When I moved to Switzerland many years ago, I moved with overweight luggage (I almost had a meltdown when we were told what my charges would be) and I even had a trunk shipped over. It turned out be be a great table as well as storage area. It was easier to take everything with you as you never knew when you would need something and it was less expensive to already own it than to buy it. I’m talking clothing, not household goods. Remember, this was back in the day. Obviously, I needed quite a lot back then.
I think my time overseas was preparing me for my job as a Regional Education Manager with a major cosmetic company. Let me tell you, we traveled with so many training cases, boxes, overhead projector, tape recorder, plus our own suitcases (I always started with the shoes). Carry on was pretty much a briefcase. The skycaps and bellmen around the country got to know me well and I appreciated their help. I counted bags like you would count the members of a large family (think Home Alone when Kevin was left behind). It was not glamorous. It was exhausting, all those bags. The packing and unpacking of training cases was tedious and I packed them like my life (my flight after a week of seminars was Heaven waiting for me) depended on it. Occasionally people would offer to help but I usually passed. I had my system and could do it in my sleep and quite often did.
While life has changed, I still start with the shoes and build around them. That system has never failed me. O.K… maybe once but it was a great excuse to purchase a pair that was truly “needed”. A nice souvenir. I still have them.
I have pared down on what I travel with now. A small Chromebook instead on a laptop, a tiny notebook for jotting down notes instead of a large (my favorite) notebook. In a few days we are bound for a little adventure and will also be celebrating our “lucky” 13th anniversary. When my hubby saw the shoes come out, he just laughed. Now, that is a keeper. Hehe.
Can you tell where we will be spending some time? If you guessed Spain, you would be correct. Hopefully this trip will be a difference maker. And that my friends, is all she wrote.
Hasta la vista! 
So glad to have ‘re-discovered ‘ you…congratulations on this blog & the adventures ahead.
I look forward to your sharing.
Blessings – Laurie Carpenter
Hi Laurie! I’m so glad you “re-discovered’ me! I appreciate your well wishes. Take care my friend! You have always brightened my days.
xo,
Barb
How wonderful!!! Be Safe and Enjoy!!!!
Love Always,
Jackie
Thank you so much Jackie! I am starting to get excited. Hubby is looking forward to spending some quality time wandering…he is a great wanderer. Hehe. I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment. Love you much dear friend. XOXO
Dearest Barb,
Finally manage to read this post.
We got back from our wedding adventure in France and visiting friends and family in Germany and The Netherlands.
Needless to say that after driving the 4,135 km (me alone!) I needed a break. The final days I was not going to hit the Interstate every day so Pieter’s Goddaughter came to visit us at our friends’ home. Pieter was very happy and so was his niece. A sweet friend of mine also came to see us.
We had a wonderful time and I have recovered from that trip: #65 for seeing Parents and family… Dad will be 96 in January so I had to travel via The Netherlands.
Happy for you for going back to Spain. Hope all went well.
Hugs,
Mariette
Hi Mariette! What a wonderful trip you have had. Now, that is an adventure. That is a lot of driving (for one person or two)! I’m so pleased you were able to make the journey. I know your hubby must have been thrilled. 96…God bless your dad. What a nice time you all must have had!
We are in Spain right now…Aranjuez. Tomorrow we head back to Madrid and then continue on to Toledo Monday. Love, Love, Love.
Take care my dear.
Big hugs,
Barb
Enjoy, Toledo we loved so much…
Hugs to you both!
Thank you Mariette! We just adore Toledo! I am so thankful we decided to come back. Magical, charming, and so old world. Hugs to you and your sweet hubby! xoxo