At the Mercure Airport Hotel - upgraded room with two double beds

Starting as we mean to carry on with a nice room overlooking the golf course and more cushions on the bed than fleas on a dog.  We were not too proud to go around the corner to the rowing club to have a great dinner of flathead and chips and a nice cold beer looking out over the rowing course.  I have omitted the background which was of planes taking off but hey - it's good to be close to the airport if one is catching a plane. 

Testing Meryl's new camera

Need to see if we can upload a photo from the snazzy new Lumix.  Here is proof that we are no luddite!!!!!  It's amazing what this little netbook can do

Still trying to pack, Lenny is in hospital

Unfortunately Lenny was not the best today.  I am not quite sure what happened as he was fine when we went for a walk the evening before.  Luckily I managed to get an appointment with the vet this afternoon.  Lenny was lethagic all day which was out of character.  The vet took his temperature and said that it was extremely high.  We decided that it was best to leave him at the animal hospital for a couple of days and run some blood test to find out what is wrong.  Given that it was quite late, Peter and I had to take the blood sample to the pathology lab directly.  Fingers crossed, here is hoping that there is nothing except for the 'normal' old age issues.  Max show the vet as well.  He has not been able to walk and has been lying down all day.  We decided to give him more painkillers and hopefully it will help.  I guess he is over 100 years old so he is doing well. All too sad.

It is less than a week before I take off so I guess I had better get my packing sorted out.

The vet said he will call me tomorrow.

More discussion about what to pack

Meryl and I are modelling our bags and counting our cash and working out shoes to wear, clothes to take.  Now of course we have our blogging arrangement setup with the new netbook.  Really it is the most important item on our list.  Seriously, we need to make sure that we bring along sun-block, hat, insect repellent and good walking shoes.

Packing Checklist
Pre-Departure
Passport
Visa
Health check/documentation
Travel insurance
Travel itinerary
Money belt
Money
Credit crds
Copies of airline ticket/passport
Emergency information
Luggage
Prmary travel bag
Carry-on bag
Hand bag
Luggage locks
Toiletries
Toiletry kit
Shower shoes (flip flop)
Comb/Brush
Toothbrush/paste
Mouthwash
Dental floss
Deodorant
Moisturiser
Body lotion
Nail clippers/file
Shampoo/conditioner
Soap
Travel towel
cotton buds
panty liners
facial wipes
Travel Health
Travel health booklet
First aid kit including: - Pain reliever/fever reducer - Pain reliever/fever reducer - Diarrhea medicine - Laxative - Malaria or other destination-specific medication - Band aids - Tweezers
Cold medicines/throat lozenges
Insect repellant
Sun block
Lip balm
Antispetic cream
Hand sanitiser
Motion bands
Vitamins
Clothing - Tropical & occasional high altitude
Walking shoes
Water shoes
Flip flop
Bras & panties
2 pairs of pants
Visor and brimmed hat
Bandana
Socks
T-shirts
Shirts
Rain jacket
Light jacket
Swimsuit
Shorts/Sarong
Other General Gear
Watch
Camera
Sunglasses
Binoculars
Snorkel
Games/playing cards
Water bottle
Travel neck pillow
Rubber gloves (for washing clothes)
Clotheline
Safety pins
Sewing kit
Tissues/toilet paper
Flashlight & batteries
Netbook
Reading materials
Writing materials
Swiss army knife
Spoon
Electric converters/adapters

Preparing for the South America adventure

2011, the start of another year and the beginning of another adventure.  It won't be long before Meryl and I take off for our long (well perhaps not so long) South America adventure.  At this stage all the required vaccinations have been done (tick), most of the travel gear worn in and the trip paid for.  The challenge is to bring just the right amount of stuff but not too much.  Of course we will need to have room for the odd souvenirs.The best way to do this is to create a list and tick things off. Now to implement this good idea.