Soon To Be an Ex-Europe-Virgin

This trip that we've been anticipating for a year is finally almost upon us. In less than 48 hours, we'll be on a plane with only 1 carry-on bag and 1 small daypack each holding everything we'll need for the entire 3 weeks! We haven't even practiced packing yet. That will be tonight and tomorrow's project. I have been carefully considering how I can pare down the volume of what I consider to be essential stuff. We will be doing lots of laundry in sinks so we can pack minimal articles of clothing. The hair dryer, most of my liquid toiletries, and fat, heavy novel from the library aren't going to make the cut.

I'll bring a journal instead, so I can live more fully in the moment and give those memories maximum traction. We will be making room for the guidebook and phrasebook, of course. We will make a shopping trip tonight to get Paul some microfiber boxers (fast drying on the clothesline in the hotel), and maybe a jacket for me for hiking in the Swiss Alps, as everything I have is either too big or not warm enough.

One thing I will make room for, since I am currently clueless about it and need to know how to use it for my algebra class: my new graphing calculator and the book that will help me learn how to use it. I'll either learn something or it will help me sleep on the plane--either way, I win.