Let's Talk About Packing

 Packing, packing, packing

I am the world's worst over-packer! My whole life I have always traveled heavily. However, when it comes to speech, I take the phrase "overpacking" to the next level. Because there are so many specific things I need for a tournament, it just takes me a lot of space and items. But this week I'm not packing for just any old tournament, I'm packing for the International Speech Tournament in Tokyo, Japan. That's right, I'm loading up my suitcases for the adventure of a lifetime! So let me give you a little glimpse into the tournament essentials I'll be bringing with me. 

Packing Suits

For this particular tournament, we will need two different suits. I decided to bring Bradley Red and Black to show some school spirit on the other side of the world. I also did this because both red suits and black suits are worn with black shoes and pantyhose, so it made packing easier instead of bringing both tan and black shoes, I could just bring black. I always try to bring suits that can both be worn with the same color shoes, for space-saving reasons. Now, I have a suit-specific suitcase, but it is really heavy, so I didn't want to bring it with me to Japan. However, I was struggling to consolidate everything into my one check bag. Luckily, I remembered for Christmas I was gifted packing cubes from my aunt...they are amazing!! I highly recommend everyone who travels invest in a set. They helped me separate suits vs. streetwear and smoosh everything into an appropriate amount of space. Now, unfortunately, my suits will be undoubtedly wrinkled, but I am hoping the hotel has an iron in the room. 

Other Tournament Essentials 

In addition to suits, I also needed to pack my black book (which I hold during my interpretation performances), my Impromptu notebook (which holds all of the examples that I use during IMP rounds), and my essentials kit (including, sewing kit, perfume, deodorant, notecards, lipstick, and pens). Luckily I could fit all of this into the same packing cube as my suits, so all of my speech things are in one cube instead of spread out. 

Non-Tournament Items 

Since we won't be competing for 24/7 I needed to pack a week's worth of outfits for exploring the city. I tried to pack solid colors and muted tones as it is respectful to the culture and easier to match everything in my suitcase. I brought an umbrella and mini backpack to carry around during the day. Also, I bought a new pair of comfortable *and super cute* tennis shoes for city exploring. 

I seriously cannot believe I am really leaving for Tokyo in the morning! I can't wait to tell you all about it in my next blog. But until then...

Talk Soon!