Bringing STUFF

As part of getting ready, I decided to gather up the gear that I would bring in my carry-on. I am reminded of the line in Butch Cassedy when they blow up the train... So John, do you think you brought enough stuff?

Eclipse Trip Planning

I hope to be able to keep in touch during my travels. FYI, my intended itinerary is as follows:

July 11:  United #1167 TO SFO / 889 TO PEK
July 12-14:  Beijing - Wangfujing Grand Hotel
July 15-16:  Train Beijing-UB
July 16-29:  http://www.boojum.com/reader/Mongolia_Traveler.pdf
July 29-Aug4:  http://www.boojum.com/extras/eclipse2008.pdf
Aug 4:  Air China #902 UB to PEK / United #4455 to LAX

Some links that may be interesting:
A good map of Mongolia http://www.un.org/depts/Cartographic/map/profile/mongolia.pdf
NASA site with eclipse info http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEmono/TSE2008/TSE2008iau/TSE2008-fig06.GIF
and http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEmono/TSE2008/TSE2008.html
Mongol Messenger - English Language Newspaper http://www.mongolmessenger.mn/home/index.php
Time & Weather at Ulgii - The Eclipse Site http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/44214.html
Mongolia's "Official Tourism Website" is pretty basic http://www.mongoliatourism.gov.mn/
Mongolian Throat Singing (Yes, that is his voice) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0M3YFK3sJ54&feature=related

Some reading, etc if you are interested:
Books
Dateline Mongolia - young western reporter gets to be editor at English language newspaper during transition from communism in the 90's
Movies
Story of The Weeping Camel - young Mongolian kids on epic quest with their camel
Mongolian Ping Pong - 'Weeping Camel' meets 'The Gods Must be Crazy'
Genghis Blues (documentary) - A blind San Francisco blues singer gets interested in Tuvan throat singing and, with the support of a Nobel prize wining physicist's quirky friends, is able to visit the capital of Kyzyl for the big singing competition.