What do geeks take on trips?

No, no, no. This is NOT what I'm taking on the trip. This is what Karen THINKS I'm taking.

Actually I make it a rule never to take a computer with me on our trips. They are too big and heavy, and we pack really light.

She thinks I'm addicted to computers, and that's not true. Really. I just pop into Internet cafes every day while we travel so that I can keep in touch with friends and family. And on this trip we will have to keep up the blog. Really!

I am taking my new camera that I just got. I'm pretty excited about that. Oh, and the extra telephoto zoom lens. And my iPod. It's great for storing my digital photos, and listening to books and music. My iPod has a Bible on it too so that may come in handy.

Karen is taking her iPod too. And her camera. Both of them are smaller and cuter than mine. This is entirely appropriate.

I have to pack a Flash card reader so that I can upload pictures to this blog. And a little monopod to support my camera during long exposures, and for panoramas. An extra battery and a charger are essential. I've stuck in this cute little table-top tripod (handy for taking pictures of us in a restaurant!), and a remote control so I can snap the picture when I am ready.

We bought a cheap little cell phone that's tuned to European frequencies so we'll be able to make emergency calls if we have to. We've got cables and connectors and AC adapters. I can store photos on my iPod! I can recharge batteries on 220v power! I can plug my camera into a TV and see the pictures!

I can strain my shoulder carrying all of this stuff!