Packing

I think packing for Peace Corps makes for an interesting blog topic. I am leaving in just a couple days and a I have pretty much finished packing. Packing for 2 years was not as difficult as it may seem. When I studied abroad, I packed so much stuff that my bags just barely made it under the weight limit. When I was going there, I felt like I had to bring everything I could possibly need for 6 months. I'm not sure why I felt this way. I guess I was used to packing for college where I needed to furnish an apartment or something. Nonetheless, I did use most of what I brought, but I probably could've gotten along with a little less. I mean they did have stores in New Zealand. Now that I'm going to Vanuatu, I am considering it more like moving rather than traveling. I don't need to bring everything I might possibly need, because I can get stuff there. Yes, it is a developing country, but if the people can live over there so can I. So maybe I won't have everything I'm used to here, but isn't that the point? I'm supposed to be living like the locals and not like an affluent American. So I know when I was coming up with my packing list, I looked at lots of other PCVs (Peace Corps Volunteers) lists; so I've decided to share mine with you. You probably won't find this information useful unless you're planning on moving to a developing country sometime soon. And just FYI all of this stuff is being packed in 1 large rolling duffel bag and one small backpacking type backpack. I also have one small carryon. I could've had another carryon but I don't really need it. And so far my bags are way under the limit and I'm pretty much done.

Packing List
Sunglasses (2 pairs)
Ziploc bags
travel size toiletries (biodegrable soap, shampoo/conditioner, deoderant, toothbrushes (2), toothpaste, floss, Qtips)
aloe vera gel
journal
EmergenC
rechargeable AA batteries, AA batteries, AAA batteries
solar powered battery charger
sneaker boots
reef flip flops
chacos
claritin/vitamins
chapstik
camp shower
2 pairs of glasses
towels- quick dry and thin regular one
can opener
leatherman
nalgene
day pack and/or tote bag
water resistant watch
ear plugs
camera, extra memory card (and usb cord) in plastic case
USB stick
headlamp
shortwave radio
sewing kit
scissors
notebook
solar calculator
pens, pencils, sharpies, crayons
deck of cards
world and us map
US stamps (to send home with friends)
envelopes
books- 4 novels, kids books, teaching reading manual
ipod and charger and battery extender
nail clippers
sanitary products
duct tape
umbrella
outlet converters
hat
ipod speakers
Soduko book, puzzle book
bandanas
hair ties
hair brush
sunscreen
dress shoes
earrings
Invitation Kit from Peace Corps
Hand sanitizer
CDs
laundry bag
masking tape
CD player
photos
stain stick
hard candy for gifts
other small gifts for families
Snorkel, mask, and fins




Clothing (approximate quantites)
skirts (4)
collared shirts (4)
t-shirts (4)
loose long sleeve shirt (2)
shorts and capris (4)
bathing suits (2)
sweatshirt (1)
sweater (1)
fleece jacket (1)
rain coat (1)
long pants (3)
underwear (14)
socks (10)


There's probably some other stuff I've thrown in there that's not on my list. But that is pretty extensively what I'm bringing. I think on paper it looks like a lot more than it is. I really didn't want to bring too much because who knows how far I'll be carrying it all. I think I did a pretty good job all in all.