The packing is continuing, actually more setting things aside that are to be packed. I am getting quite a pile, and have developed a few lists of things to take and things not to forget. I know that I can reliably and inexpensively get laundry done, so I can minimize how much clothing I bring.  From the 3-Sis Guest House, I can get laundry done for 70 THB (Thai Baht) for 1 kg, or about $2.35 for 2 pounds. They do not iron, but they fold everything beautifully. I drop off laundry in the morning, and it is returned that evening. Perfect!

It is a bit cold in San Diego (although not as cold as much of the U.S. right now), and I will go walking on the beach at Del Mar this weekend – the last time I’ll see a beach until I return home. Chiang Mai is in northern Thailand, in the hills up near where Myanmar (Burma) and Laos meet. No beaches in sight from Chiang Mai.

The journey starts in a week – I was considering starting a countdown, but that may serve to add more stress than I need. I have plenty to do with last minute Christmas shopping and other holiday commitments.