- As a native Californian accustomed to a non-smoking environment, even though I have smoking friends (smokin hot friends!) I was completely unprepared for the prevalence of cigarette smoke. Your hair, clothes, and skin will stink. It's gross but I can't change it. Hopefully this summer there will be some government mandated changes taking place but they're limited and few and not likely to be too effective.
- Building on the smoking theme, the air here is not what you Californios are accustomed to - at least not you north bay beautiful people. And the pollen is different. In order to protect yourself from dry irritable eyes and allergies bring some eye drops. And allergy pills - even if you don't have dry or irritable eyes or allergies. I'm serious about this. You'll be grateful. Also - pack a bottle of tylenol or advil or something. Yes, there is a version sold here, Brufen, in the lekarnas (not in a drugstore, there isn't anything drug related in the drug store) but the lekarnas aren't usually open in the evening or on Sunday or bank holidays - and those are the only time you'll need something.
- Shoes. Bring 2 pairs for walking - one pair may get wet. And lots of very comfortable socks - but hopefully not socks with sandals - you'll see when you get here. You're going to walk a lot. Your feet will hurt. If they don't hurt then you're not doing the tourist thing right.
- Sunscreen. It's expensive here and hit and miss with the brands. Bring what you like... when you're outside walking you're outside in the sun (hopefully).
- Converters - if you will want to charge your phone, ipod, computer, etc in an airport or during a possible out of the US extended layover then you will need one. If you are not staying with us you will need more than one. If you have no desire to lug that sort of electronic equipment around in your limited carry-on space, and are staying with us, well, we probably have the right kind of converter for you. There is one potential issue - and please go talk to Bernie at the Luggage Shop - heating appliances... hairdryer, hot irons, curling irons, etc. Most converters don't work well with those types of appliances. And quite often the converter is quite expensive. My suggestion - find out his thoughts and let me know... get a price quote. I'll let you know if I have what you need - and if it may be cheaper to just buy one here than it would be to buy the darn converter.
- Phones - take yours in to a local shop and get it unlocked. Then you can use our extra phone number, if I can still find it, or we can get you your own pre-paid card while you're here. Service is super cheap. I spend about 500kc per month on my phone... Coral maybe 200kc - the exchange is about 18.5kc to the dollar right now.
- Rain - yes, it quite likely will rain if you're coming at any time when it's not winter. Most often it is a rather warm rain. We have umbrellas. And sweatshirts. Don't worry too much about cold weather - we have a few things to lend and you can always get a super cool awesome jacket if you decide it's not enough. With that in mind, bring a light weight jacket at least and maybe a sweatshirt. Unless it's the summer and then you won't need anything warm really, it's rather humid here.
- Money - the best way to get cash is with your bank card. Bring some with you for the exchange so you have some right away, but then use your card for the rest. When you go to an exchange desk don't hand them the money first - ask how much they'll give you for it. The exchange rate and their fees should be posted clearly. Quite often there are two tiers based upon how much you're exchanging. Unless their calculation is at the higher tier and totally fair (NO FEES) tell them no start to put it back in you wallet and walk away. They'll usually recalculate it at a better rate. If they don't, well walk 100 meters and you'll find one that does. EVEN with the best rate the exchanges offer you'll usually get a better rate and lower fees by making a withdrawal from you bank.
- My house - well, I just flooded it and am hoping not to have too many repairs to deal with. We live near a metro station and a number of tram lines. You can walk to the city center in less than 10 minutes and my favorite church/square in less than 5. We live on the 3rd floor (4th floor if you're American) and each floor beneath has (yes, water damage, but, also) really high ceilings. We don't have an elevator. Everything that you bring with you will need to be carried up the stairs. It bites. While you are here I will ask that you help us carry groceries. I don't cook much, you're welcome to, but when I do cook it's nice to have carried up enough food to feed everyone. You will be sleeping in the living room on a futon. We have blankets and sleeping bags and a pillow or two. You can sleep as long or as late as you need to so long as you have keys. Without keys you're locked in the building. We don't have a tub, we have a shower... a small shower. It's maybe the size of your hall closet - no, quite honestly your hall closet is bigger. You may want to pack a towel. Rephrase - bring a towel... because... well, if you want to survive out here you've got to know where your towel is.
- Laundry - We don't have a dryer,we have a washer. It's a demon machine. It shreds clothes, makes new things look old and pilly, turns whites gray, and spewed water 6 inches deep across my kitchen. I hate it but I use it anyway. You are welcome to use it too, however I think someone should go downstairs to the witch shop and get some powder or something to release it from the voodoo curse. Or not. *
- Service in shops and restaurants - don't expect a smile. People tip based upon their satisfaction... while tipping is common here, it's not nearly as high as in the US. Most people I know think ten percent is fine, - some thing it's too high and just round up to whatever is convenient based upon the check and level and quality of the service and food.
- Batteries - more expensive here. If you might need some for your camera stock up. Anything you might need for your camera you should stock up on as all electronic related items are much, much more expensive here.
- Fashion - unless it's a high priority don't worry about it. Mullets and frosted boy band hair are big, as are tights with daisy dukes, nylons worn as leggings, thigh high stillettos, animal prints and bold color... and then some people wear the same shirt and pants 5 days in a row while others are always impeccably dressed. You may not fit in, but you won't stand out... You will get some awesome photos!
- Have a little bit of an idea what you want to see/do. Having a few things that appeal to you helps me to identify what else might be of interest. Be honest about what catches your attention - but also keep in mind that I'm not going to try to offer you something knowing it will be lame (some times things that are supposed to be cool just end up being lame, it's not intentional and I'm just as disappointed as you are). If you have every day planned out that's cool too, but it's hard when someone shows up (couchsurfers, this is directed at you) and hasn't taken the time to read up on the city/surroundings, and expects a handtailored guided tour from a stranger who hasn't an inkling as to where their interests lie. I am many things but your psychic tour guide is not one of them.
- Bring a razor. For some reason they're really expensive here. I hate it. A 4 pack of Gillette blades is around $20 USD.
There's more but I'm tired. I'll get back to this later. Hope it helps a few of you :)
* I was updating this... and my darn washer started leaking again!!! It wasn't the filter and it wasn't my fault, but there is water on the floor - just a little puddle and I've cleaned it - but this is ridiculous! I will continue this update another day.... to frustrated with inanimate objects at the moment.
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