All of us pack something every day. Whether it’s a backpack, a purse or a briefcase, we cram our important “stuff”---the things we know we can’t do without---into this “Hold All.”
On the rare occasions that I empty the contents of my handbag, I am always amazed at what pops out. Several years ago, my husband and I went sailing, and he asked me to put a lemon into my purse in case he became seasick. The sail went well and no one got sick. When we docked, we walked to a shore side bar, and he ordered a drink with a slice of lemon. “Sorry.” said the bartender, “We are all out of lemons.” I sang out, “No, problem. I’ve got one right here,” as I pulled the lemon out of my purse. “Wow!” said the bartender, “Do you grow those things in there?”
In my family, stuffing food into a valise is not unusual. When my husband returned from a trip to San Francisco he pulled a loaf of sourdough bread out of his briefcase. I preferred that to the squashed lobster from Boston, or the floral bouquet festooned with a black ribbon. When he pulled out those droopy flowers, I asked, “Why do they have a black ribbon?” He replied, Senator Talmadge died today, and they were giving them away.
Now that airlines charge $20 and more for a piece of luggage, packing a suitcase has become the biggest challenge of all, unless you want to wear 6 sweaters and 3 pair of slacks on the airplane. It is estimated that major airlines lose approximately 2 million bags every year, and they don’t give refunds. So, many people don’t check luggage, but rather cram everything into carry-ons. That is why people are pushing and punching their luggage as they put it into overhead compartments. I saw a family with 4 rent-a-kids take up space in 5 overhead compartments to conquer their fear of loss and save some bucks. Each little tot dragged a heavy suitcase onto the plane.
I went to YouTube to get some tips on “packing light” which, for me, is an oxymoron. Rolling clothes or bundling is recommended. I watched a young man give a tutorial on bundling, so now, after rolling my clothes into a bundle and stuffing it into a suitcase, I too, can travel like a hobo.
I have met people who brag that they can travel for months wearing one pair of socks and underwear. They can get any seat on the airplane they want.
Here then is some advice from this experienced packer:
Always leave room in your luggage for souvenirs, but do not pack those beautiful conch shells you have collected on the beach. Those shells are the homes of slimy critters that will emerge and die on your clothes. When that happens, your suitcase will become a coffin that you will have to bury while holding your nose.
Esther Blumenfeld (Another suitcase in another hall----Madonna)