The Joyful Stress of Packing for Two Years

Sorry I’m a bit late, but this post goes out to all the new trainees arriving in March 2011. First off, congratulations on being invited to Madagascar! This country has a lot to offer you and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do. Since most of you have already seen Rowan’s awesome post about packing, I am adding some things as a SED volunteer. Have fun, try not to stress, and see you guys soon!

Things I shouldn’t have packed:
- Bike helmet: Yep, I packed it because I was really OCD before and didn’t want to wear someone else’s sweaty helmet. However, by the time you actually get a bike from PC, you will/should have already gotten used to the living conditions here and not be so picky. Waste of space.
- Duct Tape: Sure, it can be useful for a lot of things, but Malagasy people are really good at fixing things. You can find masking, clear packaging, and scotch tape here. I haven’t opened my brand new roll of duct tape yet. (Again, I am a SED volunteer, so Environment volunteers may disagree.)
- Solar shower: Although it is small and flat, I never used it because my host family always heated water for me during PST. Make sure to ask PC staff how to request that in Malagasy if you love your warm showers like me.
- Solio charger: Most SED volunteers have electricity. If you don’t, there is still the option of buying the Tough Stuff solar charger for a reasonable price in country. During PST, you will be able to charge your things at the Peace Corps Training Center at least once a week.
- Tylenol, Pepto, hydrocortisone cream, sunblock, chapstick, tampons, bug repellent, floss: I brought my own stash of everything just in case, but don’t waste your money and luggage space. If you want, just bring a little of each to get you through a few weeks of PST. You will receive a full medical kit here with American branding. Tell your family not to worry because this is probably the best medical care you will ever receive!
- AA batteries: I brought two 16-packs instead of rechargeable batteries because I didn’t know if I would have electricity. Save the weight for something else!

Things I’m glad I packed:
- Two pairs of slacks and two cardigans: Good for business meetings. I brought some knee-length skirts too, but don’t wear them as often (except you may need them if you are planning to go to church). Don’t pack too much clothes…you can find a lot of good stuff by frip shopping (second-hand) after PST. It is also better to pack things that you don’t mind leaving behind for other people after your service.
- Malindi Crocs: Comfortable for everyday use and more professional than flip flops; also easy to wash.
- Fancier type dress for special occasions such as swearing-in or weddings: one is enough. Think simple, not high school prom (although I have seen some people go all out for church)!
- REI Quick-dry pants: Good for the rain and super comfortable.
- Accordion Folder: Good for SED volunteers to keep all your paperwork organized.
- Netbook computer, 4GB Flash Drive, and camera
- White-out tape: It’s nice to have one. You can find the liquid stuff here, but my Malagasy friends think my white-out tape is the coolest thing ever.
- Forever Stamps: It’s always nice to send letters out quickly and reliably with someone you know is going home.
- Facial wipes: My sister told me to buy this right before my departure and it really came in handy! I haven’t found these in country yet, but they are useful before bed or for those non-shower days. =)
- Sierra Designs Parka Waterproof jacket: Folds nicely into a small ball and comes with a pouch
- REI Traverse Backpack: Perfect size for traveling
- Small Kitchen Knife: Gasy knives, especially the one your host family will probably have, are really dull. You can find some nicer ones in Tana, but why not bring it since it’s so small?
- Swiss Army Knife: Always saves the day when nobody has a beer bottle opener! jk…
- Aluminum Water Bottle: It even comes in handy for rolling tortilla dough!
- Ziploc bags: You can find Tupperware here, but Ziploc bags are always nice to have.
- Lots of underwear: Haven’t had to buy any in country yet.
- Pictures and candy for host family
- Crayons and Sketch book

Things I wish I brought or have accumulated from packages and home:
- Uno and other simple games
- External hard drive: Why didn’t I think of this before departure? I was never really a movie or TV person before, but it has become one of my favorite pastimes. If you are feeling nice, we’d really appreciate it if you can bring any new episodes of True Blood, Gossip Girl, Modern Family, Glee, etc. Thanks!
- Face wash: I was excited to find a Dove brand face wash here, but I realized it had bleach in it and also had a funky smell. Bring your own!
- Tapatio: Gotta love it! I like Siracha too, but you can find that here.
- Rechargeable batteries
- Hand sanitizer: especially during PST!
- Rosetta Stone French: Anyone have this and willing to share? Don’t sweat it if you don’t know French, but it’s useful for business purposes.

Things you can find in country:
- American Candy: Peanut M&Ms, Snickers, Kit Kat, Tic Tacs (Orange), Twix
- Doritos, Pringles, TUC (tastes like Ritz crackers), Cheese Balls (exactly like Cheetos Puffs)
- Garnier Fructis Shampoo, Colgate Toothpaste, Palmolive Soap, Johnson & Johnson Lotion (I bought all of these here and they are legit. Just a bad experience with the Dove facewash.)
- Ketchup, Mayonnaise, Jam/Jelly, Honey, Cereal, Margarine, Peanut Butter
- Notebooks, pencils, pens, scissors, permanent markers, erasers, CD/DVD-Rs
- Almost anything that can be imported from Asia such as soy sauce, chili and spices, flip flops, plastic toys, hair accessories, toothbrushes, toilet paper, kitchenware, laundry hampers, basketballs, etc.