<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><FONT SIZE=2>In a message dated 2/27/2002 11:10:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, watsonjaTRINITY.VIC.EDU.AU writes:<BR>
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<BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=CITE style="BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px">Use belts and braces, Marcia. That is, always have a backup. Take some cash,<BR>
travellers' cheques (note the spelling! I'm an Aussie), a debit card such as<BR>
Maestro, and a credit card - Visa or MasterCard. Keep them separately, and<BR>
always on your person. The person who plans best is in least trouble.<BR>
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I just hope that nobody will be nervous about running short on money. If you do run short or out of money temporarily, there are refugios that you can go to in many places that ask only for contributions and you can send them money later on if you like. Also, pilgrims will gladly share food with you and you may run into them again to reciprocate. I carried a small amount of cash and never had to use it because the cash machines were so plentiful and reliable along the way. The more valuables you carry, the more you have to worry about protecting them or losing them. My advice is to keep it simple and not to worry. Howard Mendes, NYC</FONT></HTML>