Real butter and packing light

The bus ride from downtown Seattle to Seattle-Tacoma airport should be listed in the guide books as an attraction. I had brought along a book and had headphones for my mp3 player, but turned out I never got to use either, as our bus driver was a bit of a comedian and entertained us all the way, as well as gave us some a recommendations on where to eat. Sorry, being a vegetarian, I wasn't really paying attention to the name of this seafood place as much as I was entranced by the storytelling, but apparently you get some sort of slow cooked fresh fish, homemade potatoes, and fresh homemade rolls with REAL butter all for a very affordable $12.79 including tax.

I arrived home Monday (9/10) night, and it was then that I came upon one big life-changing revelation -- it really pays to pack light.

I've always joked that the Lins packing light is an oxymoron. We're known for accounting for every type of need to suit our comfort, which for me usually means about a week's worth of outfits, matching accessories, at least four pairs of shoes, and a bathroom cabinet full of toiletries, all this for an overnight trip. I exaggerate a little, but you get the picture - traveling light was never part of my DNA. With every trip, I am getting a bit more efficient at only taking what I absolutely need. On this last trip, I took a miniscule carry-on with backpack straps. I had to rethink my packing priorities, especially with the toiletries, swapping my hi-tech "can't live without" Sonicare toothbrush in a bulky hard plastic travel case and accompanying charger for just a regular manual toothbrush, and replacing my thick terry cloth towel for one made from a thin, ultra absorbant microfiber (feels less satisfying, but does the job surprising well).

So, my worldly possessions whittled down into this miniscule bag turned out to be perfect because:

1. Didn't have to check my luggage and have it come back labeled "Heavy." Not having to check luggage also means making sure that all my stuff stays with me and does not get lost in the airport luggage shuffle;
2. It was light enough to carry on my back when need be, although the wheels were essential for longer hauls to and from the hotel;
3. With less stuff, repacking and unpacking can be done a lot faster;
4. Much easier to haul up and down stairs, buses, planes, etc.;
5. There's less to lose or worry about getting stolen.

And to think, all this time I was under the impression that I could win a prize if I get that "Heavy" sticker on my bag. Silly me.

Stay tuned for my trip photos...