Whenever I pack for a trip, I carefully choose my ear-rings and necklaces, wrap them in one of the travel jewellery sleeves my sister gave me, and stow them away. I choose make-up – the basics, but enough to make myself up for a night out. I select clothes for sight-seeing, and clothes for going out to dinner.
And then I promptly forget them. I may put on some decent clothes for dinner, but as often as not I throw on something casual and comfortable. After all, it’s not as if I’m going to see anyone I know, is it? That’s where the effort ends. A slap of make-up to reduce the redness in my cheeks is compulsory, but mascara? Eye shadow? What’s that? Why did I bother bringing it?
I guess I’m an optimist. I always hope I will be one of those glamorous travellers. I always fail. Well, almost always. I made an effort on our cruise. But in 29 years of being a tourist, I am the exception that/who proves the rule. Maybe in Rome I’ll make an effort. Let’s hope!
A Separate Life 