Yesterday, I went into MINISO to purchase yet another skincare storage item (the one on the left). Then, I set about packing for a short trip to Dubai.

Yes, I’m still in the Peace Corps. Volunteers now receive annual vacation leave. It wasn’t done this way, the first time I served, in the 1980s. Back then, the school term ended and we just went with it. There were no forms to fill out or vacation days to subtract from a balance sheet. There was also no Internet, cell phone service, or any real way to keep track of volunteers.

I have fond memories of traveling overnight on the Lunatic Express, the famous Nairobi to Mombasa train route. My spring breaks were always on the Indian Ocean, in the beach town of Malindi. After a few days there, I would make a side trip to the Gedi Ruins, before finally reaching Lamu island, an original Swahili settlement, founded in 1370.

Today, my vacation packing has turned into items to wear “plus” three bags filled with skincare products? For this short trip, I packed a day routine bag, a night routine bag, and a miscellaneous bag with lip balms, facial masks, and wipes. Then, I picked up my bag!

So, … I’ve repacked for Dubai and my skincare routine is staying at my site. Don’t worry Dior. My City Defense SPF 50 is in my handbag. Now, this post is not to say that I no longer believe in or want to follow a skincare routine. I’m just not trying to lug that routine, from my site to the airport, this time around.

Have you ever taken a skincare break? Let me know in the comments section below.

Dubai Duty Free, here I come! –kj