Packing is difficult when you have lived in Dubai. I'm moving to Cambodia soon, and I have visions of me travelling light. In an ideal world, I would have a stylish capsule wardrobe that would take me effortlessly and fashionably around the world. I blame Dubai. Dubai and its fabulous opulence, Dubai and its affordable bling. Before Dubai, I could pack easily — a few summer dresses, a bit of sunscreen and a book or two — et voilá! But, before Dubai, I had never considered a wardrobe entirely dedicated to days on the beach. Nowadays I feel underdressed if I step into a swimming pool without earrings that rest on my shoulders.
But all of these accessories are incompatible with packing a suitcase efficiently. I have 30 kilograms of baggage allowance, and so far I think that my jewellery has already come to twice that amount. How am I expected to bring a bit of glamour to Phnom Penh if I have only got room to pack khaki trousers and vest tops?
Of course, if I had any real fashion sense, this wouldn't be an issue. I would have "versatile" pieces that would fold away beautifully in my Louis Vuitton trunk and would look equally fabulous in a bustling Asian market, as it would in an upmarket restaurant. However, since I don't have any fashion sense (or Louis Vuitton luggage), I will be slinging a few mismatched but cherished items into a backpack and then finding out that I am hideously overdressed for Cambodia. I'm a bit sad about this — I will miss living in a city, where spike heels and Swarovski crystal studded everything are de rigueur.
It is going to be a wrench. Being in the UK has felt like a holiday, and I still feel as if I'm moving back to Dubai. It is going to be a culture shock to be mingling with dreadlocked backpackers in Cambodian cafés, instead of stunning socialites at Dubai's endless launches but I have an inkling (as I sit here with wet-from-the-shower hair and no make-up) that I might fit in a little better.
But, as a little offering to the country that was my home for two and a half years, I'm going to try and take a little bit of the UAE's glitz with me (in the form of my totally unsuitable wardrobe). It will be my little rebellion against the typical South East Asia "traveller" look. This traveller is going to leave the hiking boots and anorak at home and turn up in Phnom Penh — in the middle of monsoon season — wearing tailored knee-length shorts, a beaded top and an arm full of bangles. Dubai, I'm going to make you proud.
