My Disaster in India
I left London in winter, wearing my long, warm boots and a long warm coat. If my destination was India or Australia, I would need hot weather clothes. I was not thinking ahead. I thought, anyway, I can change into something from my suitcase. (And then store the winter coat and boots where!)
I arrived in hot Delhi. My suitcase was mislaid by the airline. it would be delivered the next day. If not, I would have to return to the airport to collect it. Meanwhile I had only two days in Delhi before moving on to my next destination. So I had to go off on tour in my London clothes.
All the local ladies were wearing sarees in pinks and red and greens and blues. I was wearing long boats and a black winter coat. You could have spotted me from half a mile away. I was wrongly dressed, visually. I was hot, and cross, and frowning.
I had learned by the time I reached Finland.
My Success in Finland
Years later, I thought ahead. I did not merely dress for the climate at my destination. I considered my activities. Would I be ging into dinner in the evening, meeting a VIP, or going to the swimming pool or sauna before it closed?
As a busy travel writer, I checked the time of day of arrival. I kept my nigth dress and my swimsuit on the top of my suitcase, and a smaller version in my carry on bag or shoulder bag. That way, when I arrived at a hotel in Finland, on a press trip, I was ready for a before dinner swim.
the PR lady told us, "Sorry we don't have time to see the sauna."
I asked, "Can we see it after dinner?"
"No, it will be closed by then."
I went to my bedroom. My luggage had not arrived yet. I wanted a shower in a hurry. I did not want to be in the shower when my luggage arrived. I thought, it's a pity I didn't go straight to the gym and swim and sauna complex and shower there.
I looked at my watch. fifteen minutes to change for dinner. The luggage arrived at my door. I unzipped the suitcase and grabbed my swimsuit and evening dress.
I raced down to the swimming pool, undressed, jumped in the shower, went into the pool, sat in te sauna for two minutes, put on my evening dress, stuffed my wet swimsuit back in its plastic bag, and raced to the dining room.
Some of the other journalists had not yet arrived.
The PR lady said to me, "I'm so sorry we did not have time for you to see the sauna."
I replied, "Don't worry. I've already seen it."
Another journalist replied, "Ha-ha. Angela's joking."
I grinned, "No. this is my wet swimsuit. See? Feel, it's wet. I went straight to the pool and sauna, did one width in the pool, one minute in the sauna, took a photo of the sauna door, and changed into my dress in the gym changing room."
You should have seen the expression on their faces.
All it takes is a bit of forward planning and packing. Put the clothes for your destination on top of your suitcase items.
I used to travel overseas and on day trips I would wear a bikini under my top clothes. I had gone with the family to a grand hotel with a pool for lunch. I remember somebody saying, If you had brought a swimsuit, you could have had a dip whilst we are waiting for lunch."
I wish you every success with your packing and planning.
About the Author
Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer. Please see my other blogs and share links with your friends
travelwithangelalansbury.blogspot.com
dressofthedayangela.blogspot.com
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