On Packing.

My travel experiences have taught me well.

I know that bringing a wheeled suitcase to Beach destinations is just plain stupid. On my first trip to Puerto Galera, many years ago, I brought my big wheeled suitcase filled with food, alcohol and clothes. Imagine me pulling my big, dumb suitcase across the sand. Why won't it roll? TANGA.

I know that when your going to mountain outpost, you're supposed to bring a jacket. On my trip to Genting Highlands, Malaysia, Bobi and I learned the hard way. You see, we never thought that Genting Highlands, was, well, HIGH. Dressed in flip-flops, shorts and t-shirts, you would think we were off to the beach. But Genting is just the opposite. Only 1 and a 1/2 hours away from KL, Genting is Baguio-like in weather. With fog to boot. Sooooooo cold.

I know that bringing a duffel bag on a backpacking trip is foolish. Not only will you swear and cuss non-stop after hours of looking for a room to crash, your friends who wisely brought backpacks will be laughing at you and telling you "I told you so" throughout.

I know that you're supposed to bring boardshorts on a surfing trip. At the last GO! Trip, I forgot, among all things to bring a pair of boardshorts. While my friends were happily surfing, I was confined to the shore, snapping pictures.

I know that you're supposed to bring your charger. My friends and I have this knack for not bringing chargers along. There was even a time that 8 of us went to PG and not 1 had a charger. Talk about birds flocking together.

I know that you're supposed to bring headphones when your bringing your iPod.

I'm a good packer now. Though I overpack each and everytime, I know that the basics are with me. And I love ziplocks. They make me feel safe.

But I can't seem to pack right for my USA trip which is coming in 2 weeks. Yes, I know. I'm excited. I've got my jackets ready (I hope they provide enough insulation for below zero temperatures!). I've got my bonnets and scarves I bought in Baguio earlier this year. I haven't bought my cigarettes yet.

Yet to buy: a small flashlight and batteries, comfort food, gloves, Pinoy VCDs and Chocnut for Jojo, a basic mess kit. And that North Face daypack I've been eyeing for the longest time now. Hmph.

It's gonna be a cold December.