We realized that having one netbook was fantastic as we both had plenty to do on the computer each day (communicating with friends/family, researching the areas we are visiting and booking things, work-related projects, watching movies, etc...). Because we both were using the netbook in the evenings, we decided to purchase another one - so we could both have one. Luckily, we got a fantastic deal on a netbook by purchasing an open-box product from Best Buy.
During the first portion of the trip, Erin was letting her hair air-dry. And, while this was probably practical in some respects, it was also a bit bothersome to her because she had little control over how her hair actually turned out for the day. (Some days it would be a bit wavy, some days it would be a bit straight....). For personal reasons that she doesn't feel she needs to justify any further, she purchased a dual voltage hair dryer - which she will use happily for her hair as necessary.
We also realized that we would probably need warmer jackets for certain parts of the trip (China/Japan). So, we searched long and hard and both found goose down jackets that can be easily compressed in a space bag. (A necessity as we are only bringing one big backpack each).
We also realized that regular cotton socks take a very long time to air dry. For this reason, we purchased a few more Merino Wool socks. While they are a bit costly, they are comfortable, odor-resistant (or so they say), and they are quick-drying.
And, last but not least, Erin purchased some "travel underwear" similar to those that James had purchased. She is excited to try the Ex-Officio underwear as they claim to be anti-microbial, quick-drying, and odor-resistant. We'll see...
Before we leave for the rest of our trip, we spent some time visiting family. Erin's stepmother, Theresa, gave us some letters and cards the students at North Elementary wrote for us. They have asked us some questions - so we will try to respond to them within the next week or so. Erin's stepsister, Stephanie, helped write one of the letters to us - her class especially liked the pictures of Tabitha the Tiger. We also visited with Erin's nephews, Caleb and Trent. Caleb also wrote a letter to us telling us he would miss us.
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| Stephanie shared some of the letters the students in her second-grade class wrote to us. |
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| Erin's nephews, Caleb and Trent, sharing one of the letters that Caleb wrote to us. |
Erin's Dad is taking us to the airport tomorrow to leave for the big adventure! Ready or not, here we come!