We ask ourselves a lot what it’d be like to be a PCV before things like cell phones to keep in touch daily to help keep our sanity. Before the internet for research and talking to home… It’d be a different experience. Even just a few years ago there weren’t blogs like this, let alone networks of readership, or folks on facebook you could bounce questions off of. These developments have their downsides (more access to speaking english is definitely not helping my language skills), but there’s huge potential too. Like being prepared. Chances are a more well prepared volunteer is gonna be a better volunteer. So let’s focus on that for a bit.

Before I left for Paraguay – and before I even knew I was headed here – I spent a good amount of time on the peacecorpsjournals.com website. I think it becomes a bit of an addiction for future volunteers. Usually all it did for me was ramp up my excitement and/or anxiety about coming here, but there were a few moments where some helpful info came through.  Since I’ve got a link on that very website (and I know some of you are out there reading this…) I thought I’d offer some targeted advice about packing – mainly because the PC packing list is lame. Maybe you know you’re headed to Paraguay, maybe you don’t – either way it can’t hurt. And for the rest of you, without any peace corps ambitions at all, who are just along for the ride – I’m sure it’ll make interesting reading as well. Enjoy.

I can’t tell you what to bring. And you shouldn’t listen to anyone who does. It’s all about what you think you need to be at your best (without bringing your pillow top mattress and down comforter). It all comes down to the kind of person you are. If you don’t give a crap what kind of deodorant you’re gonna be wearing, then don’t bring any. If you can’t wear anything but banana republic boxers, you better find your way to the outlet mall and stock up. If you can’t go out in public without blow drying your hair, well, you need to get over that.

I brought a lot of stuff. 104 pounds worth. Plus my carry on. The list of it all looks ridiculous at first, second and even third glances, but it’s two years of your life. Some folks believe in the clothes on their back method – I wish I could say I could do it that way, but that’s not my deal.  For me, maybe I could have cut down on ten pounds – but I can’t carry 94 lbs of crap around any better than 104, so I’m happy with what I brought. Here’s the list, with some comments along side it:

Clothes:
3 pairs of jeans
3 pairs of khakis
2 pairs linen pants    (best way to go for 100 plus degree weather)
2 cargo shorts        (1 or none – rarely worn them)
2 board shorts        (at least one more pair – way more comfortable then reg shorts)
3 adidas shorts        (essential, along with the board shorts)
2 “dressier” shorts    (1 would suffice)
A bunch of tee shirts
2 long sleeve tees
6 button down ls shirts    (perhaps too many, but I haven’t gone through winter yet)
3 button down ss shirts    (menos uno)
A bunch of boxers     (exofficio makes incredible boxers – if you don’t own a pair or 4, you should)

A bunch of socks        (dark colors only)
2 hoodies
1 fleece
1 rain shell
3 columbia “quick dry shirts”    (quick dry is a misnomer when you are sweating constantly, but some people swear by them. Personally, I’d trade ‘em in for light cotton or linen)
1 baseball cap

Some excellent advice I received: do not bring anything white to Paraguay (probably anywhere) cause it won’t be that color for long.

Toiletries:
2 quick dry towels        (just get light weight cotton towels – quick dry get smelly)
Toothpaste         (can buy it here)
toothbrush
Beard trimmer
Razors
3 bars of soap     (i couldn’t think of anything else to put inside my boots)
3 sticks of deodorant   (it’s called brand loyalty folks)
Floss            (comes in med kit)
Antibiotic ointment    (medkit)
Nail clippers
Hairbrush
Vitamin c          (available at the med office)
Matches            (ridiculous. Bring a lighter. A nice bic)

Tools and misc:
Sharpie markers        (you’ll want them)
Pens and pencils        (pen thievery is out of control here)
100% DEET        (I think it may cause insomnia. It should probably be banned if it isn’t already)
Lip balm
Notepad
Journal
1 large roll of duct tape        (essential)
2 headlamps
Mini mag light
2 knives (folding)
Leatherman
Workgolves
2 bungees    (you be glad you brought them)
4 straps        (just knew I needed them. Now they’re all in use)
4 carabiners
Crayons (for the kids)
Gum (for the kids)
Glow in the dark bracelets (for the kids)
Zip lock baggies

Other:
Computer    (only if it’s small and lightweight. Get the insurance PC offers)
iPod        (music will be essential in maintaining your sanity)
Camera
Travel alarm clock
Mini tripod
Harmonica
iPod speakers
2 queen sheets – unfitted
Thermarest    (sleep is important)
Travel pillow
2 pillow cases
Photos of family and friends
Several books    (PCPY has a library)
2 nalgenes
Several bandanas
“Man purse” (laugh, but it’s awesome)

Equipment:
NorthFace Duffle
Kelty Backpack
Dueter daypack    (incredible)
Camelback
Chaco flops
Chaco sandals    (these have gone downhill in comfort lately…)
Montrail Flow’s     (incredible)
Sanuks        (happy feet, happy planet, right?)
Danner workboots
Shower shoes

Sleeping bag liner
Sleeping bag    (staring to wonder if it was worth it, but then again I have a brick house. You might not be so lucky)

PART TWO:

This part comes with a disclaimer: don’t run out and buy a whole bunch of fancy stuff to lug to south america. You’ll look silly in your site and probably start to feel bad that your shirt cost more then someone’s roof. That said, some quality stuff is just essential. Like footwear. And gear (backpacks, etc). And if you can get it on the cheap then why not. I came across this awesome list posted by some PCV’s in Jamaica (http://joshnjesse.wordpress.com/to-pack/)  of companies out there offer discounted goods to volunteers. There’s some good stuff to be had – check it out.

One final note. There’s no such thing as waterproof footwear. Eventually you’re feet will get wet. That’s why the army doesn’t issue Gore-Tex boots – they issue boots with weep holes in the bottom of them. Do with that what you want.

Good luck! (and if you already know your headed to PY and have any questions shoot me an email).

paz

kb