Good luggage

Little things really do make me feel better lately. With as much traveling as I have been doing, the carryon issue has become increasingly important.

I had a carryon I used for years -- bought it in SF by the Wharf for dirt cheap (and got what I paid for) but used it for nearly 20 years. Of course, it had the distinct look of having been stepped on by an elephant, and possibly even passed through another. But it served it purpose and has been retired (which means that it is sitting in Mary Kathryn's closet).

This summer, while in SF again, I bought a new one. Loved it for about a week and then realized why I hated it. The wheels made too much noise -- like I was driving on the road with the monster truck tires. It wasn't well arranged. It didn't make me feel comfortable that it wouldn't fall apart like a lego monster at the least little event. And it was loud! So I decided that I needed to grow up and buy a new one.

Last Friday, was in Raleigh and had lunch with Gene and saw this luggage store at Cameron Village that screamed: expensive, but with a personal touch. Normally, I think that is what you want to think when you see a professional escort, but for me, the luggage angle had my interests.

Walked in, looked around, everything looked the same, and finally broke down and de-manned and asked for some help -- shocking, I know. I got the brief explanation about the differences in warranties, material, structure and extras. It felt a little like I was buying a car again. But my eye kept coming back to this pretty green one. (YES, I bought it because I liked the color. Do you have a problem with that? I didn't think so...)

It had smooth, quiet wheels. There's a twisty handle ("ergonomically correct"), and nicely lined interior with a cool hanger bag inside and a totally awesome strap that would allow me to add another bag or a small child to the handle while I was rushing through the airport. And it was green. I like green... eyes, shirts, grass, and all...

Today has been its maiden voyage. No champagne crashed upon the frame, but a lovely arrival in scenic Forest City at 10:30 and the twisty handle worked great. And as I rolled into the lobby on their faux-marble floors, it glided without a single sound of monster tires...