An additional note on plug adapters

I just received an important follow-up note from Dave Ward in our group:

"There are two adapters that look like your picture. The one for Italy has thinner pins closer together. The other one (used in Great Britain according to my data card) has fatter pins a little further apart. They are not interchangeable unless the receptacle is old and worn."

This is entirely correct. If you are shopping for an adapter, make sure that it is for Continental Europe and not Great Britain. Here's an image to help you see the difference:

Also, make sure that whatever adapter you purchase is accepting of a grounding pin. On the Continental adapter pictured above, for example, a plug with a grounding pin still works, as the pin simply slides below the adapter. There are still other adapters that provide a ground hole. Bottom line, make sure whatever plugs you bring have a friendly European counterpart.

Plug it in! Plug it in!

Just a quick note on plug adapters for those of you already packing for the trip. (If there is anyone actually packing, can you come over and pack for us when you're done?)

When the God of Israel scattered the Ten Tribes, he also managed to scatter the plug makers. Hence, depending on where you go in this world, you'll need to adapt in order to plug in your plethora of personal electronic devises. For most of Europe, and all of Italy, here's what you'll be looking for:

Marisa and I have about five of these scattered around the house in various places. Luckily, we always manage to find one before we leave town. The adapter pictured here is from Amazon and costs around $5.00 (Plan on $3.00 - $5.00 for one of these). 

Just a couple of things to remember when taking your electronics abroad: 1) Many electronics, such as computers, iPods, cameras, video game devices come with a voltage range of 100 - 240, which means you can plug them in with just an adapter. 2) Other electronic devices, such as hair dryers, electric razors, electronic typewriters, blenders, etc. will not work in Europe without a dual wattage converter. Actually, let me rephrase that. Your appliances will work without the wattage converter, if you consider sparking, melting, or catching on fire still some form of work, albeit not a very useful and potentially hazardous form.

For wattage converters, go to your local electronics or travel store, or search "travel voltage converter" online. Here's a converter that I found quickly on the Brookstone site. If you like bargain-hunting, however, I'm sure you can find something similar for less. Just remember, you're looking for something that allows you to use U.S. 110/120-volt appliances in 220/240-volt outlets.