A Fortnight’s Preparation for a Pacific Journey
Back when my predilection for historical fiction was deep and true, I used to revel in the unending descriptions of “preparations” for heading west. I can’t entirely explain this fascination, but I adored the lists of supplies and the painstaking details of curing meat and finishing quilts. I had no idea what 10 yards of blue calico looked like but, by golly, I knew you needed it out west.
And why should the farthest west be any different? Packing to go home to Hawaii can be something of an endeavor. About two or three weeks out, my mom approaches me with a list of goods she needs me to transport to her island home. Most of her requests are for gifts, but they’re all items you can’t get in Hawaii: Bath and Body soaps, Trader Joe’s bottled bruschetta, packages of dried cherries, and canned boysenberries. Oh, and really cheap Gap t-shirts. While the list’s content generally remains steady, quantities fluctuate — or generally trend upwards — for the remaining time until my departure.
Though the time allowance may seem generous, you have to allow for the unexpected. Trader Joe’s might only have six bottles when I need twelve. I need to locate bubble wrap. Canned boysenberries can be hard to find and require grocery store hopping. Suitcases need to be weighed, but we don’t have a scale. How, exactly, does one pack a dozen bottles of antibacterial soap in assorted scents to prevent leakage? And, by golly, someone needs to get those 10 yards of blue calico.
justin said:
on May 17, 2007 at 9:24 am
I’ve had the very same experience, just about every time I fly back to CZ, except the list of requested goods fluctuates dramatically. Some years it is canned pumpkin, some years five pounds of Christmas M & M’s… good times!
Mary Hand . . . formerly Ohanian said:
on May 23, 2007 at 7:39 am
Hey Elissa,
I just wanted to say hi and let you know I stop in here every so often to hear what you’re up. Have a wonderful time in Hawaii with your family. Maybe some day I’ll make it to there :).
You come to mind often . . .
Take care friend,
Mary Hand (Ohanian)
Alicia Gutierrez (Skrivan) said:
on May 23, 2007 at 4:05 pm
Hi Elissa!
How fun to stumble across your blog!
I can totally relate to the whole, “oh, and since your coming down here…” senario. Did you know that Peruvians don’t have tortilla chips? I found that out on our first trip to see the in-laws when they asked for bags and bags of it. Typically our allotted 50 pounds per suitcase goes towards grits (which spill all over the suitcase), chips, candy, spam, vienna sausages, and shampoo. Our only comfort is that one day our children will be bringing us American wonders and we will have Christmas in Peru whenever they visit!