Around Austin

We're getting to know our way around town, at least to the places where we go frequently;

Costco for the weekly hot dog, H.E.B. for grocery shopping and the library. Of course,

the walk on the trail around the lake that takes us over the 1st street and Pfluger bridges,

is a short distance from the 360 Condos. So far we've been able to walk that 1 1/2 almost

daily since we arrived here in November.

Some documents have arrived both from Cunard and Liselle of Sunsafaris. Fortunately,

John Trapp installed a printer in 1303 so I've been able to download all the necessary

vouchers and electronic tickets for the trips. The other day, we made a trip to Passport

Health, an outfit that provides consultations regarding vaccines, etc. for the various

places you plan to visit and also gives you the appropriate shots. We particularly needed prescriptions for Malaria since it is prevalent in the eastern part of South Africa where we safari. Along with the pills, we bought clothing sprays and Deet to ward off the biting bugs.

We also have hat nets to keep the mosquitos away.

Sunday, December 19 . Took our morning walk around the lake and spoke to Lauren.

She's still getting acquainted with Panama, however, she is running into the usual problems

found in 3rd world countries; Bureaucracy at its finest...no one knowing exactly how to

answer your inquiries. In the meantime, we're checking out things to do when John and

Joan arrive December 24. Looks like one activity will be the LBJ Museum near the

University.

Our trip preparations for Cape Town is complete. The final documents for the QM2

arrived the other day including the ID tags for the baggage which had to

be printed from my computer. The tags seemed rather flimsy since they were made on

the usual computer paper, however, you were required to fold the paper in a format that

added to their strength, I hope. All the tickets, vouchers, etc. from Sunsafaris and QM2

were E-mailed and I often wonder how people are able to plan things at this time

without considerable computer skill. I guess they just have to go the old fashion way,

by travel agents.