Soon I will be leaving for Italia. This year is my 5th of doing this, and I'm hoping to walk out with one small bag. I live quite simply here at home, but freak-out sometimes when going away, and try to take everything with me, every blasted thing I might need in any possible situation. The first year I took a large bag and shipped 3 boxes, the next year another 3, then 2, 2, and now trying nothing extra and the smaller bag. Just what I need to walk around with, fresh underwear of course...

A new challenge this year will be my photographic equipment: 2 cameras and assorted lenses. I don't mind carrying it, but I do NOT want to arrive over there with a heavy 2.5 lb lens that I won't use. On the other hand, I don't want to be caught without it.

In a way, the new "terror" carry-on restrictions (one item) will be a blessing. I will be forced to simplify.