Carmel-by-the-Sea Packing List Tips by Krystynn

Packing List

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Carmel-by-the-Sea is fortunate to be blessed with a moderate (temperate) climate.... But make no mistake, this is NOT Los Angeles and it is unlikely that you'll be really comfortable in shorts, especially in the summer..... when morning fogs are legendary!! So, bearing this in mind, besides packing your usual clothings, REMEMBER to also bring along a thicker jacket.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: DON'T forget to transfer all your toner, cleanser, night cream <i>et al</i> into small plastic containers - to save luggage space.

Photo Equipment: I usually bring along TWO/ THREE types of cameras with me and load them with TWO different types of films i.e. ASA200 film (for day) and the high speed Kodak 800 film for museums or places that do not allow flash photography.

So, the cameras that I'd bring are:
<ol>
<li> the Olympus mju Zoom (with wide-angle lens) which comes in silver metallic color. I usually use this camera for day photography. </li>
<li> the Pentax 150 Zoom which I use for places that does not allow flash photography. </li>
<li> the ultra-small Canon IXUS Zoom camera - smaller than the size of my palm (and it comes in a snazzy metallic silver shade). You can even hang this camera around your neck; frankly, it looks pretty cool this way too! This camera requires a special type of film (APS) to be used. And when it comes to having the photos developed, most photo processing centers take at least ONE WEEK to have my photos developed! So, this is my only gripe i.e. I can't expect to have my photos developed within 24 hours. Sigh. </li>
</ol>

Miscellaneous: DON'T forget to bring along your much-treasured ATM card to withdraw cash. Yes, no need to rush to the money-changers to change all your currencies into American dollars before your trip.

Just ensure that you adhere to the following steps:
<ol>
<li> Flip to the back of your local ATM card, do you see the logos 'Cirrus', 'Plus', 'The Exchange', 'Maestro' etc on it? </li>
<li> If the answer is 'yes', then you have absolutely nothing to worry about! </li>
<li> <i>Why?</i> Because you can withdraw cash from any ATM machines in U.S.A., no matter how obscure the town you're at is. </li>
<li> If you use this method, you'd also save alot on the interbank exchange rates. <i>Why?</i> Because you're using your OWN money. <b><font color=#CC0000>DO NOT withdraw from your Visa/ Mastercard account(s) because that would be treated as a CASH ADVANCE and you'd be slapped with a hefty fee!!</b></font> </li>
<li> And if you change your local currency into American dollars via a money changer, you will also be charged much, much more (<i>by them</i>) compared to a bank. Really. </li>
</ol>
I've actually used this method several times before and so far, no ATM machines in this world have failed me.... Yes, even at the remotest village in Africa! :-)) I promise.

<b><font color=#3300CC>Pic Below: A Map. See whether you can find where Carmel-by-the-Sea is located. <i>Your prize for guessing correctly</i>? A pat on the back from yours truly! :-)) </b></font>
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<p align=center><b><font color=#CC0000><font size=2>'<font size=5>A</font>ll the above is, of course, a gross simplification. There are deeper reasons to travel - itches and tickles on the underbelly of the unconscious mind. We go where we need to go, and then try to figure out what we're doing there.' </b> - Jeff Greenwald 'Shopping for Buddhas' </font>
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