A next step is now here! Tomorrow is my last day of work. Parting is such sweet sorrow. But there’s no greater sorrow than packing. Among my methods of procrastinating are finishing up and publishing this post. Seems like a valuable use of time.
I’m both packing for travel and packing up what’s left of my possessions – I’ve been living in the guest bedroom of a couple of friends since Labor Day, so my belongings are limited. My furniture’s been cast off and a car load of things have been stored in New York. One more car load destined for storage, which will include what I’ll be bringing with me as my luggage for the next 3+ months…
I’m fitting everything into two backpacks. My hope is that both my 45-liter (large) pack qualifies as a carry-on. In order to limit weight and volume in clothes, I’m trying out a merino wool wardrobe and doing laundry with some frequency (probably whenever I stay in an AirBnB with laundry). If after a couple of weeks this isn’t working, I’ll likely pick up a couple of souvenirs in clothing form. Even though I haven’t left yet, I can’t say enough good things about compression packing cubes. Look at how much they helped me squeeze into my bag!
Now is when the road show really begins. This last month has been semi-settled in a furnished home, and I’ve continued to work and maintain a routine. But no longer. My next longest stay anywhere will be a hostel in Munich; prior to that I head to an AirBnB for the next 2 nights while at a wedding just outside Boston. After the wedding, 3 nights in New York. Then my first flight, a redeye to Frankfurt, and onto München.
So stay tuned for the next update, and fair warning, it might be one more of the pre-travel variety.
Widdershinning Weiss 