Wednesday, June 5, 2013

packing choices

It is t-minus 49 hours before Keri, Lauren, Owen and I  board a plane for New York. We are making our final preparations as we get set to embark on our most daring and exciting European adventure.

Preparing for an eight week trip with two children and three dramatically different environments (a cool and rainy UK, a warm Italy and the cold of the Swiss alps) has proven to be a challenge. Our friends John and Kristin Blanchard mock us for taking in tow four steamer trunks. In reality, we have three larger suitcases (with rollers, of course) and four smaller backpacks. I'm not sure how it would be possible to take less than we are -- at least that is what I am telling myself. I know I will rue our choice of baggage when I am hauling the three large suitcases up flights of stairs to the various flats we are renting. I will take comfort in the fact that, somewhere else in Europe, John and Kristin will be enjoying their wonderful tour of the continent's finest laundromats as they wash the two pairs of underwear they have brought in their Hello Kitty backpacks.

Speaking of packing, I want to thank Joe Roth and Christina Rubalcava for their wonderful packing tips. I have followed some suggestions (Onistuka Tiger shoes are a good call) and rejected others (no fat guy in a little sport coat with shorts, Joe).

I suspect I will make several more packing adjustments over the next two days and, whatever I decide to do, I will somehow bring a number of items that I don't need and leave behind several that I do.

9 comments:

  1. Our bags are getting bigger. Kristin now has the steamer trunk and I have a plus sized carry on that I will not be carrying on. Fine looking blog...

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  2. You should bring back this Euro-suit for Joe to strut about in the office.

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  3. http://tegidcartwright.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/overpacking-011.jpg

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  4. You are very funny and it is very well done!

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  5. Send me pictures.
    You will have an amazing time!

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  6. I could have lugged one of those three large suitcases if I were with you. Have a wonderful and safe trip. Love you all. Baba

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  7. One of those suitcases is just the one I'll be hiding in! I'm going to miss you guys so much, but look forward to reading your blog.

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  8. You made the right call on the sport coat. =)

    Can't wait to read all about your travels. I hope you find some time to relax!

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  9. Only three suitcases? Mark and I packed a VitaMix and a box of food on our sabbatical to Hawaii... As long as you use everything in the suitcases, no shame.

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