Spain, Part 1

Spain

Sunday, March 26, 2006

Part 1:

Packing

So how does a girl who is a “mood dresser” pack a backpack (ONE BAG per person, ladies!) for 2 weeks in Spain? How does one even go about trying to plan for every thing, every mood, every situation while limiting oneself to a single bag? Tell that self to deal with it and move on.

Getting ready to take the Borden clan abroad has proven to be a new yet welcoming challenge. I’ve needed this kind of packing challenge for quite some time. I’ve always been known as the “Just In Case” packer. Come on, how many of you have known a person like this? Need a bandaid? Ask the just-in-caser. Need to a large frying pan for those steaks? You know the answer. I’m that person…till now. Okay, okay, so I’ve managed to squeeze in a few extras (no frying pans). Hey, I’m carrying my own pack so I’m the one who will ultimately pay the price (thank you, Motrin). Honestly, the pack is sooooo much lighter than the packs we wore for climbing Shasta – trust me. I did bring a lil’ box of Cheer for in-room laundering while on the road. Lord knows we’re going to be stanky by the end of the first week. The purpose of backpacks only? Keeping those hands free for Mr. Jack. He’s the most valuable piece of luggage. And speaking of valuable things, thanks to Jen for the advice on photocopying our passports. Done. Am I forgetting anything? Damn, I hope not. Passports, check. Purse that the pickpockets can’t get into, check. One pair of underwear and one box of maxi pads, check. Thanks for that advice, Lyn! Just kidding…I brought 2 boxes ;-)

We are armed with airplane entertainment and Dramamine. Is it wrong to drug your child before a 10 hour flight? No, seriously, is it?!? There’s gonna be a lot of walkin’ around the cabin and several tiny bottles o’ liquor surrounding our tray tables (and everyone else’s tray tables if Jack decides to play Power Rangers!) But isn’t this one of those character building moments our parents’ always talked about? One of those trips you’ll never forget? I hope so. I want to remember everything and remember to be thankful for being able to take off to Spain for 2 weeks. Wow! Our first 2 week vacation ever, so let’s make it a good one…

And speaking of giving thanks, I might as well give my shout outs now…

To Jen for your enthusiasm – can’t believe we’re going to meet up in Europe! Who would’ve thought?!? To Rebecca for turning us on to Spain. Rock on. To Tom for always being a traveling inspiration. Always a grand story after each venture (and he’s in India right now, then off to Thailand). To my sister for her constant support. To the Sedillo fam – hope to see you somewhere in Spain. To our friends and family for not calling us crazy, at least within earshot. And especially to Terry for making it possible to take this trip. A whole lotta saving and a dash of creativity went into saving for this trip. Of course there will be some work done from afar, but it’s better than being stuck at the office. And thank you for letting your wife extend you beyond your comfort zone. And to Jack, Mr. Excitement, thank you for your adventurous spirit. I hope you remember this trip and the many more that will follow. It is our dream to show you the world beyond our small town, to show you how the world works beyond what the media would like you to see. There is so much to learn and the only way to learn is by doing. So here we go. Take our hands and let’s do it together…

Terry's monster pack. Rolling, the key to stuffing in more crap than necessary.

My tiny pack. Okay, so it just seems tiny. But we must remember - Rolling Clothes = More Outfits.

Jack's Backpack o' Entertainment, not to be unveiled to him until we board the plane. Keep your fingers crossed, otherwise we have to drug him (and us).

Our carry-on backpack containing a change of clothes for all and the toiletry bag. WILL NOT take a chance with lost luggage.

One cannot leave for vacation until they have freshly painted toes, right guys?!?

One more thing...I encourage all to check out these sites - http://thiggins.com, http://fatchickenracing.com. Both are sites of our awesomely cool best friend, Tom. He continuously posts pics of all his travels to far away places. His Fat Chicken Racing site tracks his life as a motorcycle racer. New pics and verbage to begin very soon. Enjoy!