Every seasoned chef understands the importance of 'mise en place.' This French culinary term translates to “putting everything in place.”
I’m no seasoned chef, but I’d definitely say I’m a seasoned traveller. I believe the principals of discipline and organization that mise en place calls for, is just as important when travelling around the world. Especially with the type of travelling I do.
In cuisine, mise en place looks like this:
-gathering your ingredients
-having them measured, mixed, peeled, grated, sliced, etc. before you start cooking
-setting out the tools, utensils and equipment that you will use
-keeping your station tidy, clean, and stocked
This prep allows you to handle the rush and execute your recipe successfully.
Anthony Bourdain, both a seasoned chef and traveller (and a big inspiration!!), emphasizes just how essential mise en place is in his book, “Kitchen Confidential”:
As a cook, your station, and its condition, its state of readiness, is an extension of your nervous system... The universe is in order when your station is set up the way you like it: you know where to find everything with your eyes closed, everything you need during the course of the shift is at the ready at arm’s reach, your defenses are deployed.
When you know you have what you need in its right place and ready to go, you foster the ability in yourself to keep a calm and collected demeanour to handle life as it unfolds.
I bet that most people reading this know I’m out travelling in South East Asia right now and making my way to India. This first post aims to share my take on the importance of mise en place in backpacking terms with you. And it’s not just about the items you need, but extends to research, awareness, and demeanour.
Research:
Once I’ve chosen a destination, I check the documents required for entry. These can include a tourist visa, a passport that doesn’t expire soon, and more recently proof of vaccines. I get my visa in advance when I can, so I’m able to save time at airports and make for a smoother arrival.
Packing:
A good travel backpack is essential. One that has different sections and pockets. I like to have the items in my bag compartmentalized. I seperate clothes to keep them clean, toiletries in a good case, books slid down the back. This keeps your bag organized and tidy. You can visualize where everything is, and it saves you time finding a specific item.
I have a specific hidden pocket to hold my passport and other important documents, so that I can access them easily when needed. And I always like to know exactly where they are for security and my state of mind.
I pack what I need to be comfortable in where I’m going, but I also make sure to wear things that are familiar to me. Things that make you feel like you. This can go a long way in making yourself feel secure. For shoes, I always wear vans, as it’s in my nature. They’re great for the walking and exploring that I do, with a thick, solid sole, and the high tops provide good support. But do dress for the terrain you're travelling to, or buy what you need when you get there. Keep your body healthy and safe. This goes for products and first aid you may need as well. What can't you go without? You'll have to take these things into consideration.
I always bring a journal/notebook to record my thoughts, observations, directions, anything that I may need to write down!! A note from a loved one in your book can go a long way to give you strength when you need it. :D Also, bring a good book for the plane, layovers, other transit times. Travelling is a great time to consider and reflect on stories.
I bring a day pack, which allows me to just carry what I need like water, sunscreen, raincoat, notebook. I can leave the rest of my things locked up where I’m staying. And “the rest” is totally a personal choice, how much or little do you need? And this choice may totally change over the course of your travels. Adjust your mis accordingly.
Unpacking:
I unpack whenever I can. When I'm staying in a place for more than a few days. It helps you to feel at home. You get to rearrange your mis en place to fit the space, set it up how you like. It helps when you're planning out the next part of your trip too. This is another layer to your mis en place: how much in advance do you want to plan?
Etiquette:
I can’t emphasize this one enough. Research what proper etiquette looks like in the country and region you’re travelling to. There are different things that dictate proper etiquette. Whether you agree with it or not, trust me, you don’t want to attract any unwanted attention or disrespect anyone. Etiquette can look like wearing long pants, covering your hair, taking your shoes off when entering a temple or house, not taking pictures in certain places, making/avoiding eye contact. Even how you eat your noodles is a matter of etiquette. Don’t assume anything, and just ask if you’re not sure what to do.
Language:
This is an extension of etiquette. Before reaching a destination, I do my best to learn the basic language. Phrases like hello, how are you, please and thank you, numbers. Have them written in your notebook or on your phone for easy access in case you forget. This will take you far and demonstrate respect to the locals. You can pick up more vocabulary along the way if you’re planning for a longer stay.
Timing:
One thing I’ve learned is to plan to arrive at a reasonable time of day, not the middle of the night. Set yourself up to be in a good, lively mood when you arrive.
$:
What is the currency? I like to bring some cash for the initial cab or transit fare and familiarize myself with the exchange rate.
If you organize yourself well, you will be equipped to handle whatever comes your way in foreign places. You have awareness at the ready, and language to engage with. Your mind will remain calm, and allow your senses to take in all that is exciting, interesting, surprising, even shocking in your new surroundings.
Most people I’ve worked with in service love the rush: you get to push yourself and your abilities to come out successful on the other side of the challenge. Travel creates that same rush for me, especially if I've put the right effort in.
A calm mind makes way to an open mind. Open to see the world in a new light. And open to discover and appreciate just how many ways there are to make a meaningful life.
Over time, I've incorporated certain practices into the mise en place of my travels. I like to think of them as rituals that maintain my zen and grow my awareness. For instance, the first thing I do in a new country is always the same. And each morning and night, I practice gratitude by asking myself certain questions and recording the answers. This way I can see how my mind changes and evolves over the course of my travels. More on this later.
For now, I’m stepping into a world, and settling into my new surroundings.
Catch ya on the flip side.
Impressive Emily! Love this analogy. L xo