Month: June 2019

My First Week in Mexico City

Posted on by Schalonda

“Ive seen a few of these around the city but none quite as colorful. One thing Mexico City has no shortage of is colorful, artistic eye candy”

Discovering Chapultepec

I arrived in Mexico City the evening of June 19th. I’ve been exploring my neighborhood, primarily by foot, for the last week and I may have already found the brightest gem in the  City.

My first idea was to stay in the Zocolo neighborhood, the historic center of Mexico City, because it sounded like the perfect sight seeing location. But after further research, I opted for something less centrally located. Instead I chose a place close to a big park because I love parks and google maps said this park had museums and a zoo, which I have yet to visit.

Turns out this is not just “A park,” but it’s actually “THE park,” kind of like Central Park to NYC, and locals call it Bosque de Chapultepec or Forrest of Chapultepec.

Continue reading “My First Week in Mexico City” →

What’s in the bags?

Posted on by Schalonda

A Detailed list

It’s Tuesday, June 18th, the eve of my departure from the US to Mexico City. After much deliberation, My bags are finally packed for an indefinite journey and this is a list of my chosen “must have” items to start things off with. Anything else will have to be acquired along the road.

TLS Mother Load Rolling Weekender

Inner Suitcase

4 Tank Tops
2 Leggings
2 Skorts
3 Hiking Pants (capris)
2 Shorts
2 Tankini Tops
1 Short Sleeve Top  
2 Sports Bras
9 Underwear
5 Socks 
1 Hanging Toiletry Bag 
1 Scarf
1 Comb
2 Drawstring Ponytails
1 Chord Organizer
1 First Aid Kit
1 Sleeping Bag Liner
1 Pack 14 InkJoy Gel Pens 
2 Packs (16) Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Towelettes (10% picaridin)
1 Pack (15) Repel Mosquito Wipes (30% deet)
1 Laundry Bag
2 Microfiber Towels – M & L.

TLS Mother Load Rolling Weekender

Outside Pocket

1 Pair Sandals
1 Box 36 Staedtler Fineliner Pens 
1 Bag Liquid Toiletries
1 Journal
1 Toothbrush.

Pacsafe MetroSafe LS450

25 Liter Pack

1 Travelon Purse 
1 Universal Travel Adaptor
1 Canon PowerShot SX420
1 Mpow Bluetooth Earbuds w/ Carrying Case
2 iPhones 
1 Hiking Shoes
2 Socks
1 Capri Legging
1 Tank Top
1 Microfiber Towel – S
1 Laptop
1 Tablet
1 EasyAcc Portable USB Charger 
1 Toothbrush
1 A5 Soft Cover Sketchbook
1 Set 14 InkJoy Gel Pens – used 
1 CamelBak Stainless Steal Water Bottle – 40 oz. 

Packing My Bags

Posted on by Schalonda

 

An introduction

Im almost ready to pack my bags and these are the ones that will get me started on this journey.

 

 

Gonex Extensible Compression Packing Cubes –
$37, Amazon

Organization

This is a 6 piece set with XS, S, M, LG, Slim and a laundry/shoe bag. I’m new to packing cubes so I wanted a variety of sizes. I picked gray because it’s my favorite color and none of the other colors were to my liking.

 

TLS Mother Load Rolling Weekender –
$150, E-bags

Carry-on 

I chose this 22 inch wheeled backpack over the 45L Osprey Sojourn because this one came in a color other than black. As my luck would have it, not only did I get it on sale, I also got 20 airline rewards points for every dollar I spent on my eBags order by using a rewards shopping portal.

 

Pacsafe Metrosafe LS 450 25L –
$119, Amazon

Backpack

I read a in a Facebook group about someone getting their backpack slashed and I became obsessed with getting an anti-theft backpack. I wanted something with room enough for an extra pair of hiking shoes, clothing essentials and my camera, that also came in a color I liked. Comes equipped with a pocket that blocks RFID readers from scanning passport and credit card information.

 

Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Crossbody –
Gift from a friend

Purse 

My favorite kind of purse is a backpack, but they can be cumbersome when you’re out for a quick walk. I thought about getting a small Pacsafe crossbody purse, but decided to find something while on the road. As my luck would have it, I had lunch with a friend who gave me this Travelon crossbody as a happy travels/birthday gift. This one also comes with RFID blocking pocket.