In four weeks I will be taking all the boxes that I will have packed up to Baltimore, which then will be shipped by boat to Barcelona. At first I thought I would just take two suitcases with me and start everything anew. Well, that thought didn't last long! But I am constantly trying to find a balance between those "things" that I really do want and need in Spain and the other "chachka" that really holds no significance or serves no future need. In spite of this constant examination, I will probably take a little more than what I actually should, with the emphasis on "a LITTLE more".I decided to go with International Cargo/Export Shipping Co. The information on their website is excellent and their rates seem reasonable. Having 5 weeks of not working, I decided to do my own packing. And it just so happens that my new neighbor across the street is in the military and just got back from Italy with tons of sturdy boxes that can be reused. So I have 8 boxes packed so far. I'll probably have another 7-9 boxes before I'm done.
I have not moved often in my life and so I find this process to be somewhat exasperating and painful. My mother used to be a pack rat and I've inherited some of that (just ask Tom!). This process really reveals my attachment to things. My Buddhist training is serving me well in seeing those feelings just as they are - feelings - and then deciding whether I should keep it, give it away or toss it. It's actually pretty liberating! But I also find that it doesn't get easier, at least up to now.
They said that the shipment should arrive by around April 1. I was actually hoping it would take longer! I may need a temporary storage facility until I find my future home.
