Ready For a Grand Opening?

I’m not giving up any secrets by saying I’m planning grand opening trips for 2010. Right off the bat, I’d say that Chicago, DC, Paris and London are on my itinerary, which would total over 30,000 miles. All these are mid-year openings, so I’m really looking forward to sunny, warm weather (compared to the Louvre and UWS openings!). I’d love to get back to China for the openings in Beijing or Shanghai, but logistically that’s always more difficult. Of course, any openings in Spain would be a great trip, too. I’ve pretty much honed my packing, helped because I’ve narrowed down my choice of clothing, especially outerwear, and A-V gear. Even so, I end up taking at least three still cameras (all can also take video), a camcorder, and lots of accessories. It’s that last category that’s tough—I need tons of chargers, tripods and other stuff just to support the cameras and my laptop. I just noticed on Martha Stewart’s show a great idea for organizing: the GRID-IT system. Essentially, is a cross-weave of elastic bands attached to a stiff backing. It allows you infinite possibilities to slip the elastic bands over different sized gear so it’s all in one place and visible. They offer models that are larger and meant for packing in luggage, and others about 8″x8″ that come enclosed in a hard shell. Check their Web site for details. Seems like just what I need for the upcoming grand opening season.