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I’m not a shopper on the best of days, unless it’s second hand. That’s a different story and I look for the deals. Yet with only 18 days left until I fly off to South Africa I’m whittling away at the final needed items. I’m really going to try not to over pack because each additional 50 pound piece of baggage costs $250.
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Highway 89 north to Prescott, Arizona
My shopping list was way too long with many stops, Wal-Mart, Costco, Safeway, Gateway Mall, Best Buy and don’t forget the thrift stores. So Berta and I went to Prescott, the town of plenty. The drive up sparkled with morning hoar frost on the junipers and pines. The Bradshaw Mountains showed a speckled green against the snow white background.
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At Noah’s Thrift store, which supports local animal groups, I headed for the display case with jewelry and collectables and the first thing I saw was a pair of sterling silver (SS) earrings in the shape of Africa. If that’s not coincidence enough the volunteer lady behind the counter lived in Johannesburg, South Africa for two years and was elated about my upcoming adventure. We chatted excitedly about places I should see until I realized time was slipping by and I had more shopping to do. I left with the earrings, a Sterling Silver ring set with something blue, and 5 articles of clothing for $5. Nice start.
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I was on the hunt for several very specific items. Like a new purse, as the strap loop on my old favorite tooled-leather purse broke while leaving the airplane in Houston last week. It will be repaired sometime like I already did to the other side. The second stop at a consignment shop solved that problem with a medium-large multi-pocketed leather bag that actually has organized space for all the stuff I feel the need to shlep around. This consignment shop, sorry can’t remember the name, carried top quality clothing and accessories at reasonable prices, not thrift store cheap. I also bought a sensually soft cashmere cardigan, light weight and warm. And a snood.
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Berta guided me safely through Gateway Mall for, things needed at a mall. I really dislike shopping malls and was thankful the place was almost deserted. Then we tackled Wal-Mart where I found a great travel bag and other items I need for the trip. We hit Costco for lunch and shopping, then Safeway for the rest of the groceries.
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Yet my most exciting buy was an Asus Eee PC Netbook at BestBuy. It’s such a cute and light weight little thing weighing in at just under 3 pounds.
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I’m still figuring it out. Needed an Ethernet cable which a friend picked up in town today to connect the Netbook to an external modem (yes it has WIFI but I don’t) so it will work here on dialup. What a waste. Maybe the next post will go out on it. So this will be my connection to the world while I’m in South Africa.
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The drive home was superb. And thus ended a busy and fun day shopping.
Love that leather bag. And that new computer is so cool!
Gaelyn;) I'm getting short of breath just thinking about your trip to my beautiful country, South Africa. What a wonderful find you had in all the purchases. I cannot believe that you found earings shaped like Africa and the shop assistant lived in SA! The bag is a great find (will mail you offline) and WOW to the computer. So nifty and light. You are blessed to find things like a good laptop secondhand. We have to buy new at exhorbitant prices. I also dislike malls, that is why I love it here in Khartoum – have to shop at spaza shops and in the market. My husband is taking me to the large Arabic souq market for my birthday tomorrow (BD only on Saturday but Friday is Sunday in Sudan!) (((Hugs))) Jo
Your trip to the mall didn't seem too bad after all:) Can tell you're getting excited about your trip to SA – I know you'll take many pics to share with us!!
Don't forget to ask what the electric current is there:)
What a beautiful synchronicity with the earings and the lady behind the counter! It is a sign that you are completely meant to be on this journey, and will have a most magical time!!
Getting everything rounded up for a journey is a process, but I find it makes shopping fun. There is a purpose behind the shopping, and even more fun is the wonderful deals that you find!
Everything you got is lovely, and what a cute little netbook!
I too ADORE thrift shops and consignment shops and marvel at serindipidous (sp?) finds like your earrings. I LOVED all these photos, especially when you showed your little ASUS!! I have one, too, that I use 'around the house' and when on trips. 'Ace,' as I've named him, came with me to India and has been to the US. Mine is white, but I really wanted a pink one, but they were out…
I am envious of your trip to Africa. I am envious of a trip anywhere these days. I like the adventure of shopping you had. And while I don't know what your trip is going to be about – shopping – hunting – photography – I can hope you have a safe go-around and get home soon.
Your computer color is the same as mine – a Gateway.
I am starting to feel your excitement about your trip to our part of the world. I can't wait to see you posts after you trip so to see my country through your eyes.
Gaelyn: Great to see you got your supplies as you ready for the trip to a neat place. It should supply tons of photos as will my trip later. to Europe.
Gotta love a good shopping day. This is so exciting, I can't wait to see pics of your trip!
those earrings are a wow…how lucky you were to find them. oh my i am still on pins and needles for my trip which is now 4 days away. the weather is a huge factor in whether or not i get out of here. dulles is back up and flights are going out however, many delays. my flight leaves at 5:30 pm on monday.
i was all excited last week and then the weather came along and kind of burst my bubble.
until later…take care my friend.
hugs, many hugs to you!
I'm so excited for you! When we went to Asia we packed a lot of lightweight clothes. But wow, $250 for one bag??? Let me know how you like your notebook. I want to get one but not sure what kind yet.
I can really see you with that bag, it's lovely and very you Gaelyn. And you are going to love your netbook, they're so handy.
Wow!!! I am excited for you about everything. The ear-rings are perfect and who said "What was meant to be–was meant to be". MB
Those soft, purple ear plugs are the best! I use that brand occasionally.
I was looking at those netbooks too before I purchased this laptop. There are more and more options to communicate on the go.
The earrings looked cool. I am sure you will find lots of treasures when you are in Africa too.
b
Wow, how exciting a trip to South Africa. Is this a vacation for you? An African safari is one of my dream trips. I can not believe how the airlines are charging so much extra for bags. I hope you have a great time and take a lot of pictures.
Shopping exhausts me, so I'm glad I only had to read about your finds, Gaelyn. Glad you have all the necessary supplies, including the new computer for your upcoming trip. Can't wait until you take us along to South Africa. Are you traveling with a group?
It hardly seems possible that it is almost time for your trip. I really like my netbook for travel. Your luggage prices are so high!!
What a neat shopping trip, I love the Africa earrings and the netbook. Also the snow on the ground is pretty and the last sky picture is awesome.
Some good purchases there…But i like that netbook the best…
Great for traveling!
South Africa…How great!!
Love, love, love the last photo.
I have a Eee pc. Mine is smaller, but we bought Chic one like yours (only blue) when she went to live with my friend.
I despise shopping,especially the mall. I go once every year or two only if I have to. Someone to guide you through was genious!