How did that happen?

So I’m rushing around frantically today trying to get everything done before my trip, and I looked up, and it’s almost 10 p.m., and I forgot this was on my to-do list.

Oh, look at the cool picture!  🙂  Not distracted?  It snowed in Denver last night, like enough inches to hang off the fall-leafed trees.  I had to add “get sprinkler system winterized” on my dobeforeileaveonfriday list because it’s been such a long Indian Summer, it hadn’t quite caught my attention Winter IS Coming.  Weird how it always surprises me at the end of every October.

Have I told y’all where I’m going? I can’t remember – well, I do remember where I’m going, just not if I told you. Sniffa is going to Barcelona, but a couple of us that do the overseas trip when we can thought, well, we are close to Morocco, let’s go to Marrakech and ride camels and shop in the souks!  That’s where four of us are headed on Friday. A week in Morocco, then fly back to Barcelona, meet up with the Sniffa people for a fabulous week there (just saw the itinerary, it’s great!), then three of us go to Paris for four days of shopping/eating/Frenchifying.

We are so hoping that the new Hermessence will be out by then, some more of the Numeros from L’Artisan are being released then, I think.   Will get to meet up with the Lovely Ms Grain de Musc and catch up on Neela’s perfumes.

Um, so I have a little over 24 hours before I get on the plane. I have a ton of work to do, I haven’t packed anything, just got my suitcases out, looked at them, started putting clothes in a pile to pack, checked the forecast for all three cities, collapsed on the floor in puzzlement, and I’m still not sure how I’m going to get the packing quite right.  But I best be figuring it out. I’m thinking one pair of sandals, a pair of flat mary janes, plenty of black pants, one black skirt, a couple of tunics, some plain shirts, then cardigans and my one super-warm but lightweight jacket that scrunches up super-small.  Oh, black socks and underwear and pajamas and a robe.

Do we think this will work?  I need room for everything to buy, but I have to ship or keep it down to just one checked bag to Paris. On the leg home, then United will let me bring plenty of suitcases weighing lots without robbing me blind  like they do on intra-European flights.

Tips, things I haven’t thought of?  Help me, I’m panicking!!!!

  • rednails says:

    Bring some long-sleeve shirts. It won’t be cold but you’ll want to be covered so as not to have your arms pinched/touched by young men in the souk. I went to Morocco (including Marrakech) some years back. This was a problem. Also in Cairo. Also in Jericho.

  • Ann says:

    Patty, hope you have a wonderful time at all your wonderful destinations!

  • Musette says:

    ……..>-) trying to quietly sneak into Patty’s suitcase…;))

  • jen says:

    I just turned an unlovely shade of green reading about this trip. Perfect. You will look great cause you will be happy, happy, happy! Keep your neck warm and all will be well.

  • Meg says:

    So unbelievably jealous! Do you need a swimsuit for any hotel pools??

  • Joanna says:

    I’m incredibly jealous and happy for you all. Have a fabulous trip! Looking forward to reading about it all soon.

  • Tulip says:

    Yoga outfits (black), or college sweats – look American haha

  • LindaB says:

    A big, black pashmina scarf – I bring this everywhere and it is so versatile! I never leave home without it. Sounds like a trip of a lifetime…color me jealous! Can’t wait until you report back…

  • maggiecat says:

    I have a cache of soap sheets (thin dry sheets that when wet turn soapy) that are great for quick clean ups and also hand washing small items. And – this is rather delicate and possibly TMI – I never travel anywhere without Immodium (or its generic) in pill form. If one’s digestive tract has become uncooperative (overly cooperative may be the more accurate way to put it), one does not want to have to go looking for a cure. Always nice to have something handy. Your packing sounds masterful – I’ll have to consult you before my next long trip! Have a wonderful time!

  • karin says:

    Wow – sounds fantastic!!!!! I’m in shock that you can keep your clothing to a minimum like that. Wish I could. I always overpack. Don’t forget clean underwear. ;-) And have a BLAST!!! Hope you’ll be posting while you’re gone. Can’t wait to hear about your travels.

  • Francesca says:

    I don’t have any travel tips, but have a wonderful time!

  • ariane says:

    Just one more thing,do watch you handbags,nearly everyone who visits gets theirs stolen,especially at the airport and in the Ramblas!

    • Francesca says:

      A friend of mine was the recipient of three quite brazen, though unsuccessful pick pocketing attempts in Paris a few weeks ago. So careful there, too, alas.

  • ariane says:

    Hi Patty,I am relatively new to this,have never commented,but am reading your wonderful blog daily-and now you are coming to Bcn,where I live!!Have been trying to find out about events during the Sniffa week here,but there is nothing on the net,where can I come,how can I meet you guys?I am so excited!!I’m a singer at the Palau de la musica(which is a must to visit,one of the most gorgeous concert halls in the world!),could maybe get you in to have a look around!Have I mentioned how excited I am?

  • Sherri M. says:

    Emergency antibiotic can prevent a small problem from becoming a huge, expensive ordeal. These are one of the few things I keep in my purse when travelling.

  • If you need to bring just one suitcase, just plan to buy a cheap one in Paris for the stuff you bring back. Unless you plan to ransack Marrakech. But as I’m sure you know since you travel a lot, exotic geegaws are irresistible when you’re there, not always so interesting once you’re back.

  • Laura Conrad says:

    Well, when I’m panicking like that I always just tell myself, “You’re not going to the North Pole.” If you forget something, you can buy it there. And buying a couple of things in the drugstore is better than packing pounds of things you don’t need.