I was away.
In Italy.
Those who know me know I love Italy. Been there 4 times in three and a half years.
And, each time I go, I go for a little bit longer.
“So what?” You might wonder.
So this.
In my book, the protagonist, Charles, is told by his mentor, Fay, that retirement is a myth. Charles disagrees, vehemently, with Fay’s opinion. Undaunted, Fay builds a convincing case, citing example after example, each one–ever so forcefully–shoring up her position. All of which leaves our poor Charles defeated, unsure and wondering whether Fay is, perhaps, right after all.
Now here’s the thing.
While in Italy, what I witnessed there–amongst the tourists and the residents, the vineyards and the ruins–made me realize, all the more, that our fictional Fay was, in fact, unto something.
With your permission, I’d like to share, over the coming weeks, two or three of those observations.
OK?
Great.
Well, I’ll see you next week then.
Oh, one other thing.
Before I forget, there’s something I need to get off my chest.
People, people, people; in your travels, why do you weigh yourself down with so much baggage?
During our two weeks in Italy, we boarded planes, trains, coaches, taxis, metros, hop-on/hop-off buses, and one rent-a-car. We, also, walked untold miles (and even more kilometres!).
Thankfully, the fact that we each had a carry-on suitcase (and one small tote bag between the two of us) made it effortless to move through the crowds-unlike those countless folk that I saw struggling with two (or three) monster suitcases, all topped off with tote bags, camera bags and knapsacks.
Now if you’re thinking, “I don’t know how to travel light,” try this. Visit www.onebag.com and see how you too can shed all that excess luggage.
Because, you know, when I see people travelling with so much baggage, I can’t help but wonder…
What kind of other baggage are they dragging along in their daily lives?
Mike:
Looking forward to the further illuminations of Fay (and Mike) on retirement.
Couldn’t agree more on the luggage thing. I’ve done an awful lot of business travel in Canada this past year, and am always surprised and a bit miffed at how much, reasonally intelligent people, think they need to bring onto the plane. Cheers
Thanks for commenting Allister,
Yeah, that’s why I’m such a fan of onebag.com, it’s a great website for those who want to lighten their load.
Mike,
As a strict advocate of the one bag, carry-on policy, for trips of even two weeks or more duration, I am still consistently packing too much! For example, I just got back today from a two week business trip and ended up unpacking two shirts that I did not wear. I am probably the guy that Allistair is talking about.
Fwiw, I have found that choice of bag is critical (after having gone through many). Also, one key to longer trips with only one bag is planning ahead to be able to do laundry, or, better be prepared to turn everything inside out for a second wear! Final tip is to pack toiletries in multiple smaller containers that can fit in the nooks, crannies, and unused space that exists in every bag once packed; I find a traditional shaving kit or toiletry bag to be too bulky such that it requires dedicated bag real estate and is an obstacle to packing.
FE
So, you’re who Allister was talking about? Mystery solved!
Thanks for taking the time to comment.