Two Days to Departure (D+2): Commitment

They say you should begin your story in the beginning, but I am going to break that rule right away:  I am going to begin before the beginning. 

It's two days until I leave for Paris.  I am planning to be gone up to six months, a minimum of two.  Lots of little details to take care of, like a car, a house and a million other little things.  A neighbor will collect the mail.  The car will get registered and stay insured during my absence.  The heat will stay on, at 55 degrees.  The household bills are on auto-pay. 

Long trips are best approached with commitment.  My commitment came in the form of my pantry and refrigerator.  I gave away 90% of the contents of both, planning to consume what is left before I leave.  I'll have a few cans of soup in the pantry when I return.

I gave away the food via Craig's List.  The recipient was actually worried that I would have enough food for myself.  He took about 15 paper grocery bags of food.  The fridge will be off while I am gone, the doors left ajar and propped open with a dish towel. 

I've made two other commitments as well.  I bought a one way ticket to Paris.  I do not have a return ticket, leaving my return open to future events and circumstances.  I also paid for two months in a Paris apartment in advance.  I am VERY committed to this trip. 

All of the packing and repacking is done.  Everything fits in a day pack and a small canvas duffel, except for the CPAP machine which is in its own small bag.  I probably have too much of some things and too few of some others.

Yes, that's really all I am taking.  Six days change of clothes, various toiletries, electronics, some airport reading materials.  Everything in ziploc bags and packed away.  I might add a pair of shoes to the pile.  (Did you see the Simpson's-themed sweatpants?  They serve as PJ bottoms/loungewear.)  If I need something more I can always buy it along the way.  They have some nice shops in Paris.  This isn't like backpacking where the towns are sporadic and have limited shopping.

Before you pack for a long trip lay out everything and take a series of photos.  If all or part of your luggage is lost you'll have a good record of what was lost.  You'll also avoid arguments and/or angst about what you did or did not pack.

NEXT BLOG: Entering the information age

Author's Notes:

It is not my intent for this blog to be about me, but rather about my journey.  I plan to share personal observations and accounts of my travels, and hopefully some travel tips for the interested.  I'll try to remember to put the travel tips in italics.  I'll be sharing more pre-departure travel tips later.

My goal is to make this blog fun and informative to all viewers.  I am happy to answer questions when they arise.  Your questions and comments are always welcome.