Saturday, May 14, 2011

En Mi Bolsa Internacional










It has been exactly one year now since I formally quit my job to become a Peace Corps Volunteer. To help out those that are currently packing for their own personal adventure- here's my packing list and some suggestions looking back after a year's worth of service.

Equipment
Large Suit Case
Backpack (medium sized & backpacking)
Large and Small Purse
Sleeping Bag
Travel Pillow
Queen Sheets/Pillow case
Plastic Bags/Space Bags (travel not vacuum seal)
Duct Tape


Clothes
Pants/Jeans
Shorts- cargo/exercise
Shirts
Thermals
Camis/Tank tops
Sweaters
Underwear (15)/Bras (10)
Socks (15+)- cotton and wool
Shoes- waterproof boots, sandals, flipflops, dress shoes, dark color sneakers
Business Casual Wear
Dress
Coat- medium and large, waterproof if possible
Hat/Gloves/Scarf
Bandanas x2
Swimsuit
PJs (conservative)

Toiletries
Contacts/Liquid
Glasses (2 pairs)
Sun Glasses
Towel/Washcloth
Shampoo/Conditioner
Soap
Razors
Shave Gel
Gel
Hairbrush
Toothbrush/Paste/Floss
Deodorant
Qtips
Tampons/Pads
Make-up
Hand Sanitizer
Baby wipes
Tweezers/Nail Clippers/Nail File

Electronics
Camera
Ipod
Speakers
USB Flash Drive
External Hard-drive
Travel Alarm Clock- battery operated & small
Computer/Charger
Power Adaptors
Batteries
Flashlight


Documents
Money Belt
Passport/Visa
ATM Card/Credit Cards
International Insurance Card
Voter Registration Card (to vote overseas- ask for absentee ballot)
Peace Corps Folder & Paperwork
Copy of all prescriptions, passport, visa, vaccinations, power of attorney, etc.
Folder of important phone #s, travel docs, tickets
Wallet w/ID
Foreign and US Currency
Checkbook (to pay taxes)

Personal
Medications (Vitamins, Allergy Meds, Ibuprofen, Tums/GasX)
Mini First Aid Kit
Water Bottle/Thermos
Swiss Army Knife with Scissors/Bottle Opener/Cork Screw
Sunscreen
Lip Balm/Carmex
Lotion
Bug Spray with DEET
Sewing Kit
Permanent Markers
Journal
Gifts for Host Family/Friends/Colleagues
Photos of Family/Friends
Favorite Foods/Spices
Books
Games for Travel/Cards

Some suggestions:
1) Not all of this will fit. I suggest cutting back on clothing items as they are actually pretty cheap here. That said, they aren't great quality. So, what you do bring should be quality so that it lasts your service.

2) Things that ended up being important which may not have seemed so originally include travel pillow (great for long bus rides), thermals (it's not that cold, but you have no escape from it even in your bed at night), dark colored shoes (Paraguayan's judge highly one's appearance- the "lindo factor"- so you need shoes that don't get dirty looking too quickly or you'll always have your shoes in a bucket), tampons/shave gel (not really sold here), hand sanitizer (when you find a bathroom with soap, please call me), batteries (US batteries can't be beat), sewing kit (when your clothes are washed by hand and then hung to dry on barbed-wire this becomes really necessary), permanent markers (not available and really useful sometimes), spices (unknown uses in many households).

3) Things that ended up not being so important include books (there is a huge library here, no need to haul your own- don’t bother with dictionaries as you’ll get one here), most toiletries (heavy to bring down and mostly all available here anyway), medications/first aid kit (you get them ALL upon arrival so really only bring what you need prescriptions for), bug spray (also given to you here).

4) If I had to pack again, this time I would have brought more shorts, a heavy wool sweater, hair ties, Spanish kids books (if any), beach ball & frisbee, non-stick frying pan, chocolate chips.

5) If you are a CED volunteer- BRING YOUR COMPUTER!!! I know they say over and over that you should consider leaving it at home, but virtually all CED volunteers rely heavily on computer usage in their work. Part of our sector is computer training, for example. Plus, excel spreadsheets and internet are invaluable when your organization and networking skills are called upon. Those that did not bring them originally have either bought or had them shipped, so think again.

3 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for the advice! It really is helpful when thinking about packing!!!

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  2. Hello! You must have read my mind! I am CED volunteer who will be leaving on 5/24 to start my Paraguay adventure! I am trying to figure out what to pack and have no idea what "business casual" might mean in Paraguay! Any suggestions? My email is vicky.foster@att.net and I look forward to meeting you in person!!! Can I bring you anything from the states?

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  3. Hi Marcia, don't forget Bandanas for when your hair grows out and packets of 505 Green Chili Sauce. Great Blog. I love the picture of your kitty in the suitcase. Don't leave home without him. ~Mom

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