--------- RICH'S PACKING LIST --------- 1) Memory cards - You should have at least two large-capacity memory cards -- one to shoot with, plus a backup. When we're on our photo excursions you won't be able to go back to the hotel to get an extra card. It's best to have one with you. 2) Batteries - The days will be long. I strongly suggest you bring at least two batteries and a means for recharging them. There's nothing worse than running out of batteries halfway through the day. 3) Your camera manual (if you don't know where your camera manual is, do a quick search online for your camera make and model with the words "camera manual" after it (Ex: Canon Rebel camera manual). You'll likely find one you can download and save to your laptop or a disk. 4) Laptop - If you have a computer with you, you'll find it a great benefit. If not, let Lori know and make sure you bring blank CDs for your images. 5) Card Reader - This is not essential but a card reader is invaluable in transferring your images from camera (memory card) to laptop. If you've never used one, you'll be amazed at how much faster and more efficient the transfer process is compared to connecting your camera to a laptop with a USB cable. You can pick up a card reader for around $20 at Target or Radio Shack. Just make sure the one you choose will read the type of memory card or stick that your camera uses. If you decide not to bring one, you'll need the cable that connects your camera to a laptop in order to transfer the pictures. 6) Tripod - For our daily excursions you won't need a tripod. We don't have a sunrise or sunset shoot planned on this trip but undoubtedly, if it's a good one, we'll run back to the hotel and some of us will get it. 7) Lenses - If you have an interchangeable-lens digital SLR, I'd suggest a range from 28mm at the wide end to 135mm or 200mm at the telephoto end. If your camera doesn't take interchangeable lenses, the standard zoom range built into your camera will do just fine. Many of the world's most stunning photographs were done with 35mm or 50mm lenses. These days we have the luxury of a much wider assortment with the advent of high-quality zooms. But truth be told, it wasn't long ago that the best photographers used only one or two lenses for most of their work - and many still do. 8) Electricity Converters & Adapters - You do not need an electricity converter or adapter for U.S. plugs. 9) Flash - We rarely, if ever, use flash photography at our workshops, but if you own a separate flash unit, feel free to bring it. If your camera has a built-in flash, that will do fine. 10) Layers - Dress in layers for cold nights and cool to warm days. (Think Spring!) Remember Ecuador is unlike other Central American countries such as Mexico in casual attire, so it is best to dress appropriately and to respect its culture. Shorts are always inappropriate unless for the beach. For travel in the country side to the markets, etc. country clothes, khakis, safari clothes are great for the day...then layer for the cool evenings. 11) Your passport *** And remember what we said about drinking the water and holding on to your baggage claim ticket. Drink only bottled water in Quito. And on the plane over, you will be given a little form, a Visa, to fill out. Keep it with your passport. (This visa copy will be taken as you depart Ecuador.) You can check to make sure that your home country does not require a Visa, as increasingly some must have them. (All of US, Canada and Europe are exempted.) When you check in with your airlines in the U.S., you will be given your baggage claim checks...KEEP THEM HANDY! Clearance through customs and immigration in Ecuador is smooth and easy. And bags come easily and quickly. In general, Americans and non-Ecuadorians do not have to do anything but just walk on through. With the new security though, you should expect to have our luggage x-rayed on the way out. As you pass through the automatic doors, you will see several boys who are asking for BAGGAGE CLAIM TAGS. These were given to you when you checked in at your first flight and are usually stapled to your ticket folder. You MUST have these and they will check each and every bag before leaving the area. We are making the reservations for you at Hotel Quito. If Lori has your flight information, we'll pick you up at the airport and take you there. Your stay on the night of August 23rd is included in your workshop cost. If you stay the night of the 30th, we will arrange that room for you, too, but you will be responsible for paying for it when you check out the next day.