More packing...hats and sunglasses...?

[Michael]

Being the fashion mogul that I am (yes, that's right, not only am I a male, but I have about 30 pairs of shoes, 20 or so hats, and about 5 pairs of sunglasses...you know...typing that out doesn't make it look so good anymore), I like to be prepared but I'd prefer not to stand out too much.

I'm wondering if wearing my Team Canada hat (you know, the Maple Leaf with the guy with a hockey stick through the middle) is a little too...overt? Perhaps something a little less conspicuous maybe? The hat itself is nice black wool, fits well and is comfortable, plus it allows me to be patriotic (Go Canadian Hockey!) at the same time. But is it too much?

Regarding sunglasses...I'm one of those people that is a strong believer in proper eyewear. I find cheap sunglasses are just that...cheap. They're ineffective and probably do more damage than good due to squinting an ineffectual lenses. That's why I have four of nice glasses and a pair of cheapo Sears glasses...is there a concern with bringing a pair of the nice ones though? Should I fear theft, damage, overly touristy appearances? Will Dragons or Oakleys be subject to scrutiny?

I really know nothing of what it's like over there (which is one of the reasons why I'm going in the first place).

Thoughts?

[Kim]

Don't worry about it whatsoever. The minute you open your mouth, everyone pretty much knows you are from North America.

We had Roots sweatshirts (we didn't plan on taking similar ones, trust me I'm not into co-ordinating with my boyfriend!) and they had little maple leafs.. it was actually a good conversation opener.

Just think of it this way.. today when you were out - what were the strangers around you wearing? Probably can't remember, right? Same thing over there. Unless you are wearing a beaver pelt or some other wacked out thing, no one really notices.

As far as the sunglasses, I as well am into proper eyewear. Definately bring them. Just make sure you get a hard case that can take dropped, sitting on etc. if it happens. I had a hard case and it was fine - and I'm not great at looking after things like that!

Everyone is usually concerned about these things but really, like I said, no one even notices - until you speak. You might even run into an Swiss woman wearing a Toronto shirt that her granddaughter brought back for her.. you know what I mean?

Kim

[Michael]

Thanks Kim,

That was the common sense I figured would prevail, but not having the experience, I thought it prudent to ask first.

I think I'll take my Dragons with scratched lenses then, they're on their last legs anyhow, so if something does happen, I won't be nearly as upset as if they were my brand new ones.

And of course, Team Canada will be represented, I think I'll stay out of Sweden though, they weren't too happy with that last goal at the Worlds a couple of weeks ago!

Thanks,

Mike

[Kim]

LOL.. Sound like you and Patrick might be fast friends!
He needs another guy to talk hockey with around here - I'm afraid I just can't do it justice! ;D

Kim

[Patrick]

Yes, I know what hat you're talking about. You'll probably get a few, "hey you're from canada too! right on!"

Wear it in Switzerland, they'll love you. They always cheer for Canada in the Spengler Cup, even when they play host HC Davos they're usually cheering both teams on. They get a lot of Canadian imports over there.

I know you're kidding, but you'd probably meet a few people in sweden wearing some sort of Canadian hockey stuff

Sounds like a good idea to bring the old sunglasses too if they're on their last legs, besides that I'm probably the opposite of you in terms of clothes - I have two pairs of shoes, and my last pair lasted about 5 years (yeah, now you must think I'm nuts). So can't offer much advice there.

[Michael]

Good tips, thanks.

Now I have to try to figure out what to bring for a jacket, I want something that won't be too big and will be waterproof, but light enough to wear when it's just chilly and not pouring. Preferably without having to buy a new one.

Don't think I'll get away with that though.

I've decided that instead of one sweater/long sleeve shirt, that I'll take my water repellent long sleeve golf "shirt"...basically a light nylon shirt that you wear over something, it seems like it'll be the most versatile, in fact I'm almost thinking I could take it in lieu of a jacket...I'm sure I'm only thinking that until it starts to pour on me though...

[snorkelman]

If you want to fit it more than you stick out, a good rule of thumb is to not wear any clothing that has writing or insignias on it. Leave that darn maple leaf patch off your backpack too!

As for a jacket, consider a windbreaker that you have sprayed down with water repellant. I don't know about a water repellant shirt because such fabrib needs to breath and that would not really be too good to repell water, so opt for the lightweight jacket.

Don't think that you need a fancy Hugo Boss jacket. A cheap, $20 jacket should be fine. Combine that with your sweater/pullover and you should be fine for any kind of European weather from April - October.

[Frank]

Last year, my sister gave my SD Chargers hat to a kid at a temple in Wuhan, PRC. At first I balked at giving her the hat but the look on the kid's face was priceless.