Nobody is Promised Tomorrow. . .
Carlton said that I could not outfit him with 30+ days of food stuff. So, I shouldn’t even try. Well, I put some ham sandwiches in the freezer for him, anyhow. And, I’ll stock him up on ice cream. There is a fine Korean Deli in the lobby. But, I don’t know if Carlton is able to actually pay for food. Most likely he’ll rely on the kindness of friends and strangers.
So, if you are in the area – please feed the Carlton.
Major travelers remorse is setting in. What am I doing leaving my expensive tranquil almost penthouse apartment? Why am I going to a strange land with tiny hotel rooms and squatty potties. What on earth am I going to do with a 17 year old?
The only question I have an answer to is the 17 year old. The only thing I can do is treat the 17 year old like a civilized grown up human person.
Today I moved all the old photos and extra stuff off the Airness. Fired up TimeMachine. Treated myself to a couple of audiobooks. Going to Japan, I don’t imagine I need to take extra SD card or computer stuff. Should be able to buy all manner of hardware.
Speaking of hardware. Went to Pentagon City this afternoon. The Apple Store is right next door to the Sony Store. The Apple Store was stuffed with buyers. Packed. The Sony Store – which sells Sony computers and camera was empty. Well, except for a few folk who were watching Soccer on a Sony TV that the store had setup. Note to self. Next market meltdown – put AAPL on the shopping list.
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.
Lovely weather here today. Sunny and cool.
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.
Possession does not convey value.
An interesting concept. Had an interesting discussion along those lines today with a cardiologist today. He had come up to get some of our “old” pig flu vaccine. He is still trying to get his patients vaccinated. He thinks that the pig flu might come back before this year’s “regular” flu vaccine comes out. I don’t share his concern… But, nevertheless, we have lots of pig flu vaccine. The doctor said “possession does not convey value”. Meaning the flu vaccine wasn’t doing any good in our fridge.
The doc went on to say that has lots of patients who say “I have a stationary bike”. Having a stationary bike doesn’t do squat for your cardio system.
It is an altogether fine concept. Possession does not convey value.
Montgomery County’s parks department is moving ahead with plans to seek private donors to endow portable toilets in the county’s public parks, complete with a laminated plaque identifying the sponsor.
Parks chief Mary Bradford said Friday that she needs about $150,000 annually to keep the toilets, or about $65 a month per toilet, which covers rental, maintenance and other costs. Otherwise, when the fiscal year begins Thursday, the agency will begin to jettison 80 portable toilets.
Now will this not be a suitable memorial for your friends and loved ones. In honor of my current husband’s first wife, I could endow a portapotty. What’s not to love?
Did my trip clothing “final” edit today. 1 bra, 1 cami, 4 panty, 5 shirts, 1 jeans skirt, 1 crop pants, 1 belt, 2 pair shoes, 1 ball cap (so american). That would be all the clothes. might add big scarf or pareau. Don’t see what else I can cut. Maybe one of the shirts.
Tomorrow – the rest of the stuff.
Monday or Tuesday will be time for the “pack test”.
I guess I’ll do a Field Test. Say a 2 mile hike with all my stuff. And, I am hoping that my load will be less than 20 pounds. I can hike my stuff to the hospital and weigh it on a baby scale. That should do it.
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.
For Father’s Day – I went on public transportation and sprung Carlton’s car out of the shop. He liked that a lot better than a tie!
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???