bus trip and one 1.5 mile walk … should be a good test of it’s schlep-ablity.