top of page

10 shirts, 5 pants, 2 sweaters

amypetersdesign

For years, Whit and I said if someone came to our house on any given day with a plane ticket in hand, we would throw our clothes in a bag and be on our way to the airport in an hour, Jason Bourne-style. Our departure to Norway actually felt that rushed. After we got the green light to enter the country on Sept. 9, the preparations to leave were all-consuming. My legal pad lists were covered with sticky notes lining out what had to happen each day in order for us to make this trip happen. Once Norway said we could enter the country, Dan had about 3 weeks to get himself on a plane and everything in order: entry paperwork, purchasing airline tickets, getting a Covid booster, last-minute dental and medical appointments, proof of a Covid negative test, teaching materials, and technology. It was surreal, watching him pack and knowing he'd be in Norway a month by himself before we arrived. My mindset was that Dan would have things totally in order by the time we got there. Dan was thinking that I would pack everything up and secure the house. We were both kind of right.


There was such an astronomical pile of things to get through before we left. The days before we left were kind of a nauseous blur: Traveling to Ella's last XC meets of her high school career. Taking Niko to weekly vet appointments. Lining up a housesitter. Arranging for intensive healthcare for my Dad. Editing college essays and helping Ella submit college applications for early decision. Getting glasses, prescriptions filled, outdoor gear, talking to neighbors, arranging for online bill pay, sorting out school schedules with counselors. Complete work projects and try to get ahead on things before we left.


When it was our turn to pack, I told the kids to start with the 10 shirts/5 pants/2 sweaters rule, and expand from there. They did great. We each ended up with 2 suitcases per person. Not bad for a months' long journey.


I, on the other hand, was in such a frenzy I left two cell phones on the counter as we pulled out of the driveway. It took six weeks for them to arrive via Norway post.





16 views

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


  • Facebook
  • Instagram

The Peters Family is living in Oslo and traveling around Norway and other European destinations as much as Covid will allow in 2021-2022.  

 

© 2023 by Going Places. Proudly created with Wix.com

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
bottom of page