Friday Five: Getaway Island Edition

From RevGals...

We snitched a bit of time on an quiet island nearby this week. It was a last minute plan, escaping with a minimal amount of preparation. One must have essentials that make it a relaxing time. Perhaps you have had this opportunity to escape, or maybe it's only been a thought to get away. However, suppose you were told to pack some essentials for a trip to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Describe your location, in general or specific terms and....

1) What book(s) will you bring?
Right now, I'm reading (as usual) several books: summer mind candy (Whitethorn Woods by Maeve Binchy); a more serious novel (The Good German); and, also as usual, at least one church-related book (The Practicing Congregation, by Diana Butler Bass). For island reading, I'd probably add another novel and leave the church book at home.

2) What music accompanies you?
I'll take my ipod full o' stuff (I guess that's an answer to the fourth question) - but my favorite vacation music is usually in the soundtrack genre. I love good soundtracks since you can get a variety of music in one album. Some favorites, both old and new: Grey's Anatomy, seasons 1 & 2; SIiding Doors; The Truth About Cats & Dogs; In Good Company. And, as long as I have the ipod, I can also listen to my very favorite podcasts: "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me," and "This American Life."

3) What essentials of everyday living must you take (as in the health and beauty aids aisle variety)?
I definitely require sunscreen. My ethnic background sun-formula goes like this: British paternal side + Swedish maternal side = girl who burns in 5 minutes.
I'd also need to bring coffee. Frankly, my very naturally curly hair would do its own thing anyway, so other beauty aids are unnecessary.

4) What technological gadgets if any, will you take with you or do you leave it all behind?
See #2 - I'm takin' the ipod. Everything else can stay at home. Especially the alarm clock.

5) What culinary delights will you partake in while there?
I love guava juice. And pineapple. (Obviously I'm going for 'tropical island' here.) And good fish: mahi mahi or tuna, maybe. But hey - anything I don't have to cook always tastes just fine!

As a bonus question, what makes for a perfect day on vacation for you?
I get up, get a cup of coffee, find my book, and sit on the couch to read. Twelve hours later, I go back to bed. That's about it.
I might knit, eat lunch and dinner, and do a few other things. But truthfully, I could read all day.