Packing list

Here is my official PC packing list. . .for those of you asking if i need anything. I am quite surprised that i have aquired so much. how this is going to fit in my suitcase and how it is going to be under 80lbs, is beyond me. if anyone has any packing ideas let me know. anyway to the packing list. . .



Packing List Suggestions

Astrix (*) means you can find these things in country. However, they may not be good quality, selection or they may just be really expensive. So, if you are particular about something (you can only use Pantene extra body conditioner), bring lots! If you are not particular or are poor (you are volunteers, we understand), know it is not the end of the world. Take a deep breath. Do what you can. Remember, you are not going to an uninhabited island. You will have everything you NEED to make it through your Peace Corps service in country. ( I have put a ~ by the things I have)

Necessities
Tampons * ~
Water bottles (2 recommended-Nalgene) or camelback ~
Batteries (rechargable are a good idea)* ~
A nice dressy outfit for first week dinner with officials ~
Headlamp with batteries and replacement bulb
Bathing suits (2-your size may change while here)~
Glasses/sunglasses (2 pair)~
English dictionary ~
Nice comfortable shoes (think nice sandals, Tevas, Chacos)~
Professional clothing in breathable fabrics ~
Good bras (tons!)~
Good underwear (they have these in country, but quality is poor)~
Good pair of tennis shoes~
Nice flip-flops*~
Pictures from home~
Camera and film (lots!)*~
Duct tape
Sweater, sweatshirt or long-sleeve shirt~
Medium book bag (for 3-4 day trips)
Toiletries for three months (shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, razors)*~
Hairbrush or comb~
Three month supply of prescription drugs~
Watch
Portable alarm clock*~
Leatherman or swiss army knife
Towel (travel/camping ones work well because they dry quickly)~

Not necessary but useful for some volunteers (not all, don’t go buy all of this)
Shortwave radio*~
Wall calendar*~
Solar showers~
Cookbooks (Better Homes and Garden, Fanny Farmer, Joy of Cooking, CD rom cookbook, ethnic or vegetarian cookbooks that use natural, non-processed ingredients)~
Favorite recipes~
Adaptor (if bringing electrical appliances)
CDs or tapes (lots! You will be listening to them for two years)~
CD player and/or tape player (portable with speakers or small "Walmart" battery operated one*)
Tupperware*
Ziploc bags~
Raincoat/pancho~
Travel/Camping towels~
Money belt~
U.S. stamps (can easily be sent to you by mail)
Beauty products/ pampering things for de-stressing (if you use them)*~
Money (in large denominations, $50, $100, traveller’s cheques, Euros)
Your favorite pillow (if you’re picky about that)*~
Spices/spice packets*~
Good exercise pants~
Linen/ cotton clothing (you can find linen and cotton here and get clothing made)*~
Measuring cups/spoons (a must if you bake or cook)~
Tea tree oil (great antiseptic for those skin infections and mosquito bites!)
Catalogue of clothing (to show to tailor to get copies made)~
Good pens (if they are important to you, bics are available)*~
Bandanas*~
Games
Sports bras~
Pepper/ pepper grinder*
Good flashlight*
Seeds (spices, veggies, etc.- can be purchased here or sent later also)*~
Wet wipes~

Education Specific (also not necessary, just suggestions)
Art supplies (markers*, crayons, paints, construction paper, rubber cement, etc.)~
Children’s books
World map/ map of Africa (can get free from AAA if member)
Calculator*~
Stapler*
Appointment book*
CD books (there are computers at work stations and in some schools; they are smaller than books, packable, and can be useful, ie encyclopaedias, journals, etc.)
Stickers (can be easily sent here, too)~
Blank cassettes (for making listening comprehensions)
Tape player/ recorder

Gift Ideas for Host Families (not necessary, can be bought here, too)
Coloring books
Dollar store stuff (tacky is good here!)
Candy*
Pocket knives
T-shirts
Flashlights*
Karate/ Action movies on VCD (not regular DVD!)*
UNO

Don’t Bring
Too many books (all classics in country)
Short skirts (above the knee)
Too many shorts (can only be worn indoors or when exercising)
Too many white clothes (they turn brown)
Tight clothes (culturally inappropriate)
Spaghetti strap tops (unless used as PJs)
Too many socks (1-2 pairs)
Over the counter medication (Tylenol, allergy meds, eye drops, etc provided by PC)
Too many electrical appliances (you may not have electricity)
Mosquito repellant (provided by PC)