My Hat

I just want to talk about my hat for this trip.

It's pretty styling, as you can see. When we do get to Italy on October 10th, 2011, we will fly into Milan, the fashion capital of the world. So I'll want to be styling, and what better way than this sweet cap from REI? It's beige-y, which accentuates my eyes, and the brim belies a fashion statement that reads: "things are going well."

It is functional - that fashionable brim also blocks the sun to the tune of SPF 45, dude. The mesh on top allows for easy scalp-breathing, and an adjustable string keeps the hat on my head in cases of windiness. But the BEST part is definitely the Back-Of-The-Neck Protector. The B-O-T-N P can be deployed while working the farmlands to protect against the elements. And bees. "What about the front of the neck?" you ask. To which I say: the B-O-T-N P has snaps so you can pull up the back corners around your collar! It is truly the answer to all prayers.

This hat is easygoing. It dries fast and packs flat. It can be folded for a while without losing its structure. This is a hat for the guy on the go.

I have selected this hat as the subject of my first travel post, because this is how I am approaching this adventure. Right now it's my last day of work at my easy desk job where I've been for four years. I am scared out of my mind to leave my income, my home and my friends to go to a country I've never seen before with nothing but a carry-on bag.

But, guess what, here we go - and I will be styling, functional, and easygoing.