Points to Ponder

The clocking is now officially ticking down towards our trip!

At last check, 45 days, 9 hours and 25 minutes remain until we leave. Not that I'm counting.

That time is going to pass quicker than we all expect, so I'd like to take a few moments of your time and remind you of some points to ponder in regards to getting ready for our incredibly memorable trip to Scandinavia. Check out the following questions so that you can identify ways to prepare for our adventure in advance!

• Do you have your passport?
If the answers to this is "no" and "I haven't applied for one yet," then you are in trouble. See Dr. Berg or me for details on how to rectify this situation. If you have applied and still have not received it, do the same. If you have not yet emailed me your passport info, please do so.
• Do you own comfortable shoes? Do you have a back-up pair in case one gets wet?
If you are planning on new shoes, it is best to buy them now so that they can be broken in well before you are spending ten hours a day hiking around Scandinavia.
• Do you own the appropriate piece of luggage? Backpack? Camera bag?
If you don't, start looking! You never know when you will stumble upon a sale, and it's much easier on your wallet if you start spreading out your purchases before a week prior to the trip.
• Do you have a good carry-on?
A bag that is not too big and not too small will work perfectly as a carry-on and a day bag.
• Are you physically fit?
This may seem like a shocking question, but we only have your best interests in mind. We will be spending many, many hours on our feet, so now is the time to make sure that you have the stamina and the ability to keep up with the group. If you are concerned about this, try taking a walk every night with friends to increase your physical activity and prepare you for our adventure - you'll thank us later!
• Do you need any sort of medication?
Now is the time to make appointments with doctors in order to get your prescriptions up to date and in the correct containers for the trip - there is no sense in waiting until the last minute.
• Do you have a rain coat/poncho?
If you don't have any rain gear, keep your eyes open for some - nothing ruins a day like being soaking wet and cold.
• Do you already own the camera and camera gear that you plan on using?
Think of your camera like new shoes - you're going to want to make sure that you "break it in" before we go. Also, make sure you have a copy of your camera's instruction manual - you'll be surprised how handy those things can be. If you have any questions or concerns about your camera, please come and see me.
• Have you done any research for the trip?
We all say that we are going to be prepared for international travel, but do we ever really research the places we are visiting before we go abroad? Okay, people other than Dr. Berg - do you really do it? Make a vow to yourself to google or *gasp* READ A TRAVEL GUIDE about our destinations... Dr. Berg says that you will be glad that you did.

...and SPEAKING of research, those of you in the Digital Photography class will want to order the following book from amazon.com or purchase it at Barnes and Noble ASAP:

"How To Photograph Your Life: Capturing Everyday Moments with Your Camera and Your Heart" by Nick Kelsh. It appears that it might be out of print, but you can purchase it through Amazon.com's marketplace sellers here.

As for preparatory readings for Dr. Berg and for future meeting times for the group before the trip, keep your eyes open to your email and facebook accounts for announcements. Until then, start making your packing list!