Manila Shopaholic in France
Yes, I know that I have been on hiatus lately but that’s because of 2 things. First of all, I have been terribly busy with something new at work. Secondly, I have been trying to settle in my new “home” for the next 3 months here in France. Yes, France – the land of shopping and all things beautiful. BUT, mind you, I don’t think I’d really be able to shop around here because of the exchange. The exchange rate of a whopping 1 euro is to PHP60 (approximately).
It’s actually kind of hard to compute this particular exchange rate. After being so used to multiplying dollars to pesos, you kind of try to get used to using your calculator and multiplying the amount by 60. Habits are truly hard to erase.
After a grueling 14 hour flight to Amsterdam and an hour flight to Strasbourg, shopping and trips were the last thing on my mind. When I first found out that I was leaving, I was searching the internet about where to go and what to shop for. Where to buy things and what are the nice malls. This is somewhat a ritual that I used to do whenever I would have trips. But this time, the nearer I was to the date of my departure, the harder it was for me to plan anything. It was like everything was out of my control.
Manila Shopaholic at the Plane
Manila Shopaholic and Friends in the Plane
I didn’t expect that once you get to the place, you wouldn’t actually feel that you’re in that place. So, that’s why it’s called a business trip. Cause you really wouldn’t feel like you’re in a different place. It was just like changing jobs for me. Something like moving from my Ortigas office to the Fort Office. Except that it was cold and that I didn’t have my family with me. Yes, pretty sad but I know it’s going to be a learning experience. A pretty GOOD one. SHOULD BE A GOOD ONE.
If ever you’re going to land in the Amsterdam Airport – Schipol Airport – make sure that you check out their Duty Free if you have time. They have a lot of stores in the airport and one of the things that you should watch out for are the perfumes. A friend of mine was able to get 2 bottles of perfume for the price of one which is a pretty good deal. Aside from that, they said that the formulation of perfumes in Europe is far better than anywhere else in the world. Why so? It lasts longer.
Manila Shopaholic in France
Manila Shopaholic and Friends at Schipol Airport, Amsterdam
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to buy any because I was carrying a lot of things. Learning: Always pack light. I know I should have but fitting 3 months of your life in 1 23kg bag and a hand carry is really impossible for me. But if you’re in a trip, pack light and shop there. One of the best advices that I read somewhere about packing: bring only half of the things that you think you need and bring double the amount of money that you think you need. BEST advice ever.
Oh! And before I forget, I just wanted to share this picture I took in the plane. This is in line with packing light. This pack contains 5 bags – brush and co, socks and co, plugs and co, drugs and co, bling and co. Smart, huh?
Pack and Co
Pack and Co
I <3 this! ;)
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