Construction Site

Commercial Street

Good Food

Guess What

Little Girl

Walking

We have discovered that there are many places you can walk to from our hotel. Yesterday, Mary and I decided to take a walk down Cunningham Street. That is the street we were supposed to walk down to get to Pizza Hut on Friday night (see the post below). It is much easier seeing where you are going in the daytime. We walked out toward Cunningham road and were accosted by a rickshaw driver asking us if we would like to hire him for an hour or two. We said we just were taking a walk and didn't need a ride. He said he knew of a craft shop we would love to see and that he would take us there. We said we just wanted to walk and we kept on walking. A few seconds later he was right along with us walking and telling us about the shop. He had parked his rickshaw and was escorting us down the road.

We kept walking about 3/4 mile and began to pass the shop he was telling us about. It was the one we had been taken to the night before. We told him we were not interested and kept walking. He gave us his card and said we could hire him anytime. We thanked him and walked on.

I forgot to tell you about the curve of death, the wires of peril and the stones of instability. Each of these things were part of the rite of passage -- we had to pass each one in order to make it to our destination, Cafe Coffee Day.

The stones of instability are really just large stones used to construct the sidewalk. Many of them are missing (thus you walk on the street) and some of them rock when you step on them. This can be frightening until you get used to it.

The curve of death is a very long curve with no curb and no sidewalk. You are forced to walk the tight edge of the street with honking cars passing briskly. It is exhilarating and very doable in daylight, not sure we would have survived last night!

The wires of peril are some power (or phone) lines that were hanging about 4.5 feet from the ground. Mary almost got them wrapped around her neck! We know where they are now. There are also other transformer boxes that have their doors ajar, they might be more formidable if you were to insert a finger or hand.

We were able to get some great photos of the city as we walked yesterday and today. I even tried to get a video while walking but had to stop when I tripped on a stone of instability.

There are a number of people who really are destitute begging on the side of the street. Your heart really goes out to them when you see their condition. We had one young girl come up to us and ask for food money. I reached into my pocket and got out a coin. Then she followed us for quite a ways asking me to take her picture. I got to a good stopping place and took a shot and showed it to her. You can see her above.

Yesterday we saw a restaurant (Shezan) that advertised Indian, Continental, and Chinese food. Today at lunch we decided to try it out. We walked there and went inside. They offered us a table upstairs. I was looking at the menu trying to decide which Chinese dish to order when the manager came up and talked with us. He said I would recommend the beef steak. I asked about the Chinese food and he said he would recommend a steak instead. So, I told him I would take a steak, fries and coke. Mary had decided on the London Fish & Chips.

When our food came, Mary had two large pieces of fluffy breaded fish,(done to perfection!) tartar sauce, and fries. I had 4 small filets of steak, onions, veggies and fries along with an order of garlic bread. The food was excellent and a huge meal. Mary barely finished the fish (along with my help). When the bill came, the price was RS 339 (339 Rupees or around $7.88). I think we will be going back to that place again! For anyone coming out in the future...definitely recommend it!

The Rickshaw Man

I don't know, but you may recall a song from the 70's called, "The Guitar Man". Mary and I took our first ride in a rickshaw last night and wanted to redo that song and replace every instance of "guitar" with "rickshaw". Some of the lines go like this, "He can make you laugh, he can make you cry...". (or scream...) We had a blast. Wait 'til you get the videos we took today, we will have to burn CDs for everyone!

It all started like this...I got home from work a little after 6:00PM on Friday night and was feeling rather hungry. I had seen a Pizza Hut several times, but wasn't quite sure where I was when I saw it so therefore, I didn't know how to get there (still can't tell where we are given the meandering of the roads here in Bangalore). We were getting ready to get a driver when Mary asked a girl at the front desk if she had been to Pizza Hut and did she know how to get there. She said she had never been but her friends loved it and it was well within walking distance, about 1 km away. "Just take a right out of the front gate and walk along the road, you can't miss it!"

We headed out the gate and began walking along the sidewalk. As we got a couple of blocks away from the hotel, the sidewalk began to narrow into a single-person passage and the road began to decend into a lower part of the city. It didn't seem right. I kept hearing honking and yelling but thought that was the usual Friday night traffic and people, so I didn't pay attention. As we continued along the sidewalk, I noticed two ladies in sarees up ahead and began anticipating stepping off the curb into the street in order to get by. As I walked I looked back to tell Mary our predicament when I saw the man attached to the voice I had been hearing for what seemed like a minute. A man had parked his rickshaw a ways back and was walking rapidly after us saying, "Do you want a ride somewhere?", or something like that.

We decided to take the offer of a ride, especially after we asked if Pizza Hut was in the direction we were going and he said, "No, it is back the way you came and down Cunningham street". Well, if you don't know what a rickshaw is, let me explain. It is a small 3-wheeled vehicle with a small 2-stroke motor in the back. The driver sits in a front seat with handlebars that look much like a motorcycle. He uses a handle on the floor to start the engine by rapidly pulling up on the lever. The passengers (many times 4 or 5) sit in the back seat covered by a metal roof. The air (and exhaust of other vehicles) rushes over the hairs in you nostrils. The safety one feels while enjoying a near-miss in a taxi becomes a hair-raising experience in the confines of a rickshaw.

This driver was fast and good! He could stop the thing on a dime (or 5 Rupees) and could maneuver the vehicle into the narrowest of openings. He even was able to drive down a sidewalk and into an alley to park and wait for us. He would point out buildings and explain what they were, even turning to talk with us while he drove (not all the way around, mind you). To tell you the truth, Mary and I just held hands and enjoyed the ride -- it was rather quite fun. I think we are getting used to it here (I know we are).

The driver took us to Pizza Hut and told us he would wait outside for us (1 to 1.5 hours). We went in and had dinner. The Pizza was much like the US. Some Indian versions of toppings were available and I got my half with a spicy chicken topping.

We left with the driver for the Barton Centre and a little outdoor coffee shop called Barista. I got my usual, Esparano Americano, an espresso (double) with water and sugar on the side (which stays there). Mary got an Iced Latte with icecream on top. Both were very good.

We found our driver again and off we went back to the hotel, or so we thought. The driver decided to show us where the better gift shops were and tell us that they were cheaper than the ones you find on the touristy MG Road. We went into one that had every type of gift from copper, wood carvings, jewellry, rugs, etc. You name it, they had it. But we didn't buy it. We left and he took us back to the hotel.

Overall, we really enjoyed the ride. It was a more authentic feel and wasn't as sterile as the taxi with A/C we had been using thus far. In fact, we even took a rickshaw today instead of a taxi. That is where I got some awsome vidoe clips in traffic. Can't post them, have to burn them. Can't mail them, some are 160 MB.

Waiting For Green

A Rickshaw

A Street

The City

Mary and Our Waiter

From the Balcony

Church

Flowers

Flowers

Republic Day

Today is Republic Day. Most government buildings are closed, but many of the shops and restaurants are still open. It is a day when India celebrates the joining of several kingdoms into a single nation. India gained independence from Great Britain in 1947 and became a nation in 1956.

I was on holiday today, so Mary and I had breakfast in the hotel restaurant, read our Bibles and worked on BSF in the lobby, then we got a car and hit the streets of Bangalore.

We started our adventure today on Commercial street. I was looking for some sandals I could wear instead of the boots I had been wearing most days. We stopped at a store called Health and Glow to get some suntan lotion and we wound up buying some nail polish and a curling iron as well.

Our next stop was a clothing store because I needed some new shirts. After looking through many piles of shirts, I picked out four and bought them. Each was around 295 Rupees (or $6.80). When I got back to the hotel, I found that 2 are too tight and will have to return them.

As we moved up the street we noticed it was getting busier (human and vehicular). I stopped in a few shoe shops but was determined to follow the driver's advice and turn the corner at the end of the street to hit the real bargains. We went into a small shoe shop where one guy sat us down, and I told him what I wanted. He yelled up into the ceiling where a young boy was who was in charge of finding the right size and dropping it down. The store was actually larger up in the ceiling than down where we were. I got some nice leather sandals.

We went a bit further and tooks some photos of a large catholic church and some of the statuary around it.

After we got back to our car, we had the driver take us to the Ebony restaurant. It is on the 13th floor of a building and gives a great view of the city. Our waiter took us around to other balconies on the building so we could get good photos of the city. You will see some of them and in fact did if you looked at any of the photos above.

Well, the food was excellent. I got Indian food and Mary Italian. We both got the wonderful lime soda (sweet and salty). Sure like that place. When you eat there, you don't need to eat supper!

BSF

I had the priviledge of attending a men's Bible Study Fellowship class here in Bangalore on Monday night. (That is one of the great things about BSF, no matter where you go in the world, if you are near a major city, chances are, BSF is there). The class has around 60 enrolled. They also have a school program with one level 4 (7th & 8th grade) class of 7 kids. I believe the school program was on its 2nd or 3rd week.

All the men and children were genuinely friendly and glad to have me join their group. They are several lessons ahead of where my class in Kansas City is. I didn't have my lesson so was only able to sit in on a class, but the discussion was rich and many of the answers from the men sounded like the same answers I would hear in a class back home. I really am looking forward to continuing this BSF class.

The teaching leader gave a very good lecture. The main thrust of the lesson was an exhortation by Paul in 2 Corinthians to the Corinthian church to excel in giving. The example of the Macedonian church giving out of their poverty and how the Corinthian church had slid back and was not giving like it should. The lecture was a real challenging one, especially in a country where there is such great poverty and me coming from a land that has never known poverty. The lecture notes were also excellent and brought out the fact that coersion should never be a means to get believers to give to support the church's ministry or missions. When believers are fed and strong in the Word, they will be lead by the Spirit to give with joy and with a cheerful attitude.

Alleys and Side Streets

Since I leave for work at about 7:00 and start between 7:30 and 8:00, I usually leave before everyone else. Tuesday I worked a little later. I was working with Harish and didn't call my driver in time. I have to call him with an hour advance in order to get a ride when I want to. I like to leave around 5:00 or 5:15. I didn't call util 5:00 on Tuesday night. On Monday it took about 45 minutes for the driver to arrive. I thought it would take the same on Tuesday.

I went out to the gate at around 5:45 and he wasn't there. One of the guards went to see if a driver from the Le Meridien hotel was out among the waiting drivers. He wasn't. He told me to go wait in the lobby of the main building so I did. He called me at about 6:10 so my driver and I dodged the cars, rickshaws, mopeds, scooters and motorcycles, finally arriving at his car.

Traffic is worse at 6:00 than at 5:00. It is worse at 7:00 than 6:00. Eight is even worse. It was after 6:00 and we began encountering jam after jam in each intersection. When my driver noticed a jam, he would divert to a side street and race down until he came to a parallel street to the one we were on. Then we would merge back into traffic and be a bit farther down the road than where we started.

Sometimes we would go down very narrow alley ways. Other cars would be doing the same, even in the opposite direction. At one point we were trying to enter a one lane alley, a car was coming out, we had a car behind us honking at us, and another car was coming up the street we were trying to leave. My driver was trying to backup to let the car come out of the alley, the car behind us didn't want to back up, and the car in the alley couldn't exit the alley due to traffic on the street we were on. It was almost a deadlock situation. Fortunately, there were several spare centimeters between our car and the car exiting the alley so they were able to manuver.

We finally got back to the hotel safely. The total trip was over an hour and I really got to see some of the city I would otherwise have missed. Some fairly nice places down some of those alleys. I probably could never find them again, even if I wanted to try.

Stones

I think I mentioned before that there is a lot of marble in use here. If I didn't, just pretend I did and read on ;) On my way to work I pass through a section of town where for blocks there are nothing but row after row of marble and granite shops. They are not really shops but I couldn't think of another word. Let's just put it this way, there are slabs of stone everywhere. We plan on packing some back with us in order to redo the counter tops in the kitchen.

Work

I started work last Monday. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect, but I went in anyway. I decided in order to beat the traffic, I would leave for work at 7:00. I was able to get a driver at around 7:10 and arrived at the security desk at around 7:45. After signing in and giving the serial number of my laptop, I was escorted to the 6th floor (floor number 5) to my office.

I passed through a sea of cubicles and fully expected one of them to be mine. After we rounded the corner, I was lead to a door with my name on it. They gave me an office with a large desk, 3 chairs, a good size white board, etc.! In fact, they had bottled water on the table behind my desk, a cooler full of coke, and a fruit basket.

There is a young man that works on our floor whose job is to make sure things are clean and orderly. Every so often, he knocks on my door and asks if I would like tea or coffee. I also saw him, on Monday, walking to every desk in the office and placing a fresh rose in a vase on each desk. (Speaking of flowers, this country has them all over the place. They use real ones everywhere. All the restaurants have them on each table. We like it).

Well, here I am getting my computer set up at my new office. There is nobody on the floor except me and the young guy I told you about. In fact, nobody showed up to work until after 9:00. Most came between 9:30 and 10:00. I guess since the traffic is pretty bad, many people choose to get to work after 9:00 and leave work later. Many of the team I work with stays until 8:30 or 9:00 PM in order to get on conference calls with our team back in Olathe, Kansas.

I was introduced to the team leads in a meeting we had for about one hour. I explained my appreciation for being allowed to come and work with them in India. I think everyone has the misdirected idea that I am some sage bringing wisdom from the far country. I made it plain that I don't have all the answers (and not even all the questions). I said I would do my best to field questions they have in their teams, but by no means can solve all issues. I hope that is understood, otherwise this may be a long 2 months :)

Got to do some training with a small team I will be working more closely with in the next several weeks. That was very productive and I think we will enjoy working together. Harish will be working very closely with me. We hit it off pretty well and had a design session together laying out the short term work we have to do. I believe Harish and his wife will be coming back to the states about the time Mary and I return. It would be nice to help them get settled in to the area. Neither have been to the USA before.

Truly Terrifying

Hello all of you egg heads!

I asked Mike if he would let me write about driving in Bangalore, and as he still had the shakes from our last experience, he agreed. (the shakes are probably from the espresso!)( just kidding)

First of all you must realise that even deciding to leave the hotel is a weighty decision. Do we really want to go to Food World so bad that we are willing to put our lives in the hands of some maniac?? I know you are thinking, surely its not that bad....yes it is! totally insane.

The roads for the most part are in very good shape. Very wide lanes that realistically could hold at least 4 cars across comfortably. (well...maybe 3 with lots of room between) But the cold hard facts shake out to be about 8 or 9 types of vehicles across. If the motorcycles manage to dominate the front ...oh about 20 or so across. *Once I looked across an intersection and could have sworn that I was in the front row--getting ready to watch a motorcyle race. TONS of them all jockeying for position and revving up to explode into a lead once the light turned green! So you're saying 'big deal' well the problem is that every conceivable sq. inch of room behind them is also filled to the max. Lanes? what lanes?

We still haven't quite figured out what the honking means. Evidently it means whatever u want it to mean. Basically...I'm behind you...I have the right of way... get of my way...I'm 1 inch to your left (or right) please pass the grey poupon!

Anyhoo...back to our drivers. You know you are in trouble when they rush up the steps of the hotel to greet you with great enthusiasm. why????????? Have you ever heard of extreme sports? Yes its a major rush screeching out of the hotel parking lot and merging (ha!) into traffic.
The incredible rush of pumping the car up to 6omph in five feet knowing that you have to slam on your brakes in the next 6 inches. Actually we've only had one driver that really did scare Mike and I. I'm trying to figure out how to delicately refuse to drive with him again. =)

There is much more of course, but I'll leave that to your imagination. My advice? Keep your eyes peeled out the passenger window and leave them there until you reach your destination.

Later
Mary

Church

We wanted to go to church today. After breakfast we had the travel attendant check on churches and services for us. Guess we should have done our homework earlier. In fact we had. I had been on the web looking at churches that are listed for the Bangalore area. Just didn't find as much as I needed to in order to make a decision. There are many Roman Catholic churches here (many as in 6 or 7). We were looking for a Protestant, Biblically based church to attend. I know we will find one after we attend BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) this Monday and Tuesday. Since we didn't make it to a service, we decided to sit in our room and listen to a message from John MacArthur and Chip Ingram instead. One of the many nice aspects of the Internet and especially the World Wide Web is the ability to stream audio from anywhere in the world.

We are really looking forward to attending BSF this week. They are a few lessons ahead of our classes in Kansas, but we will be able to catch up quickly. It will be interesting and encouraging to see how our God works in similar ways regardless of who we are, where we are from, what our past was like. He can use similar struggles to conform us to the image of Jesus. I think the conformation process with Christians in America can be, often times, slower due to the many distractions we have and the affluent society we live in. Sometimes God's blessings can turn against a nation, especially when His people strive more for the blessings than the One that blesses.

Note: This has nothing to do with the title "Church" but it came to mind, so I am logging it. We were leaving the hotel yesterday morning when we looked up into the restaurant and saw Paul Crouch and a body guard eating breakfast. I guess he is in town for the 3-day Benny Hinn meetings.

Shopping

Mary and I have gone to one of the clothing stores two times now. I tell you what, the shopping experience here is nothing like shopping in the states. When you walk into this store, everyone greets you, they find out what you are interested in looking at (we were looking for Sarees and other traditional Indian clothing). Once they know what you are interested in, they seat you in a comfortable couch, bring you coffee, tea, or any number of other drinks while between 3 & 5 workers bring outfits for you to look at. Excellent service and as you are selecting what types/colors/styles suit you, other people are bringing in similar styles. It is hard to say no to this type of salesmanship! Also, the silks are exquisite and the colors are so vivid, with unique color combinations. It is actually quite relaxing.

The second time we went to this store (yesterday, 22 Jan), we went looking at Sarees. They are the dresses that are one long (6-8 yard) piece of silk that are wrapped around the body and over the shoulder. The girls showed Mary how to put one on, but when we got back to the hotel, the practice session didn't go quite as well. But, with the hotel staff being so accomodating, I think many of them might be glad to show her how it is done. Also, the girls at the store said come back any time and they will teach her. I think she looks good in a saree.

Coffee is a pretty big thing here in Bangalore. I was reading a booklet in our room and it had an add for a coffee shop which offered a wide range of coffees from around the world. The shop is on the second floor of the Forum, a modern mall over in the technology center of town. We had our driver take us over to the Forum yesterday (I just noted that when I say yesterday and use the dates, they are actually the dates of this posting since CST time is being used and I am 11.5 hours ahead). We walked around the mall for a bit. Watched a latte making competition in the center of the mall. Then went up to find the coffee shop. It was a small shop with seating for about 10. Just inside the door on the right was a man running a coffee roaster. I wanted to get a cup of regular coffee (you know, venti bold roast), but all they really had was either Esspresso or Capuccino, or frappes, etc. I decided to get a single-shot esspresso. It was very good tasting. I suppose I should have opted for a latte. Mary got a frappe. It was very good. The total bill came to 75 Rupees, just under $2.00. Not too bad. Also, 1/4 kilo of coffee (just over a half pound) is just under $5.00.

Local Hazards

Some of you might be wondering if we feel safe her in Bangalore after our first 3 days. In an effort to enlighten you, I have chosen to illustrate through example.

This hotel has a lot of marble. In fact, many of the walls and floors are covered with beautiful marble tile of varying colors and designs. Even the entry way to our room, and the bathroom floor -- all marble. Very nice looking in fact. Potentially slippery too! We arrived at our room on Thursday morning, around 1:30 AM local time (who knows what time or day it was elsewhere -- we didn't care). After showering before bed, I did as I usually do, dry off (or so I thought) one foot and step out to the floor, then stand on one foot and dry the other. I tried the "slip-n-sprawl" method of tub exit. You see, I was already quite tired, the tub/shower is elevated from the floor, a towel was spread as a mat, my foot was moist, physics were at work, all factors in causing me to slip across the floor while my left foot attempted to remain in the tub. Just above the left ankle is a nice shiner.

On Friday (21 Jan), I was sitting on the edge of the bed and tried to reach for something over the end of the bed. I must have misjudged where the end of the bed was, for as I attempted to lean with my hands against it, I wound up head first on the floor with my feet still on the bed. I believe I may be getting older.

Today (23 Jan), I was getting ready to take a shower. Remember that the tub is elevated? Well, my eyes failed to compensate for the extra elevation necessary for foot clearage, and my left toes slammed into the side of the tub. We had an enjoyable laugh as I shared my this event with Mary.

So, you may still be wondering, do we feel safe? Yes, with the people and places here in Bangalore, but with myself...I'll let you know.

Tandoor Restaurant

Bull Temple

Hindu Temple

Hindu Temple

Hindu Temple

In Front of Le Meridien Hotel

Inside Le Meridien

Some Tourists

Inside and outside the Le Meridian Hotel

Temples, Tandoor, & Hinn

Today we got up and ate breakfast in the hotel. After breakfast, we took lots of photos and then talked with a driver. He suggested we take a tour of Bangalore, so we agreed and embarked on the adventure. Fortunately today was a holiday, therefore there were a lot less cars on the road -- initially.

Our driver took us around to see some of the government buildings and some of the Hindu temples (see photos above), and government buildings. Really saw some ornate artwork.

We went to a store called Naina Sarees. There sure were some beautiful silk sarees and payjamis. The bead-work is fantastic.

For lunch we ate at Tandoor. The food was outstanding. We weren't sure what to order so we asked the waiter. He suggested butter chicken and tandoor chicken. Both were excellent as was the nan bread. We will have to go back there. The food at the hotel tends to be less authentic and cater more toward the visitor. We wanted to taste some realy Indian food. I believe we have.

Oh yeah, as a side note, Benny Hinn is here this weekend. Also saw Paul Crouch on the plane we flew in on. I guess an estimate 3,000,000 will be attending the Hinn thing this weekend.

Careful with the Luggage

In Frankfurt

At Ohare

The Trip

Date Departure Arrival City
1/18 2:14P Kansas City
1/18 3:15P Chicago
1/18 7:31P Chicago
1/19 2:45A Frankfurt
1/19 4:30A Frankfurt
1/19 1:00P Bangalore

Note: All times and dates in CST

One More Day

Ready to Go
Don't you hate to go on a trip and in transit realize you forgot something -- your plane tickets, passport, driver's license, etc.? I especially hate forgetting the etc. since that is usually not on my list of things to bring anyway. Since we have never been to India, we found that etc. and misc. were a couple of categories that needed much consideration during trip planning. Did I say trip planning? I must be thinking of something else, I don't think we planned, I think we...never mind, I won't bore you with those details (as if the rest hasn't already).

We are packed and ready to go.

The Little Pink Pill
I took the little pill with dinner tonight. Hope it works. I don't want to test it though. I think I would prefer that the misquitos stay away, find another host, one that doesn't mind so much. Why drink blood anyway? Don't they realize humans carry diseases. Sure, you're born with a straw for a snout, but does that mean you have to use it on humans? Oh well, I am thankful for the malaria medication just for that reason.

Radio to Go

Isn't it great being able to listen to your favorite radio stations, even when you are in another country? I can listen to Bott Radio and KLJC from any place in the world, even half way around the world in Bangalore, India. Or I can pick up a Chip Ingram message or Hank Hanegraaff broadcast even if I missed it live.

What Have You Been Doing?

That is correct, we are still not packed, and have no urgent plans to do so tonight. I think I will just close my eyes, grab some clothes out of the closet (plus my swim suit :) and throw them into a bag.

I was able to taste some great food from India today with two of my friends. Frank, Rakendu, and I went to Ruchi's in Overland Park. The food was wonderful. I don't remember the names of most of the food in the buffet, but everything I ate tasted great. Tandoor chicken, nan bread, cucumbers with yogurt, etc. All very good. But, this time next week, I suppose I will really know what Indian food tastes like...I look forward to it.

So far, many of my Indian friends have been so kind as to provide me with the best restaurants, best places to shop, book stores, places to visit, websites with information on where to go in India. I really appreciate this information. I think too many things to do for only a 2-month stay. Perhaps we will have to return. Who knows, perhaps we will.

May 2004

The Reason

Some people have asked why we are going to India. We are going there on a business trip -- the company I work for has an office in Bangalore. We have several software teams over there working as extensions of our software teams here in the States. I will be serving as a technical mentor/trainer to the software engineers, providing a jumpstart on working with our software products. I think they are expecting formal classroom training -- I think they will be disappointed :(

When I was first asked if I would be willing to go, I was interested in finding out more, but didn't think they would try to send me right away. (This was back in November, they needed someone right away) I didn't think I would be ready to go at that time -- too much planning to just take off like that. Besides, Mary was going to go with me and I would not have had time to get both of us ready on such short notice. Even with this much time under the bridge, we just received our Visas the end of last week.

Getting Ready to Go

Hard to believe, but just over one week from now, we will be traveling to Bangalore, India. It kinda crept up on us. Not that we haven't been thinking about it for quite awhile, but the past two months have gone by so fast -- we better get ready to go!

What do you pack for a 2 month trip to Asia? We are leaving snow, ice, and cold for a climate where the current temperature ranges from upper 50's at night to lower 80's during the day. Maybe we should just bring shorts. It would take a lot less room in the suitcase!