Where Will it All Go?

Besides dealing with the equipment issues, the biggest challenge is trying to pack clothes for three weeks in a manageable suitcase. As different piles of clothes and lists of piles of clothes still to be made accumulate in my bedroom, I scratch my head over and over, wondering how all these articles of clothing will fit in my large suitcase.

A trip to Israel in the summer usually includes the bare essentials: lots of t-shirts and shorts, a Shabbat outfit, a pair of sneakers, a pair of sandals, and assorted accessories (like plenty of sunscreen). My suitcase has a few more Games-specific items: five bowling shirts, a few pair of nice pants to compete in and wear for Shabbat, some team apparel (t-shirts and shorts), and a polo shirt that is to be worn under our team apparel for the opening ceremonies -- a really cool warm up suit that says "USA" across the back. Though they may be a little large, it's a pretty hot item to wear -- but I want to know who wears a warm up suit in Israel, in the summer, in a stadium with thousands of other people?!?

But I digress. These clothes unto themselves take up plenty of space in what appears to be my "incredibly shrinking suitcase." And every time I begin to think of actually going through the almost impossible task of packing for the Games, I put it off. Right now, if all goes according to plan, I'll pack Friday. I figure every nook and cranny in my suitcase is going to be tightly packed. And, from what I hear from the last games, laundry service was hard to come by (though I've checked out our hotel's website and it says that there a laundry service, so let's all hope for the best). Some clothing won't even make it to the laundry ... they'll just make it to the garbage can.

I think this is going to be one of those affairs that I really do need to sit on my suitcase just to get it to zip up. :)