Challenge: packing light in a carry-on
saucisson, saucissem, saucy sem
The woman is moving to France. She may be flying towards it at 840 km/h on an Airbus (If it’s Boeing, I’m not going!) while you’re reading this if you time it right.
My move may be news if we don’t share a steady communication cadence or you don’t follow my personal Twitter account. The rest of you were warned. In fact, a reader who thanked me for the NYC bakery list said my move is “terrible pour l’etat de notre culture.” I assume he meant New York’s culture, but New York will be fine! I may not be! I love this town and its people SO MUCH! Can you hear me yelling? I am screaming! And jumping up and down!
It’s only 3 months, and I know I’m being dramatique! But I want to be strategic about my time there. My goals include strengthening my French, getting a tan, and finding the best sandwich for my friend KC. Anything beyond that is just luxury. While I may spend a few days in Paris, Marseille is my home base. The LES of Le Sud, if you will. You will benefit from my sabbatical because I will share my favorite places if you ask nicely.
I’ve challenged myself to pack for this in a carry-on because I hate checking bags. Carry-on travel hasn’t been a problem to date, though it was tough when I went from NY to Copenhagen (work) to Basel (work) to Venice (leisure), and back to NY. But I was a child the last time I traveled for over a month. To my delight, I proved I could fit the essentials but made a pact with myself to check a bag on the return. There’s nothing like a French flea market.
Anyway, I’m moving to France! To make sure I deserve it, the universe is testing me. Our latest tussle? A cheeky $10k tax bill + underpayment fee leaving my bank account and into Uncle Sam’s pockets because my employer underwitheld. I will persevere.
Why am I moving to France? When I asked an old manager who just moved to Nashville why he left New York, he divulged, “New York is killing me!” New York is not killing me—it brings me to life. When I was 26 for three months and living in New York for just under 3 years, a UWS man assured me I would someday get over the downtown thrill. I was unconvinced. I’m Moving to Marseille, not because I am over New York City, but because I am so sure New York City will always be home.
I’ll miss you all. I love you all. Rest assured, you WILL be hearing from me (threat).
Au revoir for now, but see you soon.
xxsem