Manicures and Mentos

things to pack with you on your next trip

Who brings a gel manicure kit to Africa? Sharon does. To bring is one thing, but to use is another, and for Sharon, a gel manicure set ended up being one of her most used items in her luggage. When it comes to travel, especially for a long time, jumpers and jeans are important, but perhaps things that give you a sense of yourself may be more important. Unchipped nails in Africa may not be a must for everyone, but for Sharon, a fresh coat was a small, but subtle thing that helped her feel herself, even as she was sleeping under the stars. 

Meet Sharon: a bubbly 28 year old Kiwi Korean with an uncanny ability to brighten up any room she walks into. Luckily for me, she walked right into room 1 — where we would be sharing a room for the next seven days on a surf and yoga retreat in southern Morocco. 

Beds chosen and bags opened, we began to settle into our new home. It was difficult not to notice the large volume of luggage Sharon had to sift through to obtain her togs (New Zealand slang for bathing suits). Answering before I asked, Sharon explained that she had spent the last six months abroad weaving her way between Africa and europe. I caught her on the tail end of her journey, and she was set to travel back down the pacific at the end of the week. 

Her fresh manicure was a gift that kept on giving when she would offer those around her the opportunity to see what a mani pedi can do. Perhaps this feeling is only amplified when you're using your hands to start a fire for dinner that night. 

Next on the list is chopsticks because “you can have an Asian experience anywhere.” This was when the pen and paper had to come out. Not only was she speaking my language, but Sharon was planting seeds of inspiration that I wanted to sow. carrying around salt is my culinary comfort, but adding chopsticks would take everything up a notch. 

Never not a giver, Sharon showed me her set of five and then gave me a high level overview of the dishes she kept in her back pocket to share with those around her. stars included steamed dumplings and stews, but noodles were the ultimate crowd pleaser. “everyone likes noodles” and to eat asian noodles with a fork would be like wearing flip flops on Everest: it’s just not right. a taste of home in unfamiliar places: and like a true professional, Sharon discovered that home tastes best when eaten with chopsticks. 

A medicine bag was also a critical addition (makes sense why). Some pills and potions were used for herself, but the majority of its use came from other people. Even during our time together, she was appointed to the medical profession of our group – stomach bug, sore throat, wounded knee – you name it, Sharon’s probably got something for it. 

A sponge because “people have different standards of cleanliness.” Touche.

A pocket knife named Polly also made many appearances, especially when it came to slicing and dicing fruit and veg. Unfortunately I never got to meet Polly the Pocket Knife because the Germans obtained her at airport security. 

Next came the craft bag, the pouch came out and my spine straightened, eager to discover what treasures she was about to unveil. 

Orange and green nails catching the light, Sharon pulled out googly eyes and double sided tape. a dynamic duo that has come together to give life to even the most dull inanimate objects: airpods, passport covers, vacuum cleaners (not packed, just at home) — “you’ll vacuum so much more, trust me.” Apparently Polly the Pocket Knife also had a pair that I would never be able to see. i hope at least the security courier was able to steal a chuckle as he confiscated poor Polly

Next to take the stage was a finger spy. What's a finger spy you say? 

better to show not tell no? Small and compact, it opened the door to new conversations and a few laughs from onlookers as she made her way snapshotted her way through her adventures. 

As for favourite travel snacks, Sharon’s a big fan of Snickers and Mentos. Snickers for their substance, and the latter for their share-ability and plain-delicious-ness. South Africa apparently boasted the best Mentos:

“What were the best flavours?”

“Just grape”

“Oh”

“But they had a lot of variety: green grapes, red grapes, and sour grapes too”

Doesn’t get much better than that hey?

There are two types of people in the world. those who go to the post office, and those who make an adventure out of it. A perfectly manicured nail crowned with a finger spy is one way to add a little seasoning into something that may be lacking a bit of flavour. making travel fun is what Sharon does best, and your fourth T-shirt won’t do that for you”