Last minute packing
Hayley and I spent all of yesterday doing chores. We paid off credit cards and accommodation, purchased a few (un)necessary items for the trip and trimmed down our baggage to meet the ludicrous restrictions of United Airlines, South African Airways and Qantas. The sum of all checked baggage must not exceed forty-four pounds per person. Considering that we are moving to another country, that’s not a lot. My pants alone weigh half of that. Throw shoes and boxers into the bag and I’ve exceeded the limit. I called the airlines and each is always first to blame Heathrow. Yeah, right, I’m sure Heathrow is also responsible for charging an excess weight fee of $150.
My decision to take a rolling bag rather than a camping backpack has also had its share of consequences. Since I can now take more stuff, Hayley insists that I share some of the weight. Before I had the excuse of “it will be too heavy, Dear. You can just roll it around; whereas, I must carry everything on my back.” Now I’m stuck with all sorts of goodies from under the bathroom sink.
My carry on is also thirty pounds over the limit. I’ve never been to an airport that weighs carry on baggage, but who knows what I will do if they do? I don’t really want to pitch my camera. Maybe I’ll have Hayley charm them. Or I could try bribing security- no, I’d probably get arrested for that. Nevermind, I couldn’t afford it anyway with the current exchange rate.
Anyway, we leave tomorrow morning and we’re just about ready. The next time you read this I will be soaking in the London summer rain like a dried up San Diego sponge.