We also had all kinds of ideas about what we wanted to see and do in these places. The next step was to decide about the kind of trip we wanted to have - was it going to be one full of strenuous adventure sports or relaxing in resorts and beaches, or full of off-the-beaten-path rugged travelling orone where we would be able to get a close up of the local culture. We decided on the latter, with bits of the other kinds thrown in for spice.

The decision to quit our jobs with Motorola was not a very tough decision to make. We were both ready to look for other opportunities anyway, and this was a really good excuse. The tough one was the timing because it meant we lost out on substantial stock-options that were not vested until a few months after our departure. In the end the decision was a good one because Motorola stock plummeted soon after we embarked and by the time the stock options would have vested, they were worth less than the paper they would be printed on!

We started saving aside money for the trip - we had about 7 months left to work and we figured on about $80/day as the target figure. No problem for engineers ;-)

One of our objectives was to participate in some volunteer work on the trip. After much investigation, we chose to participate in another Earthwatch expedition, this one in Tanzanian rain forests.

Another one of our earlier decisions was to try and spend at least a month in each country that we visited to be able to really explore the cultures and sights without being on a whirlwind tour.

Getting There

Now we had to decide dates and durations for each leg. This was a toughie! Finally we settled on the Earthwatch expedition dates and were able to then route the other legs based on this fixed date. It turned out that our route was a little wierd and therefore not cheap. For example, flying to/from Nairobi in Kenya instead of Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania would have halved the costs for that sector! Also the short (but well worth it!) trip to Belarus was one of the most expensive legs of the trip.

We also had some criteria regardng the airlines we would fly, being squeamish about some whose reputations were in doubt, or in favor of those with whom we have frequent flyer miles.

The Kitchen Sink

We learned along the way that apart from a few specialized items such as certain medicines, Kodachrome slide film, our pricey hiking boots etc, everything could have been bought or replenished along the way. We really did not have to bring 2 big bottles of liquid soap, or the extra shaving gear that is easily available (same brands too!) in at least all capital cities.

Another important lesson was regarding clothing. We had started a full set of clothes from the US, but soon started discarding (with the accompanying guilt pangs) them for locally produced things, or just because they turned out to be impractical. In fact we should have started with less because there were many occasions when we wished that we did not already have enough shirts, or skirts! Also we regretted bringing white or very light colored clothing! Though better for the heat of the tropics, they show dirt very quickly, and it can get really dusty out there! We deifinitely did not need as many white cotton socks as we had, though Cheri could have done with some more underwear as they kept dissapearing on us! ;-)

Some useful/useless items

Entry Documents

Though many countries require proof of vaccination, Tanzania was the only placed that our vaccination documents (for yellow fever) were actually checked.

We spent a few weeks in Washington DC area, before we left, getting all our entry documents for the first half of the trip together. The Indian visa (for Cheri) and the Belarussian visa (USD 100 each!!) were the only ones that were done via mail.

Money & Backups

Before we left, we had signed up for internet access to bank and some credit card accounts so that we could check these online. Also, we had our addressbook online, as well as other critical information in case we were stuck but were able to get online.

As backup to traveller's checques, we took checks that Ajay could cash against his American Express card membership in most capital cities. We did find out that in South East Asia we could have used our credit cards to get cash advances at banks. In Turkey and Egypt, we used the ATM machines exclusively.

We also arranged travel insurance (since we were now unemployed and without insurance) that covered us around the world for most emergencies other than those related to extreme sports. We did buy some over the counter medication (what isn't?) in Asia at a fraction of the cost compared to the US, especially the anti-malarial prophylactics.

Home Affairs

Since we were away for almost a year, we also had to pay taxes when the time came. Wendy and David (Cheri's elder brother and sister-in-law) helped us by sending all our tax documents to us via email after scanning the documents. We picked up the forms available at the American consulate (Hanoi) and after filling in the info, sent them back to Wendy to mail with the original W2 documents attached.

Mr Harrington (Cheri's father) and Laurie helped with managing Cheri's car's registration and insurance renewals.

Ravi (in Austin) helped with making sure our storage lease did not expire.

ET Call Home

On the average we contacted home every ten days - any more and we would have stacks of "where are you??" emails from family!

Letting Go

We slipped up every now and then, like before leaving Cairo for Dar Es Salaam. Our fears were fed by hearing stories of 'dangerous' Africa and 'violent' Africa. However these were slowly dissipated as we spent time in Africa and realized that with common sense and some precautions, Africa can be enjoyed without contantly lookng over the shoulders.

We slowly started relishing the unforseen hiccups, the unexpected twists, the long delays (more opportunity to study the activity and people around), things that would make us really mad back home...