Ready, Set, Go

It’s been 16 months since we last left the country. Unheard of in modern times, but monkey wrenches have been tossed at us left, right and center recently.

 

If the creek don’t rise, though, we will soon be off to visit dear friends in the English countryside followed by a hop down to France for a bit.

 

I am partially posting this to retest the blogger system and partly because packing has become so much harder in our advancing years. As seasoned travelers (nearly a full four decades together now), we have always been determined to travel with just carry on bags. That was easier, however, when we only traveled to beachy island destinations where bulky items were not necessary.

 

The other thing that has changed (little by little in that imperceptible way that life evolves until one day you suddenly realize you are living a completely different life) is the list of what is deemed essential items.

 

First, there is the list of electronics. That used to be one camera. Now it includes two phones, two tablets and all their associated charging cords. Why do we still take a camera when our phones and tablets take perfectly lovely photographs? I have no idea, but I have never been the photographer in this relationship so I defer. In the last several years, we have also added in a vast array of medications and supplements. And a CPAP machine!

 

To balance things out, I just pack less clothes. We always subscribed to the theory that we go to see not to be seen. And staying in an occasional Airbnb with laundry facilities helps. So, a roll aboard and a small backpack it (still) is.

 

Bon voyage.