The San Francisco Bay Area is famous for its fog, and that fog plays tricks with its weather. Many ASNE Institute participants cheerfully filled their suitcases with tank tops, sunscreen and sexy sandals while enjoying the heat of their regions’ early summer weather. Little did they realize they might not be darkening their tan at their destination.
“Summer in Berkeley is winter everywhere else, and for some reason, you are automatically supposed to know that,” said Carmen Jones of Memphis, Tenn.
Packing for a two-week trip takes forethought, and the survivors of the Institute had these tips for future travelers.
WHAT TO BRING
Weighing in as the No. 1 item to bring was a sweatshirt or all-occasion jacket. Experienced Cal Bear students recommend layering: a sweatshirt, t-shirt and shorts.
“Think layers,” said Tracy Payne, San Jose, Calif., teacher and Berkeley grad. “With many hills, walking Berkeley can get your body temperature up, so light clothing becomes preferable. Classrooms are not air-conditioned and can be warm. But, with the ocean breeze so close, once you are settled for a while, your body temperature goes down considerably, and sweatshirts or sweaters come in handy.”
A close second was walking shoes.
“I cannot stress enough — bring tennis shoes!” said Julie Linderleaf of Lansing, Mich. The journalism school where the institute is held is a 10-minute walk from the hotel across a hilly campus, so tennis shoes work better than heels.
Other top choices were technology-related: laptops, digital cameras, flash drives and CDs on which to download materials. Computer labs are available but walking alone at night is not recommended, so a laptop in the hotel room comes in handy for homework.
Participants also wished for their school newspaper’s policy statement and favorite lesson plans, which are required as Institute assignments.
Samatha Sage of Farmington, N.M., suggested obtaining a city, campus and Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) map before arriving.
Linderleaf pointed out there is a brand new dollar store three blocks from campus, which is an excellent source of anything you forgot to pack.
Other things to pack included hair care items that deal with humidity, and one participant longed for her pillow.
WHAT TO LEAVE
The No. 1 unneeded item was pleasure books. Leslie Krebs of North Little Rock, Ark., said her pleasure reading should have stayed home. “As if I thought I’d have free time for reading!”
Fred Peel of Kappa, Hawaii, said many of the Institute books could be read ahead of time to avoid packing them.
Too many changes of clothing were deemed unnecessary. Laundry services are available at the hotel and the nearby area. Claudia Walker of Fayetteville, N.C., suggested color-coding outfits to avoid bringing too much. “Pack only half of what you think you need.”
Participants did not worry about making fashion statements. Jeans, capris and t-shirts were the norm. “Pack light. They mean casual when they say casual!” said Amy Kushner, Bethesda, Md.
“Pack informal clothes and one set of more formal attire,” said Joe Byrne, Gettysburg, Pa. More professional attire is suggested for the field trips into San Francisco.
“Plan ahead, instead of throwing everything in,” warned Kim Lucostic, Missoula, Mont. “I had to pay $25 because my bag was over 50 lbs.”
Book bags are not necessary as the Institute provides a quality, soft briefcase-style bag, said Melanie Allen of Phoenix, Ariz.
Kristi Piper of Danbury, Tex., had the final word on what to leave at home: “My big butt which had to be hauled up that hill every morning.”
WHAT TO LEAVE ROOM FOR
With all you save by packing wisely you’ll have room for the newly acquired items participants planned to bring home: handouts, resources, sample newspapers, books, Berkeley sweatshirts and California wine.
“Books, books, books,” said Jocelyn Pinkerton, Chicago, Ill. “There are great book stores that are deeply tempting.”
Becky Ollar, suggested space bags to make the most of suitcase space, and Peel said to pack bags within bags.
Piper said, “It’s your brain you’ll need more room in, not your luggage.”
Katy Ingwersen suggested mailing items home. The UpBC store provides UPS, FedEx and postal services across the street from the Hotel Durant at 2590 Durant Ave. “We offer the lowest UPS retail shipping price,” said manager Connica Wong. The store provides boxes, tape and anything needed to ship home.
FINAL WORDS — FOOD
Food was an issue of discussion, as some participants had not experienced California cuisine.
Sage suggested bringing regional snacks since you can’t count on finding them.
Pinkerton praised the fare and said she should have left her microwave food at home as participants are definitely well fed. “If you were raised on mayonnaise and French fries, get over it for two weeks. They don’t eat those things here. They eat fruit and whole grains, and they’re going to generously share them with you all day long.”