THE USEFUL STUFF
Jogging Strap for my iPhone - I wish I could say this was because I was logging tons of miles over here on the daily, but nah. It's because I can strap google maps on my arm as I'm driving around this city on my scooter. People stare at me with envy at all of the stoplights. At least that's what I think they are doing.
Sunscreen - I can't read the labels and sunscreen is one thing I want to make sure I'm getting right.
Sunglasses - You can buy them super cheap here, but one can never have too many pairs of shades.
iPhone - This thing has been my lifesaver! The first month I existed solely on wi-fi, and was able to communicate with people back home via iMessage, WhatsApp, FaceTime, Facebook, Instagram etc. It was wonderful. Now that I'm settled I have a local SIM card. Unlimited data for less than $5/month. Beat that Verizon. (and it allowed me to capture the lovely photos below, with my luggage all up in the pics.)
My Kindles - I resisted going digital for the longest time. I love physical books. But bringing a ton of books when space is limited just isn't practical. I have a Kindle Fire and a Kindle Paperwhite, I don't leave home without my Paperwhite! (Shout out to the Overdrive App and Kindle Unlimited for letting me check out books at my leisure) (Another shoutout to Kiesha for the hookup.)
Back-Up Chargers - I've already lost at least two. Time to buy another one but that's just annoying.
Advil - Who wants to wander the aisles of a foreign store looking for something to help with your jetlag/occasional hangover headache? Not me.
Tampons - Thank you internet for the heads up. There are no tampons anywhere here! Pads galore though if you'd like to wear diapers every month.
Electric Toothbrush - Gotta keep these pearly whites clean!
Laptop - Cause duh.
Bluetooth Speaker - Thank goodness for Spotify. I need my jams.
My Winning Personality - haha ;-)
WHY'D I BRING THIS CRAP?
5 scarves - I always like scarves, I have a ton, but I very rarely wear them. And who needs them in this heat?!
She-Wee - I was advised by one of the many blogs I read to get a She-Wee. I haven't used it once. Squat and deal with it. (Definitely had to deal with some REALLY disgusting bathrooms out here though. Ew.)
Shampoo/Conditioner/Soaps - They make that here too. And I'm not even picky about the type I use.
Costco sized containers of like 5 different OTC meds. They sell them here. Much cheaper. . Should have left it at the Advil and kept it movin. Ha.
THINGS I WISH I BROUGHT
More Clothes - I pictured my self in vacay wear all the time. Sundresses and sandals. But I find that I wear all types of things, jeans, leggings, nicer clothes for work etc. They sell those here, but I have an entire closet FULL back in PDX.
More Sneakers/Flats/Sandals - See above
More Workout Gear - I've been pretty consistent with my yoga game, and it's annoying handwashing the two sets I brought all the time. Namaste.
Stain Remover - They don't sell it here. WHY? I'm a slob, I need it!
Movies - I can't always find English ones, and when I get off work late and have to work early it would be nice to have a selection to pop in. Or a netflix account. Who wants to hook me up?
After actually making this list, I guess I didn't pack that poorly. Always room for improvement, but hey, I've never lived here before! And minimalism is on trend, so really I should be culling down my wardrobe anyway. Or something like that.
Goodnight Vietnam, Good Morning Portland!
