Stuff: Pack, Store or Discard?

Even though I am not leaving for the Netherlands for another 23 days, I have only five days left in my home town (maybe one or two more). So, for the past two days I've been going through my stuff and deciding what to pack, what to store and what I don't care to keep anymore. My airline includes 23kg of checked baggage (eg- one suitcase) and 10kg of carry-on, plus a purse and a laptop bag. Extra baggage is $10/kg, but only when purchased at least 10 days ahead of time, otherwise its $15. So, space is tight, and expensive. I've opted to spend extra for another bag (15-20kg). So, the mission is to reduce my life's collection of stuff into 43-48kg worth of luggage, including the weight of the bags.

Before I came anywhere close to packing, I had to decide what I'll use for luggage. Well, I do already have some Atlantic Suitcases that I originally purchased to take to Switzerland. They have served me well on many trips. BUT, the downside to suitcases are that they are bulky and relatively heavy. Buying an excursion backpack was another option. While this was not a bad idea, the pack would be bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a simple duffle bag, and I can get a backpack in Europe if/when I need one. I settled on using an Atlantic suitcase and carry-on along with a large MEC duffel bag.

I have the bags, now what should I pack? The question is: what is this worth $10/kg? The duffel bag is already almost full of clothes that had no evidence of being worn out. There is still some room left. My suitcase is currently half-full, including some shoes, jewelry, some good hair products and a few other things. My carry on will be packed later on. I have more clothes and a few other things set aside to pack when the time comes. For anything I don't already own, but will likely need, I've decided that I will buy them when I get there. The only thing left to determine is how much extra baggage to pre-purchase.

Now, what about items to store? About an month ago, I started filling a metal chest full of little treasures I cannot bear to part with. These are mostly keep-sakes: childhood creations, pictures, doodads from special days (like high school graduation), yearbooks and things I've made in recent classes (ceramics, blown glass...). In the past two days, my stored items doubled when I filled a wooden chest, which includes a few more keep-sakes, smaller sport items and other things I won't use now, but don't want to part with just yet. Other than that, my parents garage and house will store some bulkier sports equipment, a few items of clothes and some old vinyl records (thanks Mom and Dad!! You are THE BEST!).

And as for the rest: DISCARDED. The process of discarding technically started a few months ago when I moved back into my parents house. Anything that was glaringly obvious that I wouldn't need (kitchen appliances, for example) I gave away right away. In the past two days I've discarded much more than I thought I would... you know, it actually feels pretty good to realize how much junk you don't really need!

Whew! After some hard work, I'm nearly done converting my life-full-of-stuff into a life-out-of-a-suitcase (well technically, a suitcase, duffel bag and carry on). As always, there are mixed feelings, but the good far outweigh the bad. Feels great!

The Biltmore Estate

Tucked away in the hills of Asheville, North Carolina lies the opulent Biltmore Estate. On Christmas Eve 1895, George W. Vanderbilt opened the house to his friends and family. While it was originally a country escape, once George married Edith Dresser in 1898, they made the estate their family home. With a 175,000 square foot and 250 room house on 125,000 acres of land, it is safe to say that the Vanderbilts most definitely lived a comfortable life. Today, the estate sits on 8000 acres and is one of Asheville's primary tourist attractions. 

The cost to visit the estate is relatively high ($60 the day I went), but it is worth it. You may also pay to use the audio guide when touring the house. Since I had a limited timeline, I opted to simply read the free paper guide. I will spare you the details now. It is best seen in person. I found the indoor garden, billiard room, banquet hall, library, bowling alley, swimming pool, a gym and servants quarters most interesting.

For gardening enthusiasts, the Biltmore Estate has plenty of flowers, bamboo, trees and shrubbery to see. You could spend a day simply wondering the walking paths.

I found the gardens wonderful, but I liked the pond even better. There are turtles, fish and even a small man-made waterfall. And to imagine, this mountain paradise was made for just one family and their guests!

My next stop was Antler Hill. The cool walk through the wine cellars was very welcome on the sweltering summer day. Guests that are over-21 can partake in a free wine tasting and the Biltmore's award winning winery. Those concerned about the $60 entry fee may be able to recoup some of the cost, since it seemed as though there was no limit to the amount of samples you could try. Normally I prefer red wines, but I decided to buy a sweet white desert wine as well as a nice rose.

The child in me really enjoyed visiting the farm. The barnyard is filled with sheep, horses, funny looking chickens, as well as other critters. For families and animal lovers, the farm is worth the short walk from Antler Hill.

Other than what I have included here, there is much more to see and do on the Biltmore Estate. As far as food goes, I loved the chocolate filled croissant, iced latte, black cherry ice cream and my flat-bread lunch. If you are into biking, there are many paths throughout the estate. The Biltmore Estate is also a popular venue for weddings and graduation parties. If you need a place to stay, the estate has an onsite hotel. If you ever find yourself in or near Asheville, North Carolina, be sure to visit the Biltmore Estate. You will not be disappointed.

Last week at work

After a heck of a lot of waiting, my last week of work is here. Thursday is my last day! Knowing that I am THAT much closer to my awesome adventure, I am ecstatic. Though, as this 3 year part of my life comes to an end, I do have some mixed feelings. I have met so many great people, made friends and learned a lot in my first "real" job. So, in some ways, its kind of sad to say goodbye to this life I've known.

On the other hand, I CAN'T WAIT to start my new life as a foreign student in Europe!! As time passes, I only become more excited. What makes this time even better, is that the day after my last day, I leave for a trip to visit my sister and her family in North Carolina. The rest of the month and a bit before I leave for Holland is filled with other trips with family and friends. I predict the time will fly by. :)

To everyone that I met in the past 3 years, it was great getting to know you! We must keep in touch. To everyone I will be visiting before I leave, I can't wait to see you all! To everyone else that I know, I hope we have the chance to get together before I leave.