Tuesday, August 21, 2007

A Minimalist Packs

I love to pack, it is something I am good at. I have the rolling method down, I usually fit everything I need in a weekend carryall and am always happy to buy any overlooked necessities at my destination if need be. I have of course never packed for a four month trip, and so began to stress a little about what I should bring. Having consulted a few packing lists I have narrowed down the items I am willing to schlep with me (again I do not need an excuse to shop abroad) and am getting things in order day by day.

Despite being from NYC I am prone to cold hands and feet during the winter so there is a place for a hot water bottle in my valise and I am currently on the hunt for cashmere socks and gloves. I have an assortment of layering pieces which when combined correctly will keep me warm during fluxating temperatures. My ipod, power book pro, digital camera, Larousse, books and a few treasured photos will also accompany me, as will my comforter.

*Though I ignored it my sweet and charming french husband didn't even try to contain his smirk as I told him that I was going to take our bedding so that no matter what my accomodations ended up being, my head would rest on my own sheets.*

This said as soon as I actually started to pack I became overwhelmed. I sat down with a panic stricken face as Frenchie brought me his Samsonite and I listened to him go on about how he trekked through South America with a backpack, tent and no reservations. He then went on to explain how at age 27 he had to fit only his most cherished things in this very suitcase during his move to the States...Blah...Blah...Blah...

I open the suitcase and just as I am thinking about how wonderful it is to be so carefree I see IT and freeze. You see this laid back man of mine who has just waxed poetic about leaving it all behind for an adventure, then again to start a new life is not as detached as he thinks for a dirty, bacteria-infested, decrepit, old sponge made its way from Chicago to NY during his last move. The irony of it all led me to close the suitcase and leave my packing for another day...

WHO WOULD WILLINGLY TAKE ADVISE FROM A MAN WHO PACKS A USED SPONGE?!?

 

 


Posted by Lola la petite PIE at 04:16:58 | Permanent Link | Comments (1) |

Saturday, August 11, 2007

MERDE IL PLEUT!!!

I will begin my séjour à la France in just four short weeks and am finally starting to prepare. Today in NYC we were blessed with grey skies, gargantuan rain drops and a bone chilling breeze and I am happy to say that my umbrella tested well. I stayed relatively dry under the ribs of my fabulous new parapluie and I did not have to battle the winds with upturned metal claws like some other po' folks who started and ended their day a sopping wet mess.

Now that I am safe within the confines of my home I look out the window and daydream about what awaits in gay old Paris:

What will my living quarters be like... aside from the obvious what will I miss... will I build a tolerance for esspresso (or at least find a decent place to drink tea)... can I master the art of sauces and enhance my culinary prowess or will I be forced to import GOYA to cook the occassional and comforting arroz con gandules... how long will it take me to acclimate... is meeting girlfriends as difficult in France as it is in NYC... will my in-laws and I be able to move beyond impromptu charades in order to communicate... will I want to come back... and just how much can LOLA discover in a four month period???

 

Posted by Lola la petite PIE at 00:07:44 | Permanent Link | Comments (0) |