I found myself in the middle of a raging internal debate in the hair care aisle of CVS yesterday. The subject of this intense mental battle: Do they have good shampoo in Dublin?
This is a foolish question. 95% of me says, "Yes, don't be a dumbass, of course they have decent shampoo in Dublin. Ireland is not a third-world country. You will not have to make your own soap out of pig fat and wildflowers. You will be amongst civilization."
But the other 5% was wondering if it would be able to find a shampoo that moisturizes and smells good, or if everybody just uses Irish Spring?
Which led me to another question: Am I just another ignorant, spoiled American?
Answer: Yes.
The first rule of packing for study abroad, I've been told, is to pack only what you will need. The rational, logical part of my brain, the 95%, says I do not need to bring seven pairs of shoes, ten books, three toothbrushes, or any amount of moisturizing/scented hair products. I have a limited amount of luggage and can buy toiletries when I get there. (I like to anthropomorphize this part of my brain as an awesome person who can kick butt but also cook really well).
The other little part of my brain, that 5%, is apparently the kind of American tourist that wears a fanny pack and a safari hat and cuts in front of other people in line at tourist traps. The kind who doesn't think it will be able to find good shampoo in a modern European country.
The logical 95% won out the shampoo battle, and as I walked through the parking lot to my car, I was faced with another dilemma: how do I kill the other 5%?
I've never been to Dublin before but I'm pretty sure fanny packs and line cutting are not going to fly.
I need to be a tourist without being a tourist.
So I made a list:
How to Be a Tourist Without Being a Tourist, In 3 Easy Steps:
1. Wait in line.
2. Buy Irish shampoo.
3. Do not, under any circumstances, wear a fanny pack.
By following this list, I can guarantee I will not be an ignorant, spoiled American tourist. Except for mispronouncing Irish words. And not knowing where anything is. And not knowing the exchange rate. And not knowing the metric system...
