Unboxing my New Montecristi Panama Hat

Above is an unboxing video of my most recent acquisition - a Montecristi Panama Hat from PanamaHatsDirect.com. This is a sub-fino grade according to Panama Hats Direct and it was shipped over from Ecuador direct via DHL (cost quite a bit but secure and actually quite fast). This is my first proper Panama hat and it would go in my rotation of hats. 

This isn't a review, but just the unboxing and some facts about panama hats in general, like what is a Cuenca over a Montecristi. 

I will do a review of it one of these days. But in the meanwhile, do watch this video if you want to.

The hat, the Umbrella and the Bag - Essential items for commuting with public transport in this hot, humid and occasionally rainy weather

The weather over the past two months have been extra hot and humid. But life, errands, work and other necessities that require me to step foot outdoors must continue. So these days, if I have to take public transport I come fully equipped. It used to be just the bag and the brolly. But I have added the straw hat these days. 

Wear a hat when you are outdoors

I have quite recently picked up the occasional habit of wearing a hat when I am out and about. Not the usual baseball cap or tiny little trilby that some wear but the larger sized hats that actually work in keeping the sunshine and if it isn't a panama straw hat, the rain away.

A hat does complement one's way of dress. It is also functional. Here in Malaysia the sun beats down on us and then very often the heavens open up too. One could carry an umbrella around most of the time but A hat is easier to carry around. Once you are outdoors, its on your head leaving your hands free to move about.