This and that, or making it a home

We are developing a short, shared shopping list for new arrival.  Each location has it's own charms and quirks as we are discovering.  Because I love to cook and we are "living", not "vacationing", I brought and use US version silicone collapsing measuring cups and spoons.  That way I don't have to a) decipher all US measurements to metric for every recipe or b) count on each location to have a usable kitchen with any measuring cups and spoons.

In some cases, there aren't covers for pots.  In others, there are only two pans/pots.  In one location, not enough silverware to serve two people.  In another, no sharp knife.  In almost all, no storage containers or mixing bowls.  In almost no cases are there any kitchen linens.  In one case, not even a sponge.  Dish soap?  Yes or no.  Oven?  Yes or no.  Microwave?  Yes or no.

I've learned to improvise.  A lot.  The large pot becomes a mixing bowl, and a serving bowl if there's microwave popcorn to be had:)  Or those good quality plastic bags from grocery shopping could be a popcorn serving device.  If there are enough dishes/bowls, we buy plastic wrap to store leftovers.  In other locations, we buy small plastic containers with covers.  In the UK, they are identical to the take away containers you are handed in restaurants when you need a doggy bag.

Sponges, dish soap, plastic wrap, knives, kitchen towel to double as a pot holder, and sometimes even can openers need to be purchased at each location.  It depends.  In most cases, we ask the host to provide it.  We are learning to screen Airbnb better, as the "hotel/apartments" are not the same as someone's "home".  They suck.  You need to purchase everything from toilet paper to garbage bags for those hotel/apartments.  I wish Airbnb let you fine tune your search to eliminate them.  Although one actual "home" had the worst kitchen so far.  (I'm looking at you, Cancun)

Shampoo/conditioner, hand lotion, laundry soap, hand soap, dish towels, kitchen sponges, pot holders, paper towels, and the occasional knife and can opener all run less than $20 US in each country so far.  We have done laundry in house once, and had it washed and folded at two other locations.  Either way is fine.  A large box of tissues is what really makes it a home for the hubs though:)

For me, a good knife and a covered pot.  All is well.