I was about to write something thoughtful for all of you to ponder, but it looks like that’s gonna have to wait. Something more important has come up.

It just occurred to me that some of you out there reading this may be in the same boat I was in just about two years ago -  after I found out I was headed to Paraguay – and I began reading other PCV’s blogs, looking for some idea of what to expect.

Although if you haven’t noticed already, this might not be the best spot to answer that question. What I can offer you though is something I wish I’d stumbled across sometime before lugging all my bags to Miami. A list of what to bring.

Whether you believe in showing up with just a pair of flip flops and a toothbrush, or are more the type used to employing a team of sherpas to get your stuff from here to there, I don’t expect this to change your mind. The best advice I think you can take is to bring what you feel comfortable with. Life soon might be a little stressful then you’re used to – you don’t want to be missing your favorite tee shirt or feeling like you brought way too many shoes. Go with what you know you’ll be comfortable with – and then maybe take a little off the top.

I used to be of the mentality that it’s no easier to lug around 94 pounds of crap then 104 pounds of crap. My opinion and packing philosophy has changed – life here will do that to you. Ten pounds less is easier to carry around. Pack light, then bring less. All that stuff weighs you down in more ways the just kilos.

Asuncion is city. And as cities tend to have, you can get pretty much what ever you need (maybe not want, but need) once you’re there. You’ll get packages, friends will visit home and bring you back stuff you really want, people will come down and carry things for you you’d never thought you’d be asking for. You’re not gonna be on the moon. There’s no need to pack like it.

All that said, looking around my house, and knowing what I know now, here’s an idea of what to bring:

Clothes:
2 pairs of jeans
1 pair of work pants
1 pair of dark khakis – for dressing up and then to be converted to work
2 shorts
1 board short/swim trunks
1 mesh shorts
5 tee shirts
2 long sleeve tees
2 button down ls shirts
2 button down ss shirts
7 pairs of underwear
6 pairs of socks        (dark colors only)
1 hoodie
1 fleece
1 rain jacket
Some excellent advice I received: do not bring anything white to Paraguay (probably anywhere) cause it won’t be that
color for long.

Toiletries:
Quick dry towel  (for traveling about – you can buy a real towel here)
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Beard trimmer/razors
3 sticks of deodorant   (it’s called brand loyalty folks)
Floss
Nail clippers

Tools and misc:
Sharpie markers        (you’ll want them)
A good pen or two
Journal
1 large roll of duct tape        (essential)
Headlamp
Pocket knife
Leatherman
Workgolves
2 bungees    (you be glad you brought them)
2 carabiners

Other:
Laptop
External harddrive
iPod            (music will be essential in maintaining your sanity)
Headphones
Camera
Harmonica
iPod speakers   (worth every penny. Quality speakers here are hard to find)
2 queen sheets – unfitted
Thermarest    (sleep is important)
Photos of family and friends
2 or 3 good books  (To hold you over ‘til you make it to the library in the PC office)
Waterbottle
A few granola bars or something (for some night early on in training when you just need a taste of home)

Equipment and footwear:
Big Duffle
Backpack
Daypack
Some quality flip flops
Whatever it is you usually wear on your feet from day to day
Workboots
Some sort of dress(ier) shoe
Sleeping bag line
Sleeping bag

Hope that helps. Good luck.

kb