Now that we are settled, we have unpacked and taken stock of what we brought from home.
Normally, when we go anywhere we have an elaborate pack list. I have specialized lists based on the type of trip. I have a bike trip, visit family, cold weather, wine tasting, warm weather, tropical weather, and Air BNB specific pack list.
Below is my most bare-bones packing list.
And here is the list I used to pack for six months in Panama.
Yes, that is correct, there was no pack list. We were so consumed with moving everything into storage, we didn’t think about what to actually pack for this trip.
This may be the reason I brought twenty pairs of socks, but only three shirts.
We spent all our time cramming our stuff into here, no time thinking of what to bring with.
When our move was complete, and we finally had ten minutes to pack, we tried to shove a bunch of stuff into our suitcases. When they wouldn’t close we realized, “We don’t have enough luggage.”
This is not the best thought at 10:30 p.m. the night before you fly to Panama. Thank God for the late night Target in Kent. I stayed in the car with our stuff while Jeff ran in to buy a suitcase.
Here is the text Jeff sent me from Target. I was supposed to choose from these two.
When I couldn’t choose Jeff may have had a mental breakdown.
We bought the black one, jammed it full and didn’t open it again until a few days ago. Here are some of the things we brought.
Our Stainless Steel French Press seemed important in Seattle. Turns out all rentals have coffee makers. And you don’t really need stainless steel to keep your coffee warm when it’s 102 degrees outside.
These were our kitchen must-haves. While the rentals have knives, none are sharp. We’ve used everything in this photo.
We brought one pan.
At the last second, I packed all the food we didn’t give away or eat. The apartments all seem to have blenders so the protein powder is coming in handy. Not sure if we’ll be making enough Ethiopian food to get through the bag with the berbere spice.
Our friend Brenda who is traveling with her husband, Scott in Portugal suggested I bring zip-lock bags. They have become my most prized possession.
Luckily, we didn’t bring a hookah, since the apartment came with one.
I also made sure to pack my Cubs hat. Not as important as the zip-lock bags, but still nice to have.
you can never have too many socks 🙂
This is true. I’m also thinking I can steal some of Jeff’s shirts without him noticing.
Hola!! Thanks for the mention!! This post had me laughing out loud in the middle of a coffee shop in Porto… I may have even snorted a little… love your writing style! Can’t wait to meet up with you at some point on our journeys
Hugs
Yes, and we’ll be able to compare and trade our zip lock bags.
Maybe barter or trade for some more shirts and downsize on the socks?! Love the posts!
Thanks. Yes planning trying to trick Jeff into thinking my socks are his, then stealing his shirts.
What? You didn’t bring your ironing board? Those three shirts will get very wrinkled. 🙂
I was going to bring it, but then remembered the best way to iron is when someone is actually wearing the piece of clothing. And it’s so hot here I can probably just iron with hot air.
Though horrible for the environment zip lock bags are very handy. Glad you were able to bring them. The next blog please send pics of you smoking on the hookah. Even if you need to improv it. 🙂
Ha, I totally will.
I’m guessing you’re using the coffee scoop and the shot glass most. Or? And is Panama a country without Ziploc bags? If so, that’s here’s an opportunity there…
Ok it might be three things. It’s the wine opener, shot glass and coffee scoop. Although when I really think about it, it is the coffee scoop.
Hey Sheryl and Jeff, I’m thrilled to learn about your new travel adventure! 🙂
Thanks Brett. You’ve been a big inspiration. We love following your adventures in Spain.
Great commentary. As for the frying pan, remember that frying pan collection is in your dna. Your 99 year old gramma who no longer cooked had 5 frying pans in her cabinet. Each one had a story. Does your pan have a story or is it developing one in panama?
This frying pan does not have a story yet. I did leave at home the soup pot which has a good story. I used it to steam asparagus left the room forgot about it and started a fire. Maybe it’s good this frying pan does not have a story.
I think the frying pan does have a story now that it was used as a prop in sexy frying pan look photo. I’m sure it’s bragging to all of its pan friends.
Very true. I need to pose with the measuring cups next.