Up In The Air

As you're reading this, I should be landing in Vienna after a long flight.

It really surprises me how much technology can change your habits and the way you view things.

After so many of you replied to my questions (thank you) regarding the usefulness of a Kindle (over carrying books during travel) I decided that I definitely needed one. DH got us both a tablet instead. I must admit, I wasn't impressed at the time - I mean, it looked like just another device to me....and one I'd have to take the time to learn! Android learn! And I'm already time poor so when it comes to WIPs, I like them to quilting based - not techno learning based!

But I have had to admit whilst packing for this trip that I realised how very grateful I am that he did choose a tablet over a Kindle on it's own. Because now I can send emails, read kindle books, read magazines, browse the web, check into yahoo group, blog and skype ...all in the weight of a sketchbook! It's wonderful. One less piece of baggage - the laptop is now obsolete for travel and that's 3kgs off my shoulders and it lasts hours longer than my laptop battery did too! For once I'm really pleased with technology.

Well, the changes didn't stop there.

Here I am modelling my travel poncho.

Isn't it nice??!

Last year when I was flying, I decided that I needed a poncho. I don't especially like poncho's but I get cold easily when I travel and airplanes are either too hot or too cold for me and the idea of carrying around an extra jumper for the airplane was a waste of hand luggage space...and my pashmina wasn't warm enough and I always feel funny about the blankets on airplanes. So, here it is. I also have one in teal, just for a change on the way back home!

Speaking of hand luggage space, last year I promised myself I would not take on a 'handbag' as hand luggage onto a flight again. All my handbags are too roomy, I always overfill them and it's always such a nuisance to manage as well as a suitcase. So just for the airport and the airplane ...for the first time I have decided to use a backpack.

Here I am wondering if it really is such a good idea, I'm not exactly the backpacking type

but you know, I can't argue with how practical it is and I've reached a point where things have to be as practical and easy and possible. No more limping with an overfilled handbag, I strictly packed mine in my suitcase (at the bottom) so I wouldn't change my mind at the check in counter.

And I'm off!