Packing and More Packing...

I will admit it: I am the worst packer in the world.  Underpacking. Overpacking.  Procrastinating packing. Taking 2 weeks to pack. Guilty to all.

This packing adventure has been no different.  I am afraid I am packing all of the wrong things.  My friends who have been to Granada for study abroad have given me so much advice about what to do when I get to Spain and about the packing... but they went in the winter.  Packing for winter term is relatively simple: layers and more layers.  Summer in Granada is one thing: hot and hotter. For that reason, I went on a bit of a shopping spree for fun summery dresses and skirts hoping that it will be a "fun" way to keep the heat at bay.

After at least 4 days of shopping and countless stores, I still feel like I have a million odds and ends to buy.  How did I not own any of this already (money belt, luggage lock, etc.)?  Oh, right.  Most people don't just have stuff like that laying around their house.

So, on Day 4 of Operation: Pack for Granada, it looks something like this:

 If only you could see the rest of my room, you'd realize that it's an absolute disaster, and not even half of my stuff is in the suitcase.

I also have the task of making all of this

 Fit into this:

Might I mention that the above item is probably the most handy thing I've seen in a long time?  It will be really useful to be able to see everything that I need without digging through one bag filled with everything.  The best bit is that it rolls up small and is a perfect size for travel.

For anyone who is planning on traveling (or even are just curious), here is my list of some of the more oddball things that I nearly forget to pack (and would definitely be a pain/expensive to hunt down in Europe):

1. Bobby pins.
2. Nail file
3. Toothbrush cover
4. Purell
5. Extra razors
6. Tweezers
7. Floss
8. Airborne (Soooo not worth being sick for even a moment. I'll be on a plane and public transportation way too often to take any chances)
9. Claritin/allergy meds (You never know how the plant life and pollen will be different, especially thousands of miles away)
10. Extra hair ties (ain't nothin' worse than not having a hair tie when in need of a ponytail. Am I right, or am I right, ladies?)
11. BAND AIDS. Sweet baby Jesus, these are so important. Not only will you be the super soccer mom of the group, but you can also heal and ward off those pesky blisters that are sure to come from the excessive amounts of touristy walking that are sure to happen.
12. Throw away flip flops-- for hostel showers
13. Luggage lock (one that is TSA approved)

And last, but absolutely not least,
14. My beautiful PILLOW PET. Yes. I said it. I bought a mini pillow pet. I figure there might be an occasion or five where I don't want my sweet little head touching the questionable yellowed pillow at a hostel.  No one knows where that's been.  That's where my [Currently Nameless] Pillow Pet saves the day!  Not only is s/he cute, comfy, and portable, it keeps me safe from sketchy linens.

So, that about wraps up my packing.  I leave in a bout 13 hours and my room is still not in good shape.  I have yet to download new music to my iPod, get a book for the plane, pick up my dry cleaning, etc., etc.  Basically, I have a lot to cram into the hours before noon.

Also, if you'd like me to send you a postcard  (I can't make promises, but I'll do my best!!), send your address to my email-- hopkin13@illinois.edu. That will be the best way to contact me while I am abroad.

Thanks for reading!
T-13 hours!!