T-Minus-10 Hours and Counting.....

Well it has finally arrived.  Less than 10 hours before departure to the Airport, and still so much to do.  Just a few items on the checklist for today:

1.  Finalize and check all baggage.  Pack carry-on computer bag and backpack.
2.  Confirm transportation to Airport & Flight Times
3.  Check to make sure all windows locked in home.
4.  Clean out refrigerator for things that might spoil
5.  UGH......small ants invaded my home in the last 7 days.  Got to make sure that these pests are taken care of today!
6.  Unplug all unnecessary items from electrical outlets

 Did you know that anything plugged into an outlet even IF it is NOT turned on still drains a small amount of electricity.  If you are going to be gone for more than a week or so, it might be a good idea to unplug as much as possible

7.  Give out two Italian Greyhounds flea treatment. 
8.  Water Plants

Did you know that you can take a normal empty plastic water bottle to water your plants gradually over time??? Just punch a small hole/slot with a knife or pointed scissors (but not a large hole!!!!... and then fill the bottle to the top.  Water your plant soil thoroughly and then turn the plastic bottle upside down and push into the soil.  At first there will be some bubbles and that is a good sign,  but then it should stop UNLESS you punched a large hole/slot.  Once the soil dries, the water will begin to flow into the soil until the soil is moist and it should stop until the soil is dry again.  It is best to test your cap over night.  If the bottle is still almost full, then you are good to go.  If the bottle is empty, replace the cap with a smaller hole/slot, and empty excess water from plant if possible.

9. Collect chargers for iPAD, Phones, laptop, etc.  I will carry these in my backpack.
10.   Prepare our Italian Greyhounds (IGGYS) for travel....food, treats, clean bedding in cages, etc.

I won't bore you with the rest, but double check your checklist hours before departure to the airport just to make sure you are ready to go.

Its a 12-13 hour flight to Taiwan from California because of the prevailing head winds.  Our return flight will only be about 10-11 hours because of the tail winds

It's about 11 am Sunday in California, and in Taipei, Taiwan, it is 1 am Monday morning.  I have to remember to set my dual time zone watch so I can keep track of this time difference.

Taipei is a modern City with tremendous energy and excitement.  Great Food, excellent shopping, and active people everywhere.  We will be landing in Taoyuan International Airport in Taoyuan city.  Several years ago it changed its name form the Chiang Kai-shek international airport.  Chiang Kai-shek was a leader and powerful general that helped China defeat the Japanese occupation in 1945.  For political reasons, he led his party into a Chinese Civil war afterwards until they retreated to Taiwan in 1949.  He was the leader and President of Taiwan until his death in 1975.

This modern airport is about an hour + drive to downtown Taipei.  When we arrive, we have to reunite with our IGGYS and wait for them to be picked up by the Quarantine Officer.  He will transport the dogs to the quarantine center.  After we get settled in our room, we have to go pick up the cages from the Quarantine facility, and spend a little time with our dogs.  (only 1 hour per day).  We have left them in kennels/dog resorts before for a few weeks, so I am sure they will be just fine.

Once we get our internet connection established, I will give you an update.  I will share with you our adventures in Taipei including sights, food and much more.  Stay tuned!