Packing List

Since I couldn't upload the word doc of my packing list, I'm just going to paste it.  This is the revised one, so some of the stuff is different. No diva cup or french press in this one.




Friends and Families of Trainees,

Many of you might be just as confused, scared and excited as the Volunteer themselves, but your support is critical to their success.  Letters, phone calls and e-mails are some of the easiest ways to show your support. 

The following list is some very basic suggestions of items to send to your loved ones in the Peace Corps.  Everyone has different wants and needs, but here are many of the most sought after commodities of volunteers in Ethiopia:

·    Current magazines, books
·    Sudokus, crossword puzzles, word searches, etc.
·    Toiletries: stick deodorant, lotion, travel size shampoo, tampons, tissues, favorite toothpaste
·    Newly released movies and music mixes
·    Chewing gum
·    Hand sanitizer – travel size and refill packs
·    Spices: parsley, black pepper, season salt, Old Bay, garlic powder
·    Tuna packets, canned chicken
·    Velveeta, parmesan cheese, other non-refrigerated cheese products
·    Instant mixes – soup, sauces, cake, etc
·    Chocolate or your Volunteer’s favorite candy
·    Powdered drink mixes – Crystal Light, Gatorade
·    Carnation Instant Breakfast
·    Green tea, instant coffee (for cold weather sites: hot chocolate)
·    Beef jerky
·    Trail mix
·    Peanut butter (Jiff, Skippy)
·    Hot Sauce (only Tabasco is locally available)
·    Granola bars
·    Raisans, craisans, dried apricots, etc.
·    Post-its
·    Some one-time items to send after your Volunteer moves to site : butter knives, cloths pins, candle holders, sticky tack

Your Volunteer should have been given their address during the first three months in country during their training program (Note: this will change once they move to site).  Once you receive this address, you can mail your first letter.  You do not have to wait for your Volunteer to leave before you start sending mail out.  This will shorten the delay between their departure and their first bit of love from home. 

                            Thank you for your support,

                            Current Volunteers
Packing Suggestions for Female Volunteers

Suggestions for packing:
·    Cardigans
·    Layering tank tops
·    Leggings
·    Clothes you would wear to a dance club – only wear when at the dance club please
·    A fake wedding band to deter all of the proposals
·    Over-the-shoulder purse
·    Bras – the locally available ones are of poor quality


The current Volunteers have the following advice:
·    You should pack something that makes you feel beautiful whatever that might be. A tube of mascara, your favorite skirt, etc 
·    Even though you are moving to Ethiopia, DON'T leave your fashion personality at home.  You do not need to go buy a whole new wardrobe.  Bring things you would wear at home as long as it covers your shoulders and knees. 
·    A note about skirts:  Many sites do not culturally require women to wear skirts.  Some do.  That being said, remember to pack what you feel comfortable in.  If you wear trousers at home, pack some.  All skirts you bring need to be at least past the knee, calf length is best, full length is not necessary. Please do not wear skirts that are see through in the sun light, or bring a slip.
Don’t be intimidated by the packing list.  All are suggestions; simply pack what you think you will want and use.  This is as detailed as possible to try and inspire smart packing decisions but beware it does not include everything. Best of luck!

Suggested Packing List    Side Comments
Luggage Considerations   
You have a two bag limit and a camping pack is highly suggested as one of the two bags.   You will do a lot of traveling on crowded mini-buses and a suitcase will simply not fit.     
An empty bag    The Peace Corps likes handouts and you will get about 20 extra pounds of books and papers that you will then have to transfer to site after training.
Clothing   
Please note: white clothing is strongly discouraged because of dust, mud and sweat considerations   
Several pairs of trousers   
T-Shirts   
Sweatshirt/Fleece    You will use them and love them
Your favorite comfy outfit    Sweats, yoga pants, loungewear
Athletic Shorts (for home)   
Jeans (not worn or torn)   
One or two dressy outfits    A full suit is not really ever required but instead try some nice slacks or a long dress
Bandanas   
Long skirts – at least past the knee   
Raincoat    Best if insulated
Cotton socks (grey or athletic)   
Belts    Weight lost in men is very typical
Undergarments, including slips for women    Slips are necessary if you were traditional clothing which is what most people wear at the swearing in ceremony
Scarves, hats    Some sites are very hot, others very cold.  Even if yours isn't you can use them when you travel
Swimsuit    Bring one!
Shoes   
Durable shoes are essential. Shoes will wear out more quickly in Ethiopia because of all the walking you will do.  Make sure all shoes are mud friendly   
One or two pairs of hiking/walking shoes or boots   
One or two pairs of sneakers or running shoes   
Two pairs of comfortable dress shoes    Heels are not very practical in Ethiopia
Flip-flops    Shower shoes or to slip on to visit the toilet
Comfortable sandals (e.g. Tevas or Chacos)    You will wear these every day


Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items   
A range of basic hygiene items is available in most towns and cities, however, if you have strong personal preferences, plan to bring enough of those brands for the first three months or until your first care package arrives. Most over-the-counter medicines (aspirin, Tylenol, ibuprofen, benadryl, etc.) can be received through the Medical Unit in-country   
Deodorant (if you prefer the stick kind, which is not available locally)   
Contact lens solutions (available in Addis Ababa, but very expensive); the Peace Corps does not provide these    But don't forget your two pairs of spare glasses in addition to the contact lenses
A three-month supply of any prescription drugs, including birth control pills   
Tampons (expensive locally)    Applicator free and only in large cities
Face wash   
Q-Tips (these can be bought in Addis)    Without a shower your ears take on a whole new level or dirty
Aloe or after-sun lotion    Lots of Nivea products but no after sun skin care
Nail clippers, nail file   
Foot scrubber   
Medium or Large size quick-dry towel    I.E. pack towel, ideal for traveling.
Baby Wipes   
Electronics/Entertainment   
Camera and accessories (film is available locally)    Don't forget chargers, cords, etc.
LAPTOP!, chargers and a zip drive    This will come in handy writing your reports, to listen to music and watch movies. 
Voltage converter from 110-120V to 220-240V (note: this is not a power strip)   
External hard drive    People will share movies and music.
iPod or  MP3 player (voltage converters are locally available)   
iPod Speakers   
Rechargeable batteries   
Good headphones   
Your favorite music (blank tapes are available locally)    Yup, they still use tapes.  Blank CDs are also available
Movies   
Shortwave radio (three- to seven-band is recommended)   
Journal   
Portable musical instruments    Group sing-a-longs are common
Sports equipment (e.g., Frisbee, kites, American football, soccer ball)    Soccer is the game of choice for most Ethiopians
Art supplies    Markers are very expensive and of very poor quality
Games and puzzle books (e.g., playing cards, cribbage, and skip-bo)    Perfect for power outages
Favorite novels (but there will also be plenty circulating)    The Peace Corps in Addis has a great library as well as fellow Volunteers passing them around
Your favorite hobby – scrap booking, knitting, etc   
Miscellaneous   
Pens and pencils, stationery, and notebooks (this can be bought here in stationary stores)   
Alarm clock (battery power)   
Sewing kit   
Knives (available locally but of poor quality)    Chef knives, butter knives, all are very hard to find
Duct tape    A true life saver
Peeler, grater, etc. (available locally but expensive)    Especially if you aren't a cook this will make meal times much easier
A Leatherman knife, or any multi-tool.   
Packaged sauces, seasoning and drink mixes    Soup mixes available in Addis, dried parsley and cilantro are non-existent
Potholders   
Flashcards    Helpful when studying the language
Cash (most Volunteers bring $200 to $500 in traveler’s check for vacation)   
Credit card and/or ATM card (for travel)   
Pictures from home   
Checks from a U.S. bank account (handy for ordering)   
Day planner and wall calendar   
Sturdy water bottle (e.g., Nalgene)   
Sun glasses/visor   
Tupperware, Ziploc baggies   
Non-stick frying pan, plastic spatula   
Sponges (can find locally) and brillo pads   
Baggage locks   
Scissors    Many Volunteers trim each others hair
Oreos    Even if you don't like them today you will in two months into service
Peanut butter or your favorite snack    During the first few weeks you will be adjusting to a new diet and it’s nice to have something familiar to munch on
Addresses and phone numbers of loved ones   
Ethiopia guide book   
Pack towels    Local towels are expensive plus these are good for travel
Sleeping bag   
A watch    You will soon learn that the Ethiopians have a different system to tell time.
Photos of your hometown    The locals love this and it's nice to be able to share a part of you with them
Folders    For all the handouts
Umbrella   
Lighter   
Gifts for Host Family    Suggestions: photo albums, games, picture frame, dollar bill note, an American flag
Pillow    Yes it's bulky but the comfort of home is well worth the hassle
Yoga mat   
Ear plugs   
Laundry bag   
   
Don't Worry About Packing (unless you feel very passionately about them)   
Solar Shower    You can always heat the water or let the bucket rest in the sun
Camping gear    Though some Volunteers are glad they brought sleeping bags
Non-prescription medications    The medical kit includes all the basics and refills are available.  Lactose intollerance pills are NOT available
Bug Spray    In the medical kit
Sun screen    In the medical kit
Solar Battery Charger    Most Volunteers bring the standard rechargeable batteries.
Airplane pillow and blankets    The local pillows are similar to cinderblocks
You favorite beverage    NO glass bottles