jopesta.com | impressions and reflections

Travel Goodies

I went on a shopping spree at MEC (and The Camera Store) today and picked up some more things for my trip:

1. MEC Clam Shell Backpack with detachable day pack. More comfortable than I had anticipated, and hopefully easier to use than the top loading pack I had in NZ
2. Metal water bottle, to replace my Nalgene. I suppose if there’s a health risk and I use it as much as I do, that $10 is a reasonable investment.
3. Somehow in all the advice I received about purchasing a camera, I missed the memo about needing a filter to protect the lens. My dad saved the day and recommended I get either a UV or Polarized filter. I got both. I’m excited to play with the polarized one!
4. Lowepro Topload Zoom Mini Camera Bag. Tight fitting, padded, will hopefully protect my camera from damage. And, affordable – bonus!
5. Undercover Moneybelt. I was testing it out underneath all my Lululemon pants, and you can definitely tell it’s there. Crap. Maybe I should work on my self-defense skills so that I don’t get mugged.
6. Hat! For my trip to NZ my hat was a cowboy hat. This time, something a little lighter and compact. The inside has this fun mini green flower pattern too.

I also picked up:

• International Student Identification Card (ISIC). Not really a student anymore, but I haven’t graduated yet so it’s still legitimate. Have heard it will get me student prices on things in Europe, and for only $20 it’s not a large investment.
• Ordered a bunch of Swedish Krona (SEK) from the bank.
• Allergy medication from Shoppers for hay fever. 2 for 1 on the 36 packs, such a good deal!

All in all, a very successful day! I also went over my plan with my parents, and am getting increasingly excited. And overwhelmed. There’s still much to plan and accomplish!