The sophisticated traveler.

I bought a poncho two days ago.

Not just any poncho, mind you. This one puts the "Aye!" in "Aye Dios mio!"

I could end this post after the above sentence because, frankly, nothing really good can come out of a story that begins "I bought a poncho yesterday."

But I won't.

Instead, I'll mention that yes, it is a tad ugly and out-of-style. I wouldn't say that it's hideous -- but I would definitely say it's a bit more Native American¹ than my usual attire.

Still, I can honestly say that this silly poncho has brought me an immense amount of joy during the past couple days. You see, this poncho is basically a glorified blanket. And, for someone who is as sleep deprived as myself, its tight knit is more comforting than its out-of-style looks are unsettling.

But why did I buy it in the first place?

I purchased it for our trip to Canada. My reasoning? Well, there is just something about a vacation that brings out "weird Mena" -- the girl who thinks that a new, odd piece of clothing will make the trip seem more liberating and exciting.

Somehow, I think that in Canada or Washington the Poncho will somehow be less ugly, less unflattering and more importantly in style.

But, as Ben pointed out -- the combination of my new haircut and this poncho simply makes me look like a child from a "Save the Children"² campaign. So, unless I'm planning for Central American travel, I can definitely count on not blending in.

¹ I'm not knocking Native American dress. There is just a time and a place for certain styles.

² While it probably isn't appropriate to joke about the Save the Children campaign, I can say that we do sponsor a child in Central America (If that makes the comparison any less offensive).

Comments

[Kristen]

Heh. When you said 'poncho' I had visions of a large yellow waterproof rain coat. Just as well you included a picture, or I really *would* start to think you were wierd ;)

[kismet]

Somehow, the word "poncho" always gives me images of the foreigners in Disneyland that wear big yellow plastic deals to go on Splash Mountain so they don't get wet.

[Erica]

I think it's nice.

[Paul]

I think someone needs an Urban Sombrero, now. Muy bueno!

oooh now I wanna try to make one

[megan]

oooh now I wanna try to make one

[denise]

i knew exactly what you meant when you said poncho. heh. i do the same thing. for last summer's california roadtrip i bought the road trip purse, a HUGE blue bag with a kind of 50's tropical print. road trips make me think of lolita and the wigwam motel and diners.

[Jen]

I like it! I bought a poncho the other day, too. But mine is just grey.

[Jerry Kindall]

Few people know that the poncho was invented by Poncho "Bob" Villa, the famous Mexican revolutionary and home-improvement expert. Of course, the reason so few people know this is because it is completely false.

[Christine]

It looks like a cozy sweater/poncho combo. And ... Urban Sombrero ... I can't stop laughing! Too funny, I think that would complete the travelin' woman look! Seriously, I think it's cute. And you're traveling - so it's not like you'll see anyone you know anyways!

[beth]

Just thank god it is not neon and roll up into a fanny pack (although could there be anything more practical for travel?)

[Karla]

It's adorable and "it suits you" as my friend Anna, the Greek diplomat would say.

Your haircut makes you look like Amalie, as in the new French movie by the same name. Conscious decision?

[fairycakes]

Luv - you look like a total cutiepie