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Travel Preparations Begin

Was a day with much uncertainty. I know now that I'm going to Sumatra, and it's just a matter of when. I've sent off a note to our MAF person in charge there, asking if he thinks I should rush things through to leave on 20 January, or if I should take things at a more reasonable pace and leave on 24 January. The tickets were to have come from the US, and there's now way I'll have them by Thursday. We're having trouble booking a flight round trip from Ecuador, as the last portion between Singapore and Sumatra isn't showing up.

I spent part of my day throwing a few things in a bag, and going over a list of things to take. In the afternoon Ellyn and I went down to Puyo. I found four used shirts at one of the Ropa Americana stores. Two are long sleeved in case I need something to cover my arms from the sun and mosquitos (believe it or not, I don't need long sleeved shirts in Ecuador and didn't have any). All are button down shirts that I think will be cooler than t-shirts. I expect it to be very hot, as I'll be on the coast very near the equator. I feel like I'm finally getting over the cold or allergies I've had all week. That was starting to get me down a bit, so I'm glad it looks like the end is in sight. I spent the last hour of the afternoon at the hangar, on some work. I don't have many days left before I leave, so need to make sure things are at a good point to leave.

Yesterday I went to see one of the HCJB docs, and got a couple vaccinations, some diahrrea meds, and anti-malarial pills. Today I went and got a #3 buzz. I had been growing my hair out, but I want to be as cool as I can. I'm slowly starting to gear up, and I really have no idea yet what to expect. I'm sure it won't be very easy, and will be much like a camping trip in some ways.