Let the preparations begin

We've actually been preparing for some time for this trip but things are really getting more definite now.   A few months back Karl bought a new digital camera. He got a new SLR but I'll leave the details to him.   He's been practicing to make sure that he knows what all the buttons do and he's not fumbling with the camera as the perfect shot gets away from him.



We have an exchange student staying with us again.   Her name is Ploy and she is with us through the end of December.    She is very nice and we enjoy having her stay with us.    Ploy is from Thailand near the Bridge over the River Khwai.



We also had an exchange student last year.    His name is Due and he is back in Thailand finishing his last year of school and studying for college entrance exams.    We hope to be able to visit him and his family during our trip. Here is a picture from our trip to Utah with Due Thanksgiving 2005.   This picture was taken with my little digital camera not Karl's new one, but I think it did a fine job.    I'll be taking my camera with us as well.

Besides the camera we are also getting some gear.    We need to travel light so the conventional luggage isn't going to do it.    We're getting backpacks for the camera and laptop and duffle bags on wheels for our clothes and toiletries.   It's going to be tough to decide what not to pack so that we don't have too much stuff to haul around.

We also got a global phone.    It is kind of cool because the phone will work anywhere in the world where there is a local phone service, but it is expensive for the calls that we make or receive (about $2/minute).    So, we'll just use it as a backup in case of emergencies.   Anyway, the best way to reach us is through this blog.

Wish us luck with the packing!

- Elizabeth