Travel

Kilimanjaro 2010

One of my life ‘to do’ items is to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. Linda and I have begun planning a trip for 2010. If anyone would like to consider joining us, please let us know. A small group of friends is organizing a ‘planning session’ this fall, probably in Seattle. Current thinking for the actual climb is sometime over the summer of 2010, coinciding with the next World Cup to be hosted in South Africa. While more crowded, this (June to October) is one of the two ‘best’ times to climb the mountain (the other being January to March).

Kilimanjaro is in Tanzania and stands just over 19,000 feet, with a vertical rise of approximately 15,000 feet. The Wikipedia details are here. As a reference, Colorado ski resorts peak at approximately 9,000 to 10,000 feet (Arapahoe Basin is 10,800). The climb is not considered technical – the danger and the challenge to the human body is generally the altitude. Approximately 35,000 people a year attempt to summit Kilimanjaro, with a casualty rate of approximately .02%.

Leading trekking agencies include:

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In preparation, we have acquired a couple of books: Kilimanjaro – The trekking guide to Africa’s highest mountain (Stedman); Altitude Illness – Prevention and Treatment (Bezruchka); Northern Tanzania – The Brandt Safari Guide (Briggs). The NY Times also had a short article in the Travel section in January 2008.

Physically and mentally, in addition to regular exercise, we are planning our next few ski trips to Colorado (altitude), a summer 2009 hiking trip in the Rocky Mountain National Park (Long’s Peak is at 14,225 feet), and a possible hike up to Machu Picchu (about 8,000 feet). Depending on interest at our planning session, short excursions to non-technical sections Mount Ranier National Park and North Cascades National Park may also make the preparation agenda.

More to follow.

Shanghai Expat Return Checklist

Last time Dean was in China, I talked to one of my friends there. She was preparing to move from Shanghai, and asked me what things I would buy or do if I was leaving Shanghai again.

Here are some of the official answers I would offer:

FRAME EVERYTHING
It is impossible, and downright embarrassing to admit how much it costs to frame things in the US. If I told you how much it cost to frame my 5 RMB watercolors in Chicago, you would be shocked and appalled. Frame everything. I think if framing more than 5 things, one could probably fly to China, have the framing done, and fly home for less than the local cost.

BUY JEWELRY FOR WORK
You know I love to buy and wear jewelry. But I dress differently for work than I did when living in Shanghai. In Shanghai, much more casual – jeans or linen pants or a skirt and lots of white tops. I still wear that outfit, but wish I had bought more necklaces and bracelets for brown and black. Also, my mom shopped for longer necklaces, I generally focused on chokers as they were what I wore in Shanghai, not always the most practical for wearing over a sweater to the office. I would also buy more amazing and interesting earrings. In Shanghai I always wore bracelets, but they are not always so practical at the office – it is hard to type with a big bracelet on. Also, junk jewelry is expensive here, and cheap in China. I don’t think it is possible to buy too much jewelry. I also love the jewelry I bought in Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand. I will continue buying interesting things wherever we go.

FURNITURE
Buy it. Chinese furniture is in. I can’t say it enough. Chinese furniture is in. But even more so, mine fits perfectly into my home. I wish I had bought a bar, but otherwise am thrilled with what I bought.

DON’T BOTHER WITH
Tea pots – they are trending in the US now and inexpensive. Also those tea cups with strainers, while you can get them for a dollar or two in China, with just a little fight, you can easily buy them here for less than $5 each.

GET CURTAINS
Curtains are expensive here. Period. They look great in your house. If you can get a neutral color you like, do it.

LAMPS
We bought some lamps here, and they are costly, and the selection is nothing like the lamp mall in Shanghai. If you are American, I think it would be better and cheaper to buy the lamps and have them rewired.

SHOES
Everyone knows of that oyster way viagra levitra cialis of increasing libido but you cannot actually consume that everyday that’s where zinc supplement can help. While most of the brands focus cialis discount india on the influencing reason and some other contributing variables. If you are willing to take the next dose, make sure wholesale viagra you consult a medical physician to consider your health status and enjoy a healthy and safe motherhood. Take Kamagra one hour prior to the actual sexual act. generic viagra price Just buy them in another country. The US has great shoes. Trust me, I have shopped everywhere in China. Only Hong Kong has any possibility to compete. And in Hong Kong, there are no good shoes for $100. In Chicago, $100 – $200 can absolutely buy you a great pair of shoes. In Hong Kong, they have to be amazing designer $300-$500.

T-SHIRT and JEANS
Also, like shoes, just come to Chicago. We have tons and great selections.

HANDBAGS
Buy evening bags – as many as possible. Buy them to wear with black, blue and gray + colors. There are not $200-$500 bags in China.

COSMETICS
Don’t bother in China, here they are easy and affordable in the US.

SICHUAN PEPPER
Not allowed in the US? No problem to buy in Chinatown. The only thing you need from Shanghai is cooking wine.

GIFTS
Buy gifts for everyone in China plus some extra to cover people you forget or for future events. They are amazingly appreciated here. Jewelry, US$3 to $5 pearl bracelets, earrings, silk bags etc.

SHANGHAI TANG
It is in New York now, but only a small store. There is a web site, but it has minimal stuff. I love Shanghai Tang – if you do, you need to shop in Hong Kong and Shanghai. As a tip, there is a nice little shop at the Beijing airport.

CLOTHES?
This is a hard one. Generally I don’t seem to be wearing that many, but I really did wear the jackets, skirts and linen pants in the summer and fall. I didn’t get much made for winter. Linen pants and jackets – yes. Interesting Chinese jackets – sometimes. Linen and cotton shirts – no since I have Brooks Brothers here, and they are not too expensive now that I have a job. Fun spring jackets and other overruns – yes.

Jeff and Becca Around the World

Our Chicago friends Jeff and Becca Zanatta quit work and are going on an 8 month around the world adventure.

Click here to read about the preparations, provide suggestions, and follow them on their adventure.
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Travel safe – sorry I could not send you off in person.