End-of-2007 Update

I just got my visa a week ago--the travel document, not the credit card...if you were wondering, which you probably weren't. The Chicago Consulate was incredibly fast in getting my passport back to me.

I got some very helpful travel supplies from my family last week, including: a TSA-approved suitcase lock, travel lens-cleaning wipes, Rick Steves-brand packing cubes, a backpack and other convenient things.

I'm going to get a camera in a couple days, so I can post pictures.