Preparations Underway

As the title suggests, I am busy preparing for my departure. While the timeline still says early July, I figured that five vaccinations in one week deserved an update, even if only to assuage my poor, over-taxed immune system. I am looking for some advice on a number of topics, so if you have any ideas please let me know!

First--I am, as usual, looking for any information regarding marimba in southern Africa, whether involved with education or not. This includes contacts of any sort that might be able to point me in the right direction.

Second--I am shopping for a portable recording device with a lot of storage. Any ideas? I will most likely be able to download this information onto a computer once or twice during the year, but I can't count on it regularly. I would prefer decent sound quality, but I'm willing to buy a microphone to augment the device.

Third--Any advice on good brands for travel equipment such as backpacks? I'm hoping to keep my cargo down to one piece of luggage but I want to make sure I get something reliable.

Thanks everyone... I'll keep updating as my preparations continue!