Walk like an Egyptian...

More like shop like a Mexican. I am just back from a short visit to El Norte, mostly to check on my house, get a taste of winter in New England and of course, pick up stuff I can't get here. I remember years ago looking at how laden returning passengers were and wondering, "What's with that?" Now I know. I was a sight.

I took one empty suitcase up with me and ordered a large duffel bag that awaited me. So what did I fill them with?

A partial list: Tibetan singing bowl and Tibetan incense, cheddar cheese, Chinese kitchen knife, good soy sauce, GPS unit (oops, no satellite coverage here) electric toothbrush, jeweler's screwdrivers, an Airport Extreme wireless, deodorant, contact lens cleaner, maple syrup, (for friends), small electronics, clothes, sneaks, seeds, two backup cameras (Canon Powershots)..... OK you get the point, right. I got a lotta stuff.

Most importantly, I got a decent digital piano and a road case for it. Weight was an important factor. I have a great instrument in Newton, but with its case, it weighs a ton. So as i picked one out this time, the first thing I did was pick it up, which looked pretty funny. Then I went for touch and sound.

So you can see I was pretty laden, but wheeee.... I got stuff!

Just rediscovering the joys of playing is indescribable. I played everyday for most of my life and it has been a few years since i could do that. The rust is there, but minimal. The exhilaration brushes it off. Who knows, but there could be gigs in the near future. Already got interest in prospective students and lessons.

One of the best things I did up there came in the smallest package. Uploaded tons of movies and music to the computer and backed it up to a portable hard drive.

I am already starting on a list for my next trip in the spring.