Packing List

What made the list? (good thing I am going to a hot climate!)

The complete list is below (below). When I was preparing to pack I searched out any packing lists I could find, so this is me paying it forward! Someone posted the most important things for her trip after being at site for a while, which I also found very helpful. So in case you want a more condensed list, here are the things that I am very grateful to have brought along, in no particular order:

  • Eagle Creek Packable Daypack – this thing is small, rolls up, and holds an impressive amount of things! It has become my daily bag with everything I bring to school and classes. Overall, I suggest any low-key looking backpack that will hold up.
  • Umbrella – Need this for the rain and the sun. It comes with me everywhere.
  • Croc flats/sandals – It is either dry and dusty or rainy and muddy. I highly suggest shoes that can get wet by the weather and will dry quickly after cleaning them (which will be constant.)
  • Microfiber towel/facecloth – They dry so fast!
  • Surge protector with 4 outlets – Electricity can go out anytime and there aren’t a ton of outlets around.
  • Headlamp: When the lights go out…this is real helpful! It also is very amusing for the neighbors.
  • Knitting needles: I brought a small set of knitting needles and it has been a great way to connect with people. Crochet is big here, so I am learning while teaching. An exchange of arts if you will. But seriously, if you have a hobby, bring it with you. It’s good for everyone!
  • Sweater – not something I would have expected to need too often but training venues and the office can be real chilly!

Not necessary:

  • General meds: PC provides an awesome medical kit and you can order bug spray and sun screen anytime. Unless you need something really specific, I would wait for the kit.

Note:

While it is really hot, a lot of people wear pants and long sleeves to protect themselves from the sun. I tend to carry an umbrella instead. Having a light long sleeve shirt is nice at times though.

The List:

Bags:

  • 28” Eagle Creek Rolling Duffel
  • Small Eagle Creek Duffel
  • Osprey Kyte 46L Backpack
  • Backpack

Clothing:

  • 1 light jacket
  • 1 pair of yoga pants
  • 1 rain jacket
  • 1 semiformal dress (swearing-in)
  • 1 sweater
  • 2 bathing suits
  • 2 belts
  • 3 pairs of pajamas
  • 3 pairs of shorts
  • 4 bras
  • 4 running shorts/capris
  • 5 dresses
  • 6 running tops
  • 6 tank tops
  • 7 blouses
  • 7 t-shirts
  • 10 pairs of socks
  • 30 pairs of underwear

Shoes:

  • 1 pair of hiking shoes
  • 1 pair of flip-flops (shower)
  • 1 pair of running shoes
  • 2 pairs of sandals
  • 3 flats

Electronics

  • 1 adapter 3 to 2 prong
  • 1 bluetooth speaker
  • 1 disc drive
  • 1 extension cord
  • 1 external hard drive
  • 1 headlamp
  • 1 international adapter
  • 1 laptop
  • 1 phone
  • 1 power bank
  • 1 surge protector
  • 1 travel alarm clock

Entertainment:

  • Bananagrams
  • Dutch Blitz
  • Firefly
  • Moon Colombia travel book
  • Planet Earth
  • 1 deck of playing cards
  • 1 Nook
  • 2 books
  • 2 coloring books with colored pencils

Room:

  • 1 set of sheets
  • Cards people wrote to send me off
  • Command hooks
  • Large and small calendar
  • Lots of pictures of family and friends!
  • Mini flying pig
  • String and mini clothespins to hang pictures
  • U.S. Map

School:

  • 4 notebooks of various sizes
  • 6 beach balls
  • Colored pens and pencils
  • Masking tape
  • Mini stapler
  • Pens and pencils
  • Phantom Tollbooth
  • SEI book
  • Stickers
  • Tuesday
  • US map puzzle

Toiletries:

  • 1 bottle of sunscreen
  • 1 microfiber towel and facecloth
  • 1 razor with extra blades
  • 1 set of tweezers
  • 1 small loofah
  • 1 small shampoo and conditioner
  • 2 face lotions with sunscreen
  • 3 deodorants
  • 3 packages of floss
  • 3 toothbrushes
  • 3 toothpastes
  • A few packages of Stim-u-dents
  • A set of elastics and bobby pins

Other:

  • 1 baseball hat
  • 1 beach towel
  • 1 book of stamps with a few envelopes
  • 1 mini flashlight
  • 1 mini sewing kit
  • 1 mesh laundry bag
  • 1 tape measure
  • 1 packable daypack
  • 1 pair of mini scissors
  • 1 umbrella
  • 1 watch
  • 2 iPhone/iPod holders
  • 2 mini bottles of wrinkle releaser
  • 2 pairs of glasses
  • 2 pairs of sunglasses
  • 2 sets of headphones
  • 2 sets of host family gifts (Boston playing cards, dishtowel, mini Red Sox pennant – theme!)
  • 2 yarn needles
  • 3 USB drives
  • 4 chapsticks
  • 4 purses (large to real small)
  • 4 various sized s-clips
  • AA/AAA batteries
  • A few knitting needles and crochet hooks with a little yarn (I really held back!)
  • Mini pharmacy
  • Snacks