In an attempt to collect information together, which I consistently forget, I am going to create and update this post with the things that (A) got me through Peace Corps and (B) would have made my life much easier.
You will have to keep in mind that I was a PCV in Mali, which is in West Africa, this list is a result of my experience there. Some of these items might not work for you, but I think they would work for a great number of volunteer headed to different countries. Take this list for what it is worth...
Please comment and correct my stupidity, and let me know if any of my links are bogus.
STUFF/Technology
This list is a collection of ideas and items which you should think about. Not everything will work and some of it is expensive, but you should know these options are out there. With a bit of planning, you could have a system that will work and work well. Not everything needs to be bought and brought over... believe me, you want to keep your bag as small as you possibly can.
- Bug Tent: I had an MSR tent that I loved, which is no longer in productions, but there are a couple out there which many people use and love, which I have listed. They aren't necessary and it will depend on where you are posted. I waited until I was at my site and got one (someone was going home and they picked it up for me). It's a waste of money if you end up in a city but it might be essential if you end up in a village.
- ipod: It's a no brainer, and I know you have already thought of it, but I might have some additions which could truly enhance your experience... First off, don't worry about power (I have posted info about that) and buy the biggest ipod you can get. There is a lot of down time and the more music/podcasts you have the better.
- If I was going now, I would go to Itunes U and download as many full courses as I could. I listen to them now... with the amount of courses available and the amount of unstructured time in Peace Corps, you could get another BA. There are courses that relate directly to development work, but get all the courses you can. Some which might not seem interesting now, might save your life during the rainy season when you are stuck in your house.
- I would go to All Songs Considered and download their entire concert archive. There is a ton of excellent known and unknown music there.
- Buy a car charger for the ipod (check out this post)
- Battery-operated tooth-brush: What can I say... my Dad is an orthodontist and he would say, "Your teeth are the best friends you've got." It has to use AA batteries.
- Polarized sunglasses: The sun is harsh on the African continent, and you are about to live there for two years. They will get scuffed (look for a pair with removable lenses), but it is worth it. If you don't think so, you probably don't think sun screen is a good idea either... and that is evolution at work.
- Car battery: This is the power option of the professional PCV. You will need to wait until you have been to your site and find out if anyone in town/village has a industrial-sized solar panel or generator. They will recharge the battery for almost no money (I think I paid 25 cents a charge). You will have to create a system to connect your stuff to the battery (which I go into on another post), but it is well worth it.
- Pocket knife: There is such a wide range of knives out there, and I believe a knife has to fit the individual, which makes it tough to give a good recommendation. With that proviso, I like knives that are versatile (straight and serrated edges), fit in your pocket and can be opened with one hand (which for me is an in-line lock).
- Mini Nalgene bottles: It doesn't have to be nalgene, but the small screw-top bottles can be perfect for sun screen, shampoo, spices, powders... you name it.
- Digital or non-digital thermometer
- Tent spray
- Baseball and baseball glove
- Duct tape
- Carabeeners
- Silk floss
- Bar of soap
- Tubes for bicycle
- Mini speakers for ipod: Make sure it uses batteries and the batteries can be found in-country
- Key chain pill holder
- Micro lights
- Seeds
- Gatorade Powder: It's awesome. Some Peace Corps Medical offices will carry it, but having it sent is pretty essential. It can be found in most supermarkets, but should be removed from its container and put in a zip-lock bag... It saves space and the zip-lock can be re-used (or at the very least, given to your host family... they will love it)
- Kraft/Annies Mac 'n Cheese packets: Forget the macaroni, which can be found in most of the developing world, but that cheesy-powder goodness will change your life.
- Taco Seasoning: It sounds weird, but it is a great all-around spice. I made a mean Taco Mac 'n Cheese during my time (email me if you really want to know how to use this spice).
- Block of Velveeta Cheese: They are like roaches or twinkies... they'll survive anything
- Pre-cooked bacon (I didn't know this existed until PC)
- Cereal: I was partial to Lucky Charms.
- Beef Jerky: I can't begin to talk about my feelings for beef jerky. Love just doesn't capture the feeling.
- Toll house chocolate chips: They melted, but who gives a damn? They taste great!
- Cake/brownie mix: The kind that you just have to add water and bake is so easy and it means the PCV in country doesn't have to go find difficult or expensive ingredients.
- Pizza dough mix: I loved this stuff
- Twizzlers
- Taco bell sauce packets
- Taco seasoning packets
- Pancake mix
- Parmesan cheese
- Granola bars
- Cliff bars
- Pepperoni
- Pudding mix
- Mountain house dried meals
- Bacos
Terrible Ideas List
- Mini-solar chargers: Arghh... I bought one, and it never worked. Easily one of the most frustrating purchases, because it SHOULD work so well in West Africa... if there is an abundance of anything in that area of the world, it is the sun. Since I'm a scientist (and by that I mean I am not one at all), I have determined the heat from the sun warms the batteries, making them unable to hold a charge. Note: I would appreciate someone with some scientific authority to comment on this because it is true, but I have no clue why.
- Ex-officio Gear: This is inclusive of all the poly-synthetic, quick-dry, breathable, wrinkle-free, zip-off crap... Not worth it. All your clothes will get ruined by harsh washing techniques, sand and the sun. Buy clothes when you get to country. There are a TON of options. Note: I did have a pair of zip-off pants, and they were stupid.
- Nice Watches: The sand will penetrate that water-proof or water resistant seal, and you will cry. Buy a cheap watch in the states or even in country. What you will find out, in-country, is that time doesn't really matter (be careful... I feel an extestential moment coming on).
- Toilet Paper: Your hand will touch your rear-end, and you can deal with that. If you can't, then buy toilet paper in-country. It is a waste of space to pack it in your bag.
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