Packing

Today we packed for our tip. The goal is to have each suitcase weigh 10 kilos (22 pounds) or less since that is the carry-on weight limit for most flights in Asia. We each take one suitcase and then Laura takes the cameras and I take the computer.

It's much easier to pack for SE Asia than for the Arctic since we will mostly be wearing warm weather clothes, and only a light jacket, at the most. We figure we can buy whatever we need over there. Especially since so much of what we buy here is made there.

This will be Jim's first trip without his Rick Steves' "Europe Through The Back Door" bag. He broke down and bought a 21" wheeled suitcase. But, it's convertible and has straps so that he can put it on his back if necessary. Old habits die hard.

A large part of the weight of Jim's suitcase is guide books. We tried downloading a guide book to Laura's Nook, and found it almost impossible to use effectively. The Nook is good for reading from the beginning to the end, but not for jumping around, trying to figure out where to go. So, we are still packing guide books. Jim is also packing some novels to read, which he leaves behind after reading. Here the advantage is to the nook, especially with the free Nook book every Saturday in Asia, Friday in the U.S due to the time zone difference.

We each are within the 10 kilo weight limit.