JessicaRulestheUniverse.com

Today’s theme is travel because I have to get up early to appear at the foreign affairs department to renew my passport. I filed my passport renewal form online (Go to http://citizenservices.com.ph/dfa/requirements), then I got an email confirmation that my application had been received, then a courier picked up my old passport, new photos, and fees (Php1300). One personal appearance is required for the new passports, but I was assured that it’ll be quick.

I feel antsy without my passport because what if I have to fly to Belgrade at a moment’s notice? True, I’ve never had to fly to Belgrade at a moment’s notice, but the lack of precedents has never bothered me.

In 2009 I only got to travel once, and I intend to make up for it in 2010. My gear is ready. I found a great big bag at Adora that folds into a hardcover book-size pouch.

Extra Big Bag, folded

Extra Big Bag, open

A friend gave me these highly-visible, nearly-indestructible, reusable luggage tags so I can spot my bags the moment they roll out.

Luggage tags

I always get nervous at the baggage carrousel because a few years ago I landed in Rome but my suitcase stayed in Paris. Fortunately it was summer, and I had clothes in my carry-on knapsack, but it was a pain calling Alitalia ten times a day and being told that my luggage was on the way to the hotel. It did follow me to the hotel—in Udine, five days later. If I had not called ten times a day my suitcase would probably be a permanent resident of Paris by now. (I still have it, but it’s worn out now and my cats use it as a scratching board.)

Portable USB travel kit

From Travel Club: A set of USBs of every conceivable size.

Carry-on kit

And since airlines have all these regulations about liquids and gels, here’s a transparent plastic zip-top kit with refillable bottles that can hold the prescribed volumes.

I like traveling alone.

* * * * *

They said the personal appearance requirement at DFA would be quick. I got there at 8am, someone from Teleserv took my receipt, I went to the window to sign the form and affix my thumbprints, and I was out of there in two minutes! No queues, no aggravation. Amazing when something works. My new passport will be delivered to me in ten working days.