Packing! Thrifting!

I knew I overpacked. I knew I would overpack before I began, I knew it as it was happening, and I am especially aware of it these days, as I’ve been spending far too much time in las tiendas para ropa de segunda mano. There are actually so many good thrift stores here, which may be a story for another day…But all this to say that I probably didn’t need to bring so many of the same jeans, tank tops and wool sweaters. But I am glad that my tendency to over prepare reminded me to bring some of the things I actually use every day, and am super glad to have brought. Below are just a couple of those things, as well as a couple random things I have perhaps regretted bringing.

Definitely needed & often overlooked:

• Tide pen: I haven’t been able to find a reliable stain remover here, and with all the food spillage I’ve experienced, it’s been super handy to have this American necessity with me.
• Nice shoes: Much to my disappointment, sneaker culture isn’t really big here. I packed only a couple with me, and opted for bringing some nice flats or mules instead. Especially at night, it’s much more normal here to see lots of people wearing more formal shoes!
• Plenty of books: Though there are so many adorable bookstores here, I have yet to find plentiful options in English. Since my brain is operating in Spanish a lot of the time, it’s nice to have some easier reading material in my native language. This might be a controversial one, but I’ve found great comfort in the books I brought from home. But swapping with your friends here is also a great option!

I just did not need to bring these things:

• Wool socks: A niche one. I don’t know what I was thinking there. But it’s pretty warm here, at least for now, so I think only normal socks would have sufficed.
• Towels: Again, not sure why, but now my under-bed-storage is taken up by 3 (three!) extra towels that I did not need. Residences and homestays alike provide sheets and towels, and if you need a beach towel, I’d recommend buying one at the beach for about two euros rather than taking up precious luggage space. You don’t need to bring sheets either, which is really nice!
• Uncomfy shoes: I did say bring nice shoes, but definitely leave those uncomfy ones behind. There’s lots of cobblestones here, and if you’re having fun, you’ll be walking around a bunch. Certainly forgo cuteness for comfort while packing!

And as I mentioned before, there’s plenty of thrift stores to find cool fashion choices while you’re abroad. Shoutout to Mosaico, Ginger and Ropero Vintage for their lovely selections and awesome prices. So bring far fewer clothes (and things, in general) than you think you’ll need; take it from an overpacker. 

Hasta luego!

Lily