Lose Some...

Casualties of travel:

1. The big red friggin' heavy suitcase: Used to have one of those clips at the top that would let you attach another bag. That seemed to have not made the flight over to Amsterdam. My admittedly old plastic Canada luggage tag didn't survive the flight from Athens to London. Flying is not good for things sticking to your luggage!

2. The collapsible red bag: Got a small tear in the front pocket on the flight from Athens to London -- nothing serious; I think it can be patched. Got a much larger tear in the side mesh pocket that can't be repaired. And now, when I tried to collapse it, I couldn't get the zipper to catch.  Oops.

3. Palm Zire 31: died in Paris. I don't know if this is a consequence of travel, but it is not good. How am I supposed to go grocery shopping without it?

4. Cell phone: pin pulled out in Paris. I replaced the phone, and I'd just like to say that the alarm on my new phone is the creepiest thing I've ever heard...

5. Steel water bottle: left on the train to Avignon. Immediately replaced with a DuVine Adventures plastic water bottle, which was not as chic but certainly as functional. I'm so happy I didn't take back the MEC water bottle I bought in March!

6. European plug adapter: left in the wall at the Grande Bretagne in Athens. It was really handy having two adapters, and the irony here is that I actually made sure to pack both of them, but then took it out at the last minute to check something on my computer. Then when I pulled the plug out of the wall, the adapter stayed behind. Fortunately I was nearing the end of the continental European portion of the trip and didn't miss it... much.

7. Various socks. I don't know where the socks go. And why they can't go in pairs.

Edited to add:
8. Pedometer. Lost on my SECOND DAY, somewhere in Amsterdam. Le sigh.

9. A little matter of $300: stolen from me on the train. HOWEVER: going through my mail, I discovered a cheque from Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan because I've been overpaying for the past 5 years... so I'm even-Steven!

As things go, that's not too bad (aside from the $300 part). I was expecting to lose much more.

I'll document what I gained (materially, because I think the spiritual and psychological gains are obvious) later this week. I'm planning a photo essay on the earrings. Bet you can't wait.