Thank you guys for all of your positive comments about my dilemma involving my blog breakdown vs. my personal life vs. my deep love of Corona. And I must say, Leigh—get to an AA meeting, girl! I think that you love Corona more than I do, and that’s sayin’ a lot!
Anyhow, I think that lightening my blogging load has done wonders for my psyche. I actually had the time to take Bindi for a walk around the neighborhood last night! And I didn’t even think about what topic I could possibly blog about today! Well, maybe a little, but then Bindi set her sights on a cat and tried strangling herself on the leash to get to it, so I was trying to keep her calm the rest of the walk. She’s such a busy-body.
And in other news, I took the plunge and booked our airline tickets to Germany for October. I mean, I know that I should have probably waited until summer when the fall deals are advertised, but after getting advice from other seasoned travelers, I decided to go ahead and book. There’s a slight chance that I’ll lose a couple hundred dollars because of this (wince!), but there’s also a slight chance that the airfare could go up due to gas prices. Regardless, our arses will be on a plane to Germany in October. Affording a place to stay is another story for another day. I’m thinking a nice youth hostel might be in order.
But one great thing about booking so early is that I was able to secure two exit aisle seats in both directions! And according to seatguru.com, they are the best seats on the flight! Poor GR, he’s 6′ 2″, and being stuck in an airplane seat built for someone who is 5′0″ for 9 ½ hours is going to be extremely uncomfortable for him. And if he bugs the ever-loving shit out of me, I might end up smothering him with one of those tiny Delta pillows before we even get to Germany.
Now, one other travel-related issue that I’m a wee bit concerned about is how to pack for this trip. We’re renting a car and driving through Bavaria. We’ll be staying in approximately four youth hostels hotels along the way, and we’ll be gone a total of 11 days. I am so not good at packing. Technically, my packing skills suck. My school of thought on packing is to bring everything that I can possibly fit into a couple or four suitcases and schlep them all over Europe (or Germany), whatever the case may be. I figure that GR and I will look something like this:
Nevertheless, I need guidance on lightening my load, people! I’ve never been on a freaking 11-day trip, so I have no idea as to how to pack. Keep in mind, Lulu hates doing laundry. See that picture up there at the very top of my blog page? That’s a variation of me being eaten by a dryer. Don’t even suggest that I spend precious vacation time stopping at German laundromat. Number one, as you all know, no sprechen de Deutsch, so I’m not sure that I could read instructions or figure out how to wash clothes in Germany. Number two, Lulu hates doing laundry.
Packing suggestions anyone? Anyone?
If you wear jeans, plan to wear each pair twice (without washing them–unless you plan to go mud wrestling, you’ll be fine). If you need dressier attire, go with black pants/skirts and plan to wear that multiple times as well. When you get to tops, that’s where you geniunely need one for each day. And don’t forget to bring an extra pair or two of underwear. That is one thing you don’t want to under pack.
I was a road warrior for years. When I pack, I literally lay out an entire outfit for each day I’ll be gone (with most pants having to work for two days). Then I throw in one extra complete outfit, an extra-extra pair of underwear, and an extra-extra pair of socks. And? I never take more than two pairs of shoes with me. If that means I can only take outfits that work with my plain black shoes, so be it.
Yay! You’re back. I was starting to get a little upset I hadn’t heard from you on my blog lately…just kidding! I’m glad to see you’re still blogging.
Anyhoo…I like BBM’s advice. AND? Leave a little extra room (or bring an empty bag) because you know what they don’t tell you in those travel books? They sell clothes in Germany. SO, if worse comes to worst you can buy something new and still not have to do laundry! Voila! Of course my solution involves shopping.
Oh! And I got my Outback Gift Card! Can’t wait to put it to good use!!!!
AMomTwoBoys’s last blog post..But Is It Right For Me?
BBM - not sure that I’ll do any mud-wrestling, but ya never know what might happen on vacation!
Oh, and regarding Macroeconomics…I’m only into Chapter 2, and I’m already a-snoozin’. I commend you for tutoring a most dull subject.
AMomTwoBoys - I’m so glad that you got your Outback card! I haven’t had a chance to use mine yet, but hopefully this weekend I’ll be able to. I’ll be over to visit you soon! I do solemnly promise.
Don’t go crazy packing tons of shoe options. Shoes are a huge space suck. Go with one comfortable pair for all the walking, something neutral that can go with everything. And one dressy pair for dinners out. Also, pack more tops than bottoms. Try to re-use pants and skirts and then go with a fresh top.
Tootsie’s last blog post..She had to Google the Proper Spelling of “Truancy”
Okay, apparently I just should have said “ditto what BBM said” !!
I had to laugh at your shout out. As I lay in bed last night I couldn’t help but think. LULU-April Folls. You just can’t go gurrrlll.
Packing- jeans, black pant and white shirt. The basics that can be dressed up or down. Good comfy shoes. And a few peieces of travler wear from chicos store. They roll up, light, dry quickly (overnight on the shower bar) and pieces mix and match. I LOVE those things. And they feel like PJs. That comfy. A few of those and the three basics I mentioned and your good to go. Just dont forget camera b/c I must see pics!
Leigh @eneral Ramblings’s last blog post..PHS Boys Give A Good Ribbing
that was April Fools as apposed to Arpil folls. GUess that Corona is still hanging on…
Leigh @eneral Ramblings’s last blog post..PHS Boys Give A Good Ribbing
and clearly I cannot type. Overlook the errors in both of those comments.
Leigh @eneral Ramblings’s last blog post..PHS Boys Give A Good Ribbing
Packing? What? Just throw a bunch of clean undies, socks, and bras in a clean, empty WalMart bag and buy what you need when you get there.* You’re studying macroeconomics *yawn* so you should totally be able to figure out how to budget your money to do that. And you’ll know all about conversion rates, too, right?
*The advice contained within this comment is purely for entertainment purposes. It does not reflect the opinion of the blogger, her family, nor any of her more sane friends. Do not actually try this travel advice in real life. It was given by a lunatic that never gets to travel anywhere except to work, the grocery store, WalMart, and assorted school functions for her children.
angie’s last blog post..38…or 23 for the 15th time
I don’t think I can say anything that hasn’t already been said, except YOU SUCK! I’m so jealous of your trip. Are you going to be there for Oktoberfest? If so, you double suck. Do you think they have Corona in Germany? Do you think they’d kick you out if you asked?
Madame Queen’s last blog post..Mid Week Rant
Tootsie - what? I can’t take 13 pairs of shoes? How will I ever survive?!
Leigh - see? AA is calling your name… And I love Chicos! But affordability is a factor (i.e. I will be shopping at Target).
Angie - my goal is to not look like a bag lady…even though I may be one after paying for this trip.
MQ - First, I love you. Second, I’m going to try to expand my horizons and order a real German beer. Without the lime (gasp!). Ordering a Corona might cause an international incident, in addition to my Ich Ben Herr Crowe one.
Jeans take up a lot of room too. Think synthetic.
First, check out REI (on the southbound side of the access road along I-85. It’s just north of N Druid Hills… I can’t remember the name of the next exit) for some drip-dry and reversible clothing.
Two or three pairs lightweight/drip-dry khaki pants that have the zip-away bottom leg half are good, because they’re nice enough to pair with a decent top, but also rugged. Forget jeans–they’re heavy and take too long to dry.
One or two easy-wash dresses for versatility. I have this reversible dress (black sheath with a different breezy overlay on either side) that drips dry overnight.
Comfortable tops that are lightweight, and bring a couple of sweaters/layering options.
Plan to accessorize with scarves (if your a scarf kind of gal) that are super-light and can scrunch/fold up easily.
At least 5 pr cotton socks. 3 to 5 pairs undies, 2 bras. Do your laundry in the evening to drip-dry overnight.
Put at least one versatile change of clothes in your carry on in case your luggage gets lost.
Limit toiletries. A starter bottle of shampoo (in ziploc baggies in case of leaks) and conditioner (which doubles as shaving cream), a razor, small toothpaste and mini toothbrush is enough.
Wearing your biggest and hopefully most comfortable shoes when you fly with one other dressier–but still comfy–pair in the suitcase; keep your wardrobe limited to what goes with those 2 pairs of shoes.
I always like to bring a little pair of rubber-bottomed ballet-type slippers in my carry on for comfort during the flight and also use at night/in hotel rooms.
Try to keep your checked luggage down to ONE suitcase, and make sure your carry on is not a pain to carry.
Remember that most people in Europe do NOT change their clothes daily… it’s typical to see someone in the same outfit the entire week. When in Rome…
Mrs.W’s last blog post..Improve Your Blog Month
P.S. Going back to read previous posts… REI is expensive, but Target/Walmart have similar light-weight options. But DO visit REI to see what I’m talking about. My fave reversible dress was from Walmart.
Mrs.W’s last blog post..Improve Your Blog Month
Girl, I understand affordability-I get my chicos at th outlet in Foley, Al. But there are some comparible fabircs at both Target and walmart.
I enrolled. LOL.
Leigh @eneral Ramblings’s last blog post..Oh! Glory! Great Weekend!
Don’t forget to pack one change of clothes in your carryon, that way when they lose your luggage like Atlanta did ours..you have something for a day
Germany in October…I doubt you need shorts..comfortable pants you wear twice..at least 1 pair of underware per day..I like to bring old undies I can throw away. I brought WAY too many shoes.. only bring 2 pair of interchangable shoes..
Make sure you bring a first aide kit..
Bring a light jacket. If you have some extra bucks go to Chico’s and buy an outfit from their “travelers” clothes..fall should be on DEEP discount now… That shit doesn’t wrinkle!!
mp’s last blog post..I’m snorkling
Dear LuLu,
The little travel “picture” is hilarious”. I know all the luggage would be yours, and the little bag on top is GR’s.
But, whom am I to give you advise about packing (ha ha) and I know you’re laughing, too. You know “we” pack alot a like. I remember my last BIG trip with you to London/Paris, I ended up leaving 4 or 5 outfits that I had brought from Florida to take with me at your house. (Remember, going thru all my outfits the night before our trip).
I know, seriously, on one cruise, I took about 10 pairs of shoes (a whole suitcase full) . Your Uncle CW embarassed me in the airport line, telling everyone that I was taking 15 pairs of shoes. (I know, I have at least cut back on shoes)
But, you and me both know to take one pair of the most comfortable shoes that you can find. And, take some WARM clothes, scarves, and to layer your clothes, also take along some warm gloves, and maybe a warm hat.
P.S…. Knowing you, you probaly do this anyway, I know I do,
make your a list and go over it, and check it off as items are packed,
Another, P.S. Be sure to have lots of money to spend on the trip because alot of them are a once in a life-time trip.
BUT, HAVE WONDERFUL TRIP (wish I was going too).
LOVE AND HUGS
(And, I’m glad that GR is going, too)
Mrs. W…thanks for the REI suggestion! That company is awesome! I scored 3 pairs of quick-dry pants from their outlet website!