Itinerary Euro 2010

1 May, Sydney - Singapore
3 May, Singapore - London
7 May, London - Edinburgh
13 May Edinburgh - London
17 May London - Rouen
(FRANCE Road trip - All June)
1 June - Manchester
(Scandinavia Road Trip somewhere in July)
otherwise unplanned til
1 Sept London - Sydney

Rogaining Course-setting, Hurstville

new lens, same subject

Camera ready

Picked up the 35-70mm lens from the repairers today, and it's pretty impressive so far! While I was there I compared it to the state of art lens they have. New lens is slightly sharper, and the colours and contrast a tad better. But not by too much.

For a 20yr old lens, she works brilliantly. Can't wait to shoot some outdoor frames to make sure all is well.

Also saved myself $2000, so that is welcome. It is also half the size and weight of the new lens.

Jemma 7months

Happy Happy Jemma 11 April 2010

More prep...

New gingham long sleeve Rapha travel shirts to be altered at the sleeves today...one black/white one blue/white.

Nikon Nikkor 35-70mm f/2.8 old school 90s lens dropped off to L&P in Artarmon to be serviced and hopefully all the fungus inside the elements removed. Apparently this is a great lens... The lens was given to me by brother in law from a 90s Nikon Film SLR and lived in HK for a while, hence the fungus. Hoping it saves me from buying a coveted but bank breaking $2,100 Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8

Also switched over an old (but also dirty looking) Hoya 52mm UV filter from my old SLR lens to new 50mm f1.4D, better late than never to protect the front element...

Old blue WE backpack needs some stitch work, to repair the hood - will be taken to the cobblers, and must find the outside pouches for it too.

Countdown to Europe T -25days

Suddenly the big trip seems very close at hand.

Have started fretting about packing and what I should or shouldn't take. I even made a list over the Easter weekend.

Last time it was the big Loadout bag and Crumpler Backpack....This time I think the trusty WE 90L Blue Backpack and Macpac 50L Red Backpack for carry on for the full stinky backpacker look. The WE pack I took on the first mission in 2003....is it really 7yrs ago already?!

My Flight was booked 3 months ago, at a bargain price of $1,996 AUD, via Singapore for 2 nights, but express on the way back. A380s booked with SingAir.

Accommodation just booked now in Singapore thanks to Mel F. at Hotel Bencoolen, which is apparently quite central. Am tasting the satay already! Now to make sure I book in with Jo and Tan Boon to meet up and Singapore leg is set.