Go to the other side of the world.
This now seems like an unattainable dream. An unreasonable dream even considering the health situation and the state of the planet. So, since we can't anymore, I wanted to immerse myself in the memory of the times when I had traveled far: to South-East Asia for example. And more precisely in Cambodia in February 2019.
I remembered the things that had gone through my mind while packing my suitcase. I also thought about the suitcases packed there, the difficulties I may have encountered in terms of clothing, beyond the simple heat which was so extraordinary for me and so ordinary there.
The ideal suitcase does not exist but I think I made one not too bad. In any case, it corresponds to my way of traveling and I'm sharing it with you today in this video.
I'm wearing a BonneGueule shirt and cardigan .
Striped shirt - Hartford
On the Phnom Bokor hill in Cambodia
A shirt bought a little at random, quickly on Mr Porter to test. And like I say in the video, there's something about this shirt. I couldn't really explain it. I particularly like how the fabric falls.
It's my summer shirt that I'm not really afraid of ruining. I wear it with Bermuda shorts and sandals. But I can also wear it with dress pants and loafers.
Its versatility makes it very useful.
Cotton shirt - Officine Générale
There are disadvantages to living in Paris: the heatwave in an apartment, transport on strike or crowded and so on.
There are advantages to living in Paris: you can access clearance sales for brands you like. Among other things.
And it was at an Officine Générale clearance sale that I found this shirt. She has a small brownish spot on her chest but it's not disturbing. It is made in a very light cotton, whose nicely faded color now always gives me a lot of pleasure to wear in summer.
The rest of the year, it goes very well with bleach jeans.
Linen shirt - Uniqlo
Sunset atmosphere in Kep.
I bought this Uniqlo shirt just before I left for Cambodia.
If I appreciate its sand color, I deplore its more than approximate cut and its material which makes you warm despite its natural composition (100% linen). It's a little too thick and probably woven too tightly. Additionally, linen is very rough against the skin.
That doesn't stop me from smiling in the photo.
Leather sandals - Birkenstock
In the Tegallalang rice terraces in Ubud, on the island of Bali.
It took me a while to make the jump to Birkenstocks. However, even though I won't wear them in the city , I have to say that on vacation, it's really useful and comfortable . Plus, I love the aesthetic look with loose pants, especially in profile.
I plan to buy Saint-Tropez-type sandals later like the Rondini , La Botte Gardiane or Bleu de Chauffe .
One of the drawbacks is the questionable tan marks they leave on the feet. But I think we can live with that.
Seersucker pants - Edwin
These pants have accompanied me on all my travels. These are the ultimate summer pants: loose cut, light material. As I explain in the video, he was badly bitten by the sun. The suns in fact!
Sometimes I even wear it at home to hang out on Sunday mornings. I put my hand in my pocket and found grains of sand. Where do they come from ? I travel in thought.
When he dies I will find another one to replace him because he is very versatile.
Vintage bandanas
I always carry one or more bandanas with me. They allow me to protect my face, neck and neck when I am on the scooter for a while and exposed to pollution, dust and the sun. It is convenient.
And then, we're not going to lie, it gives a little adventurous side which doesn't displease me. But I insist, it is above all because they are practical that I bring them with me.
Vintage Italian army Bermuda shorts
Here, the Bermuda shorts are worn with a Swann & Oscar shirt
I already talked about these Bermuda shorts in this episode of Panache . It was the first Bermuda shorts that I enjoyed wearing. Before, I spent my summer in pants. And the few Bermuda shorts I had didn't excite me and I almost never wore them.
These vintage Bermuda shorts always accompany me when I travel far and it's hot. I'm not afraid of damaging it and it goes with everything. This is what I look for in travel clothing.
My Canon 550d camera
It was released in 2010. It's starting to happen when we talk about technology.
First I started shooting with automatic mode. Good. The photos were okay but they weren't Cartier-Bresson either. I quickly realized that I was going to have to put more effort into it.
I remember starting my apprenticeship. Then I quickly gave up. This abandonment earned my Canon a long, long stay in the closet. Which, for a camera must still be a little frustrating.
It saw the light of day again in 2019. Dormant for a good five years. That year, I shook myself off and went for it with the help of Luke, our videographer. And I had a lot of fun there. Since then, whenever I have the opportunity I bring it with me.
I'm planning to buy a new lens but the prices are astronomical. I'm afraid it's not compatible with my clothing budget... Either I make choices, or I have to increase my purchasing power... What if I googled "get rich quick"...
Sunglasses - Sun Buddies
I was looking for big, inexpensive black glasses to take on vacation. I found these on Mr Porter on sale. Final price: around fifty euros. I said bank.
They fell to the ground a few times. I know for a fact that in one or two years they will be broken or lost. I have already mourned the predictable unexpected that will happen to me. What we cannot control, we must accept.
BONUS: Goruck backpack
I am a simple person: for everything technical, I turn to Benoît. And Benoît, in his article concerning his trip to Mongolia , points in one direction and it is this Goruck bag. So here’s what I’m aiming for now to perfect my gear list .
It's not more complicated than that. All the technical details of this bag are in Ben's article. I'm beaten, I couldn't do better, so I invite you to read his informed and enlightening prose.
