The Heat is On (But I've Got New Digs)

 
Technically I don't live in the library (so I can't really call it "my digs"), but moving library spaces felt as huge as moving apartments would.  Awhile ago, we left that super pretty library (remember the comfy chairs?) and moved to the Hungarian National Library (Szechenyi Library) which, although beautiful and housed in a former CASTLE, on a hill, has rock hard chairs.  My bum cares less about the history and more about not being permanently flattened.  But this library is open until 8:00pm and, with my research deadline looming, late nights have been necessary!

The whole area by the library is a major tourist attraction, with the former castle now acting as a museum as well (this part of Hungary is on my swell new day timer too).  Up here you will also find important sites like Matthias Church (that's the church with the stunning turquoise roof in this series of photos) and Fisherman's Bastion.  Plus there is an excellent view of the city, including striking views of the Parliament.

The first few nights we worked late, we stumbled out of the library dazed and alarmed that the local patisseries were closed (no cake?!?), but now we've learned to stop and marvel.  What a treat for the eyes (I'm not sure my belly needs any more treats anyway).

Really foggy nights (or is this smog?) make for an even more amazing sight, because the world looks fuzzy and glowy.

Yup, the heat is on in terms of needing to really boogie to get the rest of my research done, ideally by mid-December, but the heat is also literally on at home.  Readers had asked how our weird little heating system works and now I know!  It's called a "cserép kályha," which means tile stove (here's a bunch more), and it is heated with gas.  The pilot light was a little alarming at first, but we got used to it and really love this heating system!  It heats metal behind the stove and the tiles keep the heat, radiating it into the room.  I haven't had a gas bill yet (I'm scared!) but we rarely turn it on because it keeps the apartment toasty for long, so I'm hoping it's cheap to run.  It extends to the other side of the room, where we tuck our clothes dryer, which makes the rest of the apartment warm, plus it dries our clothes in record time!

Coming home is a treat because (being that I am so silly), I barely packed enough warm clothes.  I had to buy a hat and warmer socks!  I think I thought, "I'm a tough Canadian, we get 50 feet of snow, what's a Hungarian fall to me??"  But boy, is it damp here - that bone chilling, ear hurting cold.  Especially when one is traipsing around in a fake version of the Labyrinth of Buda Castle.

(Tips for Packing Light) Pack it up, Pack it in

. . . Let me begin.

Four months.  One checked suitcase.  One carry-on.  Three Seasons.  Lots of vocal naysayers.
One determined traveler.

photo via

I don't need to be told I can do something, but it definitely irks me when I'm told I can't.  When working on my Master's, I set a ridiculous deadline for myself (in hindsight) but, wouldn't you know, I did it!  I was the first to finish in my cohort and, it turned out, one of the fastest to ever complete the program.  With NO revisions to my thesis after defense!  My supervisor later told me she hadn't thought it would be possible, but hadn't wanted to deflate me by telling me.  But she never felt the need to be my cheerleader, either.  She just pushed me along, never wasting time sugar coating things.  She understood me.

Everyone keeps telling me to splurge on the $100 (each way) second checked suitcase fee, because I won't be able to fit what I need into one.  But a second suitcase, aside from being highway robbery, also means major hassle getting to and from the airport in teeny little European cars.  Plus, I already stress about losing my suitcase, misreading the allowed dimensions, having something stolen from it by security staff (it happened!).  I don't need to double that stress!  So I am determined to keep it to one checked suitcase.

I've been searching for some packing tips to help me pack the most suitable wardrobe to carry me from the lingering summer weather to winter. 

I found great wardrobe advice (neutral, versatile and layered) from Travelista:

Then I spotted a slightly funkier version, with a splash of colour thrown in, by a Pair and a Spare (I shall be skipping the stilettos & hot pink bikini though!):

Although it was a summer vacation, Julie from Peanut Butter Fingers shared some photos from a trip to demonstrate how light layering changed the look of basic pieces to create more outfits.  I think it'd be easier if I only needed to pack summery pieces, but I still love her tips and the neutral palette of her wardrobe. 

The Best Packing Advice:

The advice is pretty consistent: neutrals + light layers + tiny splash of colour + accessories to change the look seems to be the most common theme.  Although, I'd caution that too many accessories can add weight to an already stuffed bag.  A few scarves, in different weights, will add some colour to my limited wardrobe but will be more practical in changing seasons than heavy necklaces.

I make my own packing lists when I travel, but I found a nifty print + check template that has been helpful for reminding me to add things to my own list of non-clothing items.

Once I figure out what exactly to pack, the question remains: how to pack?  I'm a folder - a maximize-space-by-layering-folder.  But there is an intense rolling vs. folding debate on travel websites.  One flight attendant advocates rolling and showed photos of the dramatic difference between rolling and folding for getting everything to fit.  Are you a roller or folder?  So many say rolling works.  She did get all this into that little carry on . . .



Some friends have recommended packing cubes (I'd pick teal, naturally!).  I can see them being especially satisfying for packing an orderly suitcase, but I'm not sure if they save space.  But these traveling envelopes are great.  I use freebie make up cases from Lancome and Clinique to stash power cables, makeup, jewellery - I like keeping all of the little bits contained and organized, especially because the last time my suitcase was searched, they made a mess of everything and I lost some smaller items in the shuffle.  I'm going to invest in a super lightweight suitcase - as big as I can get - so I'm not wasting weight.

A luggage strap is a must (ORB makes pretty, eye-catching ones that will help me easily spot my bag) and so is a small luggage scale, to make sure my bag isn't too heavy on the return trip.  I need these like a hole in the head, but I am very tempted by this mint passport cover and matching luggage tags.  So cute.

Wish me luck!  And please share your own packing tips.

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