Tom, Tammy, and Vincent last night when we all said goodbye. |
While preparing today's post and our final expenses, we decided to include not only our living costs during this six week period but also how much we spent on replacing our wardrobes in their entirety.
Vincent's teeth were hurting a little after the morning's visit to the orthodontist. But, he enjoyed his meal (I forgot to take a photo), his chocolate milk and time afternoon and evening with us. |
We've found clothing purchased in many countries to be less durable at the prices we're prepared to pay. Even in Australia, with their modern stores, where the cost of many items was two to three times higher than a similar product in the US.
Tammy and Vincent at Avenida with us last night for dinner. |
When considering that we've spent $2,062.79 for both of us for all of our new clothing and shoes, replacing almost every single item, that translates to only $1031.40 for each of the two years at a total of $515.70 for each of us per year. That's very reasonable.
Expense | US Dollar |
Hotel - 42 nights | $ 4,494.00 |
Flight + Bags-Seattle to MPS | $ 478.20 |
Rental Car | $ 1,758.00 |
Fuel | $ 390.16 |
Clothing to restock luggage | $ 2,062.79 |
Restaurants | $ 1,502.29 |
Grocery | $ 294.13 |
Pharmacy, luggage, misc. | $ 1,983.68 |
Laundry, tips for hotel staff | $ 368.94 |
Total | $ 13,332.19 |
Avg Daily Cost | $ 317.43 |
Of course, everything we purchased was a bargain when Macy's was practically "giving away" quality, name brand items during a number of sales. Add a trip to the Albertville Factory Outlet Mall and we replaced everything.
Another expense listed on today's final expenses as shown here as "pharmacy, luggage, toiletries, misc." included hundreds of dollars I'd spent for expensive probiotics that I will continue to take over the next six months and the replacement of expired and/or dwindling supplies of toiletries, cosmetics, and over-the-counter emergency medications. It all added up quickly.
These types of expenses will continue to be necessary when we return to the US. With the high cost of shipping items to us, we've decided to wait to make purchases if at all possible. Although, at times, we'll have no choice but to continue to ship items we may urgently need such a replacement laptops and other digital equipment we unable to find outside the US that suits our needs.
Tammy's tacos looked amazing with the blue corn taco shells in the metal holders, rice, and beans on the side. We've noticed how big portions are in the US as compared to other countries. |
This morning we completed our packing, weighed our bags and headed out to a nearby Goodwill store to drop off our old clothing and shoes. In the afternoon, we'll take off to say goodbye to more family members.
With all but the third checked bag already packed and weighed, tomorrow morning won't be stressful especially when we'll leave the hotel two hours before out flight. Tom, the proverbial early bird, prefers to arrive long before necessary and I go along willingly (without complaint) to avoid adding to his usual "travel day" stress.
Tom ordered his usual sweet and sour chicken without peppers. |
Yesterday, we spent the afternoon with grandson Vincent and met up with Tammy for dinner at our favorite Avenida, an Asian/Mexican fusion restaurant not far from the hotel where we dined on many occasions. The four of us had a pleasant dinner while I took today's included photos.
I ordered my usual chopped salad minus corn, minus beans, and minus tortilla strips with a side of shredded beef and sour cream. As always, it was delicious. |
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Photo from one year ago today, July 6, 2016:
This, dear readers so much bespoke Vietnam in today's world. For more Vietnam photos, please click here. |
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