Today I’d like to share one of my favorite quotes, from Henry Thoreau’s Walden:
“It is desirable that a man […] live in all respects so compactly and preparedly that, if an enemy take the town, he can, like the old philosopher, walk out the gate empty-handed without anxiety.”
I’ve often wondered, if the place I live was suddenly struck by political unrest or natural disaster, could I walk out the door and leave everything behind?
Ten years ago, I might have found this difficult. I was in a more “accumulative” phase of my life, building a household as a young adult. I put a great deal of thought into each purchase, expressing my identity, in some respects, through my choice of clothing, housewares, furniture, and décor. I appreciated aesthetics and good design, and hunted down unique and one-of-a-kind “treasures” to own. Walking away from it all would have been at least mildly distressing.
After a decade of decluttering, purging, and practicing a minimalist lifestyle, I’ve become significantly less attached to my possessions. I own very little, and actually take pains to avoid acquiring anything too expensive, precious, or sentimental. I still appreciate art and design, but I’d rather meet my needs with things that are “good enough,” than invest in pieces I’ll feel obligated to keep the rest of my life.
I’m often reminded of this quote when I hear news reports of forced evacuations due to hurricanes or forest fires. There are often those who stay behind to “defend” or “protect” their homesteads, risking their own lives in order to do so. I, on the other hand, would be the first one out of there and headed to safety!
I wouldn’t give a second thought to most of the stuff I own, and the only possession I’d have difficulty leaving behind is my laptop. However, my distress would be caused by losing the information, not the device itself. Therefore, I back up essential data to both physical media and the cloud, so that the information exists independent of the hardware. Because everything with “memories” is digitized — photographs, letters, postcards, etc. — I don’t have photo albums or sentimental items that would be heartbreaking to lose.
In general, all the “things” in my life can be replaced; and in some cases, I may not even bother to replace them.
I’ve been on my minimalist journey for awhile, some years making more progress than others, but generally continuing on the same path. My latest move (from the US to the UK) was immensely valuable in “releasing” me from my stuff, both physically and mentally.
I’ve pondered the above quote from Walden for years, holding it up as an ideal to which to aspire. I’m thrilled to finally be able to say, and know in my heart to be true, YES, if the circumstances warranted, I could now walk out the gate, empty-handed without anxiety.
What about you? Could you leave it all behind? Is there anything in particular you couldn’t bear to lose?
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When the fires hit San Diego a couple of years back, I grabbed the minimum clothing and toiletries, computer(due to files inside and cost) and a box full of paperwork from the apartment (insurance info).
The rest I realized wasn’t really that important–of course, the paperwork isn’t dear to me, just annoying to lose. I’m all for the electronic saving of important things (photos, files, writing). Sometimes we do lag on the paperwork aspect. I occasionally will scan and save important documents, but it’s annoyingly time consuming to keep electronic copies of something you received in hard copy–ugh.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Simple in France. You’re right, it’s difficult to keep up with the scanning of such documents–but so worth it in times of an emergency!
Yes, I could leave behind what have. I´d take my wallet probably ( I have my id and my bank card there).
I don´t even really have anything in my laptop that would be so important. A small amount of important Pictures are on Flickr.
school graduation papers and such, though… but they arent important to me personally..
well I´d probably take a small backbag or something. To put a water bottle in for example. and band-aids.
Certainly, Kai, it would be nice (and prudent) to be able to take a wallet and a few supplies. As many Katrina survivors found, it can be extremely difficult to function in our society without identification documents.
Hi MM!
If forced to evacuate right now, I’d just make sure I have my hubby and our cat with me and then I could leave everything behind. All our important papers have been digitized and all our files are backed up online. All the other stuff can be replaced.
But if I’d be given 5 minutes, I would take our laptops, external hard drive, passports, my favorite dress :) and a couple of hard-to-find bilingual dictionaries with me before rushing out the door. :)
Btw I’ve been reading all your posts with my reader but just didn’t have the time to leave a comment, even if I had wanted to. Been so busy and engrossed in a project, as well as plans to settle down for a year or two. :)
Mia, I’m glad you’re still here! Settling down for a year or two…wow! :-)
Just a couple days ago, Guam was threatened with a tsunami warning and I was preparing to take my wife and kids to higher ground (we live at about sea level). I was happy to realize that there was nothing — not even my laptop or clothes — that I cared about saving. As long as I had my family, I had everything.
Nothing is irreplaceable or worth being attached to. I’m happy I’ve reached this point.
Hi Leo! I thought of you when I heard about the warning, and am glad to hear that you and your family are safe. Such an event really puts things into perspective, doesn’t it? You summed it up beautifully with the words, “As long as I had my family, I had everything.” So true!
I’ve been thinking a lot about this myself lately, as we begin the process of digitizing our older photos. Paring down to live in an RV is a process we are also giving ourselves years to do as we learn to let go of things that don’t really matter anyway.
Great post!
Laura, paring down to live in an RV–what an exciting goal!
Well, because of a storm in my area, i had to think about it two days ago. I prepared a vanity cas with toiletries, medecines, underwear, a USB key, wallet, a bottle of water, light and radio. There was room left, I added a book about zen ( from the public library).
I feel a bit anxious about storing online but i am thinking about it. As a teacher, all my work is on my computer, so USB key is very important.
nicole 86, I read about the storm in France–I hope everything’s okay with you! I always carry a USB drive as well (backup of my writing, etc, in case my flat burns down while I’m out).
If my children, dog, and I are out the door-the house could blow up and I would be fine with that. I enjoy my home and have been trying to minimize, as much as possible with 2 teenage children, so there is nothing I would miss. Sometimes I think that if it did happen-a fresh start would be better.
Dawn, I like the way you find a silver lining in the situation! :-)
I honestly can’t think of anything causing distress because I had to leave it behind. I’ve gotten to the point in my life that none of my personal possessions are all that valuable to me.
Oh yes, many of my possessions bring me pleasure, most are quite functional and make my current life comfortable and enjoyable, but nothing really has any hold on me. Family pictures, the ones which are important are all in my head and really important papers can always be replaced (years ago I needed a copy of my birth certificate and it was easy to receive from the state and when my purse was stolen my Social Security card was also easy to replace).
But for convenience sake I’d probably say it would be nice to have my wallet as it contains money and the few cards in my life I’d rather not hassle replacing if I didn’t have to (Driver’s license, SS card, debit card, hard copy of some phone numbers, etc).
I totally agree, Zoe — I haven’t had to do it, but I’m sure replacing such essential documents is no picnic.
I guess I’m behind on the digitization curve–I have a lot of personal papers I’d hate to leave behind as well as my journals (28 notebooks, so can’t quite grab and go). The photos, at least, are mostly on my computer.
Working Rachel, 28 notebooks sounds like a big scanning project! :-)
Yes and I have, not due to a disaster or fire or anything…but just because. I was joining the military and had an apartment that I loved but I had to make a choice. I sold my big pieces of furniture and made a nice donation to a friend who needed a few things. Here is what I had with me:
Large duffle bag- one of those big green military issued ones. I had clothing, shoes, pillow, squishable down comforter, smaller things like a few bandanas, 2 baseball caps, my teddy bear : ) , small bag with spirtual items- book, prayer beads, 2 special rocks, small cloth to lay everything out and a small jar candle.
Back pack- laptop, binder with important docs w/multiple copies of each, favorite pics in those clear protectors, loose leaf paper, small cosmetic bag used for pens/pencils/markers, memory card, post its. Smaller zippable bag for bathroom items, cd holder, headphones. Anothe smaller comsetic bag w/mascaras, lip gloss, eye brightener, nail clippers, 1 bottle nail polish, tweezers, bandaids, baby wipes.
Purse- with wallet, phone, small first aide kit, medicines, small book w/important phone numbers/addresses/information, zip lock with snacks, gum.
That was all I took with me.
Thanks so much for sharing this, Heather — it’s wonderful to hear that you did it by choice!
If I had 2 minutes to grab anything in my house it would be a photo album and my grandmothers portrait. My wallet for sure. I am no longer attached to ALL my possessions like I once was. I do love everything I now own, but it’s all replaceable.
Hi Janet! It’s great to come to this realization, isn’t it?
I’ve been thinking a lot about this because of the recent earthquakes. I don’t think I could walk out entirely empty handed, but I could probably walk off with just a backpack and make peace with leaving all else behind.
Once you start letting go of things, you have the time and space to recognize more important things and realize what has true value. For example, I would have a hard time with losing all the photos and writing on my laptop, but I’d rather save my dog than my computer.
Very true, Karo! It becomes very evident what can be replaced, and what can’t.
My husband said he could literally walk out on everything (except me, I assumed :-) I am so envious.
I, on the other hand am still struggling with photographs (I need to get these either onto FLickr or digitised) and also some of my mother’s things – sentimental is still playing a major role in my failure to get down to minimal.
Hi Anna! Letting go of sentimental things doesn’t happen overnight — it’s definitely a process. Give it time, and I’m sure you will find a balance between what you want to keep, and what you can release.
When we packed up to move from Washington state back to New Jersey more than a year ago, we donated many of our furnitures, toys, clothes, and more. If there is a fire, the only thing that really matters to me is the safety of my family.
With that said, I must admit that I do like the things we kept and trucked all the way back to Jersey though…
Jersey Mom, yes, moving can definitely give you a different perspective on your stuff. :-)
When people are in this situation “There are often those who stay behind to “defend” or “protect” their homesteads, risking their own lives in order to do so.” they are often staying behind to save more than their “stuff”. Think livestock (perhaps bred for many generations, animals cared for and loved), homes & outbuildings (may be where most of their income is made), gardens and fields that produce most of their food. So it’s not simply leaving decorative items, but years, even decades of work.
Would you leave your profession, livelihood, bank account, and a year or more worth of food and just walk out the door?
Sure, et, some people may be in this situation — but I don’t think that it’s only farmers that stay behind (I’m going on news coverage of Katrina, CA forest fires, etc).
And yes, I would give up all of those things if my safety, or that of my family, depended on it.
Reading the comments it is interesting what people say they would take with them. For some it is what they mostly cherish and identify with. For others it is what would best enable them to make a fresh start. Certainly thought provoking and the self examination can be revealing.
Great point, Jason! I also find it illuminating how little most of us “need” to start over.
As far as stuff goes-ID is all I care about-I can replace everything else. I spent most of my life moving around with the military, and, even though I’ve accumulated a lot right now, it wouldn’t bother me to lose it (which is why I really need to get with it decluttering!).
However-my animals are another matter. Between house pets and livestock I have 4 cats, one guinea pig, 3 rabbits and 5-10 sheep (depending on the time of year). I really wouldn’t want to leave any of them behind. Carriers/supplies are handy in the house and barn, and as long as the truck is running, we could haul all of them-rounding them up is another matter. Fortunately we don’t live in a fire/flood prone area.
Wow, TrishB, 5-10 sheep! I’m so glad you don’t live in a disaster-prone area! :-)
I’m exploring minimalist living myself and I am so glad that there’s a Miss Minimalist out there to give a female perspective on minimalism. Thanks to Get Rich Slowly, I found a kindred spirit. =) So far, what I’ve accomplished (pruning my clothing to just one closet; still can’t get rid of my shoe collection; bag collection gone) has been freeing. Now, I’m off to read more of your blog.
Welcome, Miss Guimba; I’m happy to have you here, and look forward to reading your blog as well. Bag collection “gone” — now that’s impressive!
Lol! They’re not the expensive kinds. I gave them all away to people who would put good use to them. I’ve realized that I tend to forget something whenever I change bags, so I pared it down to two bags, a small one and a larger one. I’ve never regretted it since. Now, how to get rid of the shoe collection…
Miss Guimba, I’m still impressed! If you want some help with those shoes, see this post. :-)
Your statement, “Therefore, I back up essential data to both physical media and the cloud,” really got me thinking. I have been putting off (for no good reason) getting my important documents and photos into an off-site storage cloud.
I immediately signed up for a free trial on such a cloud, and as it scanned my files and prepared to upload them to a safe storage site, it dawned on me that my computer is full of a great deal of useless information that I wouldn’t mind losing in the least.
So, I cancelled the cloud upload, temporarily, and I am now in the process of purging my computer of unimportant data. What goes into the storage cloud will be the photos and information I truly care about.
Which is a long way of saying, “thank you!” for this helpful post and for the action it has led me to take.
Christianna, thanks for making this great point! We need to clear out our digital clutter before “storing” it away, just like we do with our physical clutter.
By the way, I encrypt my personal documents before uploading them; it makes me feel a little less anxious about storing them online.
Oh, dear. I don’t know how I stumbled into this blog. (Well, yes I do–through the packing light post.) I am so not a minimalist. I have too much of everything and love piles of books and photos and sheet music and having tons of pictures on the walls and potted plants on the window sill….
Having said that, I am making an effort to pare down. Over the past year, I’ve gotten rid of ten bags of clothing (with more to go). I am trying to start with my wardrobe and applying your minimalist principles to that. I fantasize about traveling with only a check on bag. :)
We recently moved and intended to remodel the kitchen so didn’t unpack most of our kitchen stuff. For various reasons, the remodel is on hold, so most of that stuff has sat in boxes for two years. So it has become (painfully) clear to me that I don’t really need any of it. So I’m going to try to get rid of most of it. I also have sixty boxes of books that are still packed. There are some I definitely want to keep, but realize that probably a good half of them could go.
But even with all my possessions, I do think I could walk away from all of them–the only thing would be the laptop with all my writing on it. That, and the paintings my mother painted–I’d have a hard time losing those (she died recently so I’m still holding on to her stuff tightly). But the rest–yes. I think I could walk away from it. :)
Welcome, Amanda! You may not call yourself a “minimalist,” but it sounds like you definitely have a desire to simplify. :-) Get rid of those unused kitchen supplies, pare down the books, and see how you feel; you may very well go on a full-scale decluttering spree!
I could probably leave it all behind, with the exception of my laptop as well. Living at home has kept me in a minimalistic state: I only have “my things” which consists of what is in my bedroom. Most of it I wouldn’t miss, however, there are probably 10 special items I could put in a backpack and then run to safety! (One of those being my laptop).
I’m actually ashamed to admit, but I have a HUGE phobia of tornadoes, so when spring time comes around, I do indeed keep a backpack outside my bedroom door of things I couldn’t bear to lose. That way, like the above scenario, I can grab the backpack and get to the basement without hesitation. (My parents think I’m crazy, but I think I’m just being prepared). I think I’m the only one who does this, so maybe I am crazy?
(Sorry for the off-topic interjection).
HK, I think keeping an emergency bag by the door is very smart!
HK – not crazy at all! I have often thought of purchasing a small trunk with all my most cherished items inside – ready to shift at the drop of a hat.
Anna- I’ve thought of that too! Glad to see I’m not crazy.
HK,
I think I would do like you if I lived in a tornado area. After having prepared my emergency vanity case, I know what I do not want to leave behind (USB key ) but I thought also of emergency items (water, light, medecines, underwear, wallet).
Now, I will keep this list ready :-)
I have been lucky so far, but I live in a flood zone and have had to evacuate a couple of times, once by surprise with less than an hour’s notice (and two children under 6 plus 2 cats that time), so I reconciled to the idea that there was very little I owned that was replaceable. I’ve slipped a little lately from having the vital documents in a “grab and go” package, but my “would save if I could” shortlist of books is on a shelf near the door.
I tell people that I’m ultimately working on reducing stuff to the point where I could move in one lift in my Yaris hatchback; I don’t know that I’ll reach that level any time soon.
Wow, Rob D — most of us only imagine this situation, but it’s an ever-present possibility for you. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I couldn’t go completely empty handed but there aren’t many things I would be upset about loosing. I would just grab my backpack that contains most items I use on a daily basis. It’s ready to go 90% of the time anyway. I would also grab the backup HD of all our family pictures.
I’ve recently been trying to find a good solution for backing up all of our family photos in the “cloud” (in the event of hardware failure or natural disaster) but I just can’t find anything that’s either reasonably priced and/or platform independent. I’ve used Dropbox, Flikr, etc. but they don’t offer much storage or have limitations on file transfers. I like the idea of using rsync.net but it’s damn expensive ! I’ve got about 15 – 20 gigs of important data (mostly pictures). What do you use for backing up to the cloud ??
Hi lnxrOx! We use Backblaze; it’s $5 per month for unlimited storage.
I would recomend you to take a look at Crash Plan. They give you unlimited back-up space, places no limit on file sizes and you’re even allowed to include your external drives.
+ If you sign up for 3 years, you’ll get a really good deal.
Check it out!
I’m becoming a lot more mobile and agree that putting stuff in the cloud is a great solution. I use Jungle Disk and Amazon’s S3 servers. I’m now digitizing or shredding my personal and business papers. So far, I’ve gone from 6 file drawers to 2. It’s a great feeling!
That’s fabulous, Cat! I’m so glad these solutions are available; it makes it much easier to be a minimalist. :-)
This is an interesting topic. I was forced to evacuate on foot, with very little notice, due to a flood, and couldn’t return home for four days. I had no idea what to take with me, other than my cat and purse. My mind just went blank. I felt overwhelmed.
Since then, like HK, I keep a backpack ready to grab and go. I have not put any photos or paper files on CD, but know I need to. I haven’t figured out the quickest way yet. I’m a bit techie challenged and even still need to get used to backing my files up to a USB portable drive.
Thanks for bringing this up!
Debi, what an experience! I can totally understand how your mind would go blank in such a situation, and think it’s a great idea to keep a backpack ready to go. Thanks for sharing!
I have a 500G usb external drive with Ghost images of all of my computer hard drives (I have 3 computers…) in a bank lock box that I plan to update at least every 6 months. The drive is about the size of my hand, and the Ghost software isn’t very expensive. The 1T(erabyte) drives are now cheap enough and I may get one of those to use in the lock box instead. I also am starting to save documents and pictures on the ‘cloud’. I’m using the free service now, but will actually pay for more features and space if I like the service at Evernote. I like the idea of getting to my documents from any computer if necessary, especially in case of emergency. Encrypting them is a good idea.
Great backup strategy, Paula! This is something we should all be thinking about (especially those who have most of their work, documents, photos, etc. on their personal computers).
Thats a great idea Paula, your own “off site” storage :) I have a backup drive but it won’t fit into my fireproof safe. :( In case anyone is interested.. in my quest for a good “cloud” backup solution for my needs (Linux/Unix & Windows compatibility) I stumbled across http://www.ADrive.com. they offer 50 gigs .. yes five zero !! for FREE, all done through a web interface. no software to install and accessible anywhere.
Thanks for sharing that link, lnxrOx!
Regarding fire proof safes, remember that plastic melts. To explain, I believe that fireproof safes are designed to keep oxygen out so that paper won’t combust, or flame. However, it can’t do much about the temperature, and most computer media will melt at the temps that may be encountered in a fire. Something to think about.
yeah thought about that too .. prob wouldn’t survive the heat .. even if it didn’t “burn”
Good point, Paula.
We have backed up our data to a cloud too, very handy!
Great post again, thanks for another thought-provoking read!
Still though, if I am completely honest I think I’m still at a point where I would find it difficult. I am still attached to my antique jewelery box, and I’d miss my favourite party dress. After reading this blog for a few months, and all the comments from other minimalist people, makes me feel rather materialistic and silly! I guess recognising that I am still attached is a good step, hopefully eventually I can let go too. One of the reasons I am trying to declutter my life and live with less is I don’t like the idea of feeling like I need these material things to be me. It’s amazing how liberating it has been to part with unnecessary things! Just last week my fiance and I gave three bags of clothes to our nearest Salvation Army centre, and we have both been selling up a storm on ebay!
Hi Emily! The process of detaching from your stuff just takes a little time. I’ve been on this path for ten years now, and there’s still things I’d miss (just not that much!). Congrats on your decluttering efforts — it sounds like you’re off to a great start! :-)
I would only feel sad about all my books.
I’d miss a few, vanDee — but it’d be a great excuse to go all digital. ;-)
“I put a great deal of thought into each purchase, expressing my identity, in some respects, through my choice of clothing, housewares, furniture, and décor.”
Well, that’s an interesting point. Young people seem born with an overriding desire to “express themselves” through the clothes they wear, the cars they drive and all the other things they buy.
If I had to leave my house in a hurry, I would grab my cats first, and then some woodworking my grandfather made and perhaps some photos. Things that were made by my family have more meaning for me.
Hi fern! I don’t know, maybe it’s a matter of trying to find our identities when we’re young. As we mature, we realize that who we are has nothing to do with the stuff we own. :-)
Even though 75% of my country (the Netherlands) is beneath sea level I’ve never thought about the possibility of natural or human disaster. I was planning to write down here that I only need my girlfriend and my laptop but now I realize that I only need the backup drive (and my girlfriend of course! She’s irreplaceable). Maybe I should also try to make that thing obsolete…
Hi Martijn! Backup to the cloud, and you’ll only need your girlfriend. :-)
Empty handed? Never! Both my hands would be holding another small hand! :-)
Did Thoreau have children? My comment is only half tongue in cheek. When you have kids, you do have complications which impact any pure minimalist lifestyle.
No doubt, Jess. I’d love to hear more from minimalist parents!
The ability to say that you can walk away empty-handed is one of the key pillars of the minimalist philosophy (if we even have pillars at all!).
Thoreau epitomizes this philosophy so well in Walden. I loved reading it and he is one of my favorite philosophers.
One of my favorite passages from Walden is:
The animal merely makes a bed, which he warms with his body in a sheltered place; but man, having discovered fire, boxes up some air in a spacious apartment, and warms that, instead of robbing himself, makes that his bed, in which he can move about divested of more cumbrous clothing, maintain a kind of summer in the midst of winter, and by means of windows even admit the light, and with a lamp lengthen out the day.
This statement alone says a lot about our needless desires for that of which we have thought to be necessary for living a good and abundant life. Excess and the ability to have more luxuries need not determine the actuality of wanting that excess and luxuries in our lives. Determine what is essential and leave the rest. :)
I have the lived the typical American life-style…4 kids…big yard…big house..big SUV. A few years ago, I felt impressed to minimalize. I am shocked, that 4 years later, I am still working on this, and I didn’t think I had that much to begin with! I still don’t know why I am being led down this path, I just know I am loving it, and it is incredibly liberating! The miracles that have taken place by giving my things away have been cool. The remaining areas I am struggling with are old pictures. Tell me what I do with them. The biggest problem is housing. I don’t want a huge mortgage. However, with one remaining 13 year old son in the house, if we get minimal costing housing, it comes in a bad neighborhood. We are forced to buy a huge house, in order to get a safe neighborhood. (( no longer want to live in the country to have “a lot” to keep up with there). An apartment does not allow much space for a 13 year old boy to have the space he needs for physical activity.
Hi Lisa, many of us in Europe live in small, frugal apartments with our teenagers and pets, and still give both the physical activities they need. Don’t you have any sports facilities nearby, perhaps even at your son’s school? Any community centers? Wouldn’t you be able to find an apartment complex with any of these facilities? Just some thoughts…
This may sound bad but I would grab my laptop before I would any clothing! When I go anywhere it is a simple matter of loading up myself, the mutt, the kid and my laptop–I may not be too happy if the rest went up in smoke but I know I would be okay–I mean, clothes can be bought at Goodwill for a couple bucks but your work and your family? That is the important stuff!
I just randomly came across this title (not your blog – I’ve been reading this for a long time) and the post had new meaning for me since I came to China to teach. I arrived with 2 duffel bags and a backpack, feeling like this was pretty good for living here for the next year. But as an aspiring minimalist even before I left the US, I’ve been thinking how I could leave China next summer with just the backpack and a few things that would easily fit in it. Many of the things I brought are gifts to give away and books. I also have some toiletries and few classroom-appropriate clothes and my laptop. So over the course of the year I hope to minimize my possessions so that when I leave I can “walk away (almost) empty-handed”.
Just discovered your blog through my friend who I mentioned I wanted to minimize my life, started reading your blog and Purging. It will be a long process but so far easy. If I had to walk away i’d make sure i’d have my DOGS above all, wedding ring on, and laptop/harddrive…oh and eye glasses since I am blind without them. Oh and Wallet/passport to prove who I am.
Myself (wearing a warm jacket), a backpack w/ wallet, money, ID, envelope of papers like BC and SS card), and my 3 fur-babies. That’s it
Everything else I can easily replace (not likely) or live without
So I have read through this article before, but for some reason I didn’t really get it until I stumbled across it again today. It inspired me to create a small bag of what I would take- the necessary: such as ID, spare checkbook, cash, contact info for family and doctor; the wanted: a backup external hard-drive; and the truly important: copies of irreplacable photos of family and loved ones.
I don’t have a lot of stuff, so all of these could have been easily found, but it is comforting to know that should I ever need them, these are assembled and waiting for me. It isn’t exactly empty-handed, but the lack of a weight of worry on my shoulders is good enough for me.
I have just been listening to the radio to an evacuee from Tripoli (Libya) describe the airport as she was fleeing the country and she said that they were only allowed one peice of luggage to get on the airplane. She said she took her laptop and gladly left everything else behind.
However, in the airport, which was a sea of people, she noticed some folk carrying all they could grab from their homes. This included, bedding, tv’s and wait for it… vacum cleaners!!! As she said herself, ‘I can’t imagine what they were going to vacum when they got to where they were going!’.