Yesterday, the whole family was helping my brother finalise his packing. Three months of supplies had to fit into two suitcases.
“I think that’s it,” Jason said finally as we zipped up the big bag.
“Let’s see how much it weighs.” Dad went to the bathroom to get the scales. We watched as the dial swung wildly, then slowly oscillated to a stop.
“27 kilograms,” I reported. “Jason, what’s the weight limit?”
“30 kilograms,” he said, his eyes still on the dial. He had an odd look on his face. Abruptly, he left the room. I looked at dad. Where was he going?
Jason came back carrying his little blanket. “I’m taking Blankie,” he announced.
Mum gasped. “Don’t be silly! Everyone will laugh at you!” He shrugged, unzipped the bag again and carefully folded the well-worn blanket on top of his suit.
“Jason, it’s more dangerous to take Blankie overseas than to leave it here,” I warned.
“I know,” he said patiently. “But I want it there when I’m in San Francisco.” He sounded quite determined. This was the little blanket that I had used when I was a baby. Jason inherited it when he was born and it has been with him almost every night since.
When the bag was secured, only the barest bulge at the side hinted at its precious cargo. We all stood back and nodded in satisfaction. It was done.
That’s really sweet. =)
I have a stuffed toy that I’ve been falling asleep holding since I was about 8. And now I can’t fall asleep unless I’m hugging something =)
Posted by joee
Hahaha, jason’s got a blankie?? ok time to spill what other humiliating things jason does/have. Gotta tell barry this:)
Posted by Alan
aaawwwwwww
I *so* wouldn’t put something of such exceeding sentimental value in my check-in luggage. In fact, an item like that, I’d carry it like Linus does in the Peanuts cartoons.
27kg? Wow. I’m travelling on about 14kg, and I’m doing 2 months of european winter. (although, to be fair, I’m not taking a suit)
Posted by Daniel
You just reminded me of my blankie, which I could never sleep without until it feel to shreds when I was at school :(
Posted by Alica
I don’t know why Jason had so much luggage. Whenever Jason or I go somewhere, we have the biggest suitcases. It’s definitely because mum loads us up (because she loves us) but everything she puts in seems reasonable. How do other people manage without all of it? :)
Posted by joanium
Well, my mum tried to “load me up” as well, but I wouldn’t have any of it. Of course most of the things you pack seem reasonable, however, much of it isn’t really essential, and wouldn’t adversely affect the enjoyment of your trip. In many ways, it is alot more fun improvising around an item that you don’t have. e.g. hmm… no sewing kit, lets just use some gaffer tape. no staples? gaffer tape… bugger, the zip’s broken, gaffer tape.
Its amazing how far you can go with two changes of clothes, a good jacket, a sleeping bag, a swiss army knife and some gaffer tape.
Posted by Daniel
Gaffer tape is also great for converting any pair of shoes, especially those with rubber soles, for use on the dance floor. You’ll be able to impress with effortless double spins!
Posted by Damjan
It seems that gaffer tape can get you out of any… sticky situation…
Posted by Vera
Oh dear Vera… that was… um… clever
effortless double spins? yeah right. I could have ball bearings in my shoes and I still wouldn’t rate a double spin as effortless.
Hope you guys are enjoying tasmania. I’ll bet its a damn sight warmer than London.
Posted by Daniel
Ugh. I wrote that last night. I just re-read it. It’s even lame for me!
We’re not in Tasmania yet, not by a long shot. But Melbourne’s been warm. Want us to send you some warm?
Posted by Vera
I don’t even know what gaffer tape is. Is it like electrical duct tape? If it is, then I will bring my rolls of duct tape to dancing next time! I have tape in about four colours :)
Posted by joanium
Gaffer tape is like electric tape except that it has structure. It has threads woven through it, but is also easy to rip.
It is used by sound tech people and, on bigger projets, by the “gaffer” (look out for it in movie credits).
Malta is alot nicer than London, being in the Med and all… haven’t dug up anything significant yet. Hey, send me SMSes. Apparently, its really cheap to send people overseas SMSes. I’m not sure what you’d send me though… some melbourne sunshine perhaps?
Posted by Daniel