Yes. I am going to Japan in 1 day. Ichi Nichi. And I just got excited about the trip last week and right now I am packing.

The plane tickets had been booked since er, I cannot remember, a few months ago so I guess my enthusiasm was a long time coming. Packing used to be a luxurious affair with lists made. But when I started working, it is a speedy throwing of random clothes onto the bed and things in my toiletry bag the night before or the day I leave if the flight is in the evening.

There are sacrifices to be made. Between having a variety of outfits and packing light. Previously, I was a light packer. Just a few tops and even less bottoms and I am ready. Now, it is between packing light, compactable clothes and having enough space to bring home purchases made during the trip.

What suitcase will you bring? Which bags will you bring while out and about in the foreign land that you chose to explore? Everyone knows I have alot of bags. The heavy duty front runners this time round will be my Karrimor backpack and Stella MacCartney for Lesportsac rollie. Although the Tokyo trip is not a true backpacking one with hostel stays however, having been to Japan before, I believe that it is easier to navigate the long walks and lots of stairs from the train to the hotel with backpack. However, my backpack is only 40 litres as it is for kids and hence the very pink colour. My love for colours extend to my bags too, I cannot help but clash even my bags with my outfits. (Oh your eyes.) Having a brightly coloured suitcase does make it easier to spot it on the airport baggage claim roundabout. Therefore, to add extra space, the pop print rollie comes in handy, it can be carried abroad the plane so claimed the description online but when it arrived, I had my reservations. However, it was 70% off and as much as her father was my least favourite Beatle, I do adore her collaborations with Adidas and the past ones with Lesportsac and even Net-a-porter, plus her stint with Chloe. In comparison with the usual huge ass rolling suitcases, this one is half their size and expandable with tough nylon so hopefully, I will have enough space in the end plus an easier time with my load on my shoulders and toting a lighter suitcase up those stairs that keep the Japanese very fit.

My trusty Yellow Manhattan Portage messenger will be my on plane carrier to stash my iPod, Nitendo DS Lite and book besides other necessities for the plane ride. Yes, I have an extremely shot attention span, you should see the number of reading material I bring on a beach holiday.

The two Longchamp Le Pliages, so much loved on holidays because they are foldable will be coming along. The medium one to replace my messenger when I am tired of slinging it across my body and the large one to tote things that are fragile or will not fit into my suitcase on the way back. The large one is still not as large as one of those Le Pliages that real atas people travel with and use for their carry ons (the kind that a big dog can hide in), for I am attempting to ration the purchases made and not buy a bulky ridiculous thing that I am prone to doing in a foreign land.

Two really totally rad inventions that make travelling so much easier:-
1. Disposable dailies (no more heavy solution)
2. Disposable underwear. Yes, very auntie but very very hygienic and no need for pantyliners. Plus they toss away to make way for a new top or food or a new top and food.

Shoes! Tokyo is going to be freezing (by my definition) and this is the good time to bring out my sneakers. Singapore’s humid weather is not conducive for covered shoes so sometimes it does make sense to go to a cold place for an holiday so you can wear your many shoes and jackets (heh) that never see the light of day usually. I have my Scarlett Johansson for Reebok hi-tops, they were a sample score from Tangs (very bizarre, her ‘collection’ for Reebok never made it to the mass markets) to wear on the plane for warmth. I like Reebok hi-tops because they are colourful (of course) and easy to wear with the top secured by velcro straps so the laces do not have to go all the way up. Hi tops are not advisable to wear when shoe shopping or any shopping in fact that would require you to take off your shoes. My Adidas Minnie Mouse (white polka dots on red) strap shoes will join me for the anticipated very much walking. I was contemplating a pair of Doc Martens for the trip (in pink) however, the pre-requisite breaking in persuaded me not to.