Duh!

I finally figured out how to take black and white pictures with my camera. Let's not mention the fact that I've had it since the beginning of March. But, over the weekend I finally got my instruction book out and read the directions on how to do it. Can you imagine? It takes more effort than I'd expected. And, interesting note, you can apparently only take B&W pictures in the manual modes, not in the automated modes. Weird, huh? I did get a couple of interesting shots.  (only one is actually B&W, I just thought the other one was really cool!). Another interesting thing about my camera is that you canNOT use the LCD as a viewfinder. Odd, I think, but there it is. It's a  $1500 camera, and you can't use the LCD as a viewfinder. Oh well. It is what it is. On another note, I found an awesome book about my camera. It's by Magic Lantern Guides and seems to be pretty straightforward and easy to understand. I haven't actually read but 2 pages of it yet, but I WILL have it read and learned and re-read by the time we leave for the parts unkown!

How 'bout a little update on the travel preparations? I just got a great box from the fabulous UPS man. I love the UPS man. Can't wait to see him again with my next installment of goodies.

Things To Do (Buy)

• Make reservations for Mad Ludwig's castles



• Make reservations for David



• Rick Steves' Backpacks (2)



• Travel Towels (2)



• Clothesline



• Travel Books
  1. Germany/Austria
  
  
  
  2. Italy
  
  
  
  3. Florence/Tuscany
  
  
  
  4. Venice
  
  
  
  5. Rome



• Money Belt



• Neck Pillow



• Eye Mask



• Luggage Lock



• Pack Mates (?)



• Travel Wash 



• Sleep Sack (2)



• Picnic Ware (2)



• Wide Angle Lens



• Camera Bag



• Toiletries Bag (?)



• Aveda Mens' Hair & Body Shampoo



• Chris' iPod



• Shoes - Jamie



• Shoes - Chris



• Quick Drying Clothes



• Electrical Adapter



• Neoprene Lunch Bag



• Small Wallet

We've purchased almost everything. Really, all we still need is the camera bag and a small wallet-type thing and a few small things like the lock and eye mask. The thing that has me worried right now is that we've made NO reservations. ACK! Did you see the backpack? That's what we're living out of for 12 days? Oh my! It's a good thing we're planning on packing light. I mean REALLY light!