It's the little things that wake me in the middle of the night the last several days before leaving. Talking to myself in the dark, staring out the window. Now that I've done MOST of the work, coffee at my side and music in the air, I can't help but sit down and write for a while. Thoughts in the dark that led me to action:
- Go tear out all the pages you don't need in the travel guides. You're not going EVERYWHERE; take what's pertinent. Take the pages about food, fun, adventure, transportation, art and culture, and leave in a few pages of country history.
- ...
- Quit stewing over what to take to read. Take what you're already reading so you can joyfully finish them: Love in the Time of Cholera, Marquez; Private Eyes, Kellerman; a couple magazines, Writer's Digest, Poets & Writers and the latest AARP that just landed at my mailbox. That'll keep the airplane hours whizzing by. You can definitely not bring that one back home!
- Print out in large print the name and directions to the hotels, cabins and lodges we'll be staying. Hand to the taxi or other driver, so he'll know where to take us. You really don't expect everyone in the world to speak / understand your English, your personal diction. Be prepared.
- ...
- Check in with your contacts at the Bocas Breeze, Lonely Planet forum and couchsurfing.org to see if there's any news about that new Costa Rica ground transit exit fee/tax when going over to Panama.
- (I did, and there was - good news!)
- ...
- Pack what you enjoy wearing everyday, quit your wenching. Be comfortable. Even though you'd like, you're far from packing like Jack Reacher. You know you can always buy something if you really need.
- ...
- You've got an awesome Rambler pack, waterproof and perfect for those boat trips. Which is exactly why you bought it. Grab those waterproof plastic gear bags to stash the camera, phone, etc.
- ....
- Find your headphones!!! Where are they???? When's the last time you remember having them? Your music will soothe your savage soul when you most need it.
- ....
- Be happy with your iPhone and your camera, no need for a laptop this time. Edit those pics as you go along. With the extra memory card, you'll be fine.
- ...
- This trip to Panama was all in Tom's head. Remember, he's been planning on going to Panama for years. A hot and humid amazing seaside/jungle trip to explore together. Throw in new friends to meet, a couple of cocoa and coffee plantations to boot!
- ...
- Love and adventure come in so many shades.....'just the latest spring break for you, my dear...
