Blog Interlude: One Girl's Peace Corps/Senegal Packing List

I'm taking a break this week from your regularly- err, randomly-scheduled programming to publish a packing list for the new group of trainees who will be arriving in Senegal on March 9th. This is a post I've wanted to write for a long time, because I found packing lists published on blogs to be incredibly useful when I was getting ready to leave for the Peace Corps. I had been putting it off, though, until the receipt of some e-mails from new trainees with questions about what to pack gave me the impetus to actually do it. So, here we go.

Incoming Peace Corps/Senegal Trainees and Future Volunteers (inshallah),

You’ve probably heard by now that you should pack lightly for the Peace Corps—that you have to carry your own luggage, that you can buy a lot of things here in Senegal, and that the Peace Corps provides you with many items, as well. While that’s all true, I’m of a slightly different mindset. As an over-planner, over-preparer, and over-packer extraordinaire, I brought a lot of stuff with me to Senegal, and I’ve actually been happy to have most of it. I had also studied abroad in Senegal before I joined the Peace Corps, so I knew the types of random things I’d end up wanting at some point, and realized that it was cheaper to bring them at the beginning than to have them shipped later on.

That said, if you didn't have half the items on this list, you'd still be fine. You can buy things here, you can (and probably will) have things sent, and you can get clothes made. There's no need to get stressed out! Spend these last few weeks spending time with the people who are important to you and eating all the delicious food you'll miss over the next two years. Oh yeah, and doing all the homework assignments Chris gave you...

Below is a list of my recommendations of things that you should bring and things that you might consider bringing, adapted from the packing list I made when I left for the Peace Corps two years ago. This isn’t a packing bible. I’m sure there are things I missed, as well as things that I included that you might not ever use. My goal in sharing this list is just to give a comprehensive view of the things that one female volunteer had found useful throughout her service. Take it for what it is. And good luck with all of your shopping and packing! I'm looking forward to meeting all of you.

Clothing
*Most girls dress very casually in the village. A wrap skirt (made here) or lightweight pants with a t-shirt of tank top is pretty typical. You can purchase fabric and go to a tailor to get clothing sewn very easily here, so don’t stress too much about bringing enough clothes. I do like having some nicer things I can wear when I’m in Thies or Dakar, especially when I’m going out. I think that female volunteers are often surprised how much they value being able to put on a nicer outfit, some jewelry and a bit of makeup at some points in their service.*

-Jeans (1-2)
-Cotton pants (1-2)
-Lighweight workout capris/yoga pants for exercise, travel, sleeping… (2)
-Workout tops (2-3)
-Soccer shorts (2-3)
-T-shirts (a few)
-Tank tops (many)
-Lightweights skirts (knee-length or below) (2-3)
-Lightweight dresses (2-3)
-Lightweight cardigans (1-2)
-Jacket/sweatshirt (1)
-Long-sleeved shirts (1-2)
-Padded bike shorts (1-2)
I used these because I bike a lot and they help bruising and chafing—you might not need them.
-Sports bras (4)
-Bras (4-5)
-Underwear (lots)
I brought 14 and had my mom bring another 10 pairs halfway through my service. It’s good to have a lot because you’ll have to do laundry less often. Underwear’s always the limiting factor for me. You can get away with wearing that shirt for a third time, but not that pair of undies… Senegal also has a tendency to eat peoples’ clothes. Things disappear or disintegrate quickly from hand-washing, and lightweight underwear is especially susceptible to Senegal’s trickery.
-Socks (3)
-Swimsuit—bikinis are fine
-Bandanas
-Scarves
-Jewelry
-Camping towels
These are my everyday towels, and they’re great! They dry quickly and fold up easily for travel. I have 1 large and 1 small.
-Glasses (2 pairs)
-Sunglasses (2 cheap pairs—you’ll probably lose or break 1 during your service)
-Glasses repair kit
-Watch
-Sun hat
-Belt
-Laundry bag

Shoes
-Durable sandals (1)
Many people wear Chacos, and they have a Peace Corps discount. I have a pair of hard-bottomed leather sandals. If you’re up north, hard soles give valuable protection against thorns.
-Flip flops (1)
Again, many prefer Chaco brand. I have Teva flip flops, which are comfortable, but they wear through quickly and I’ve had to replace them a few times in my service. You can buy cheap flip flops for showering and daily wear for a dollar at almost any boutique in Senegal.
-Running shoes (1)
-Pair of cute shoes for going out (optional)

Gear
-Sheets (1 set optional--you can also just get fabric sewn into sheets here)
-Suitcase
-Hiking backpack and/or durable, but lightweight duffle bag for travel
-Durable zip-top shoulder bag for traveling
I bought a couple of these at Target for $3 before I left, and they’ve turned out to be very useful. I fold these up and put them in my bag when I’m traveling, because I inevitably have more to carry back than I left with.
-Day bags/purses (1-2)
It’s good to have a cute, but secure cross-body purse for carrying your things when you go out in bigger cities. It’s also useful to have a fabric bag for everyday use at site, but you can easily purchase one or get one made here.
-Laptop bag
I use a Timbuk2 messenger bag to carry my computer, wallet, phone, sunglasses, a book, etc. when I’m traveling.
-Laptop sleeve
-Travel pillow
My Thermarest pillow is one of my favorite things that I brought to country. I use it every night and often take it with me when I travel.
-Sleeping bag
Bring one that’s lightweight and compact. You’ll only use it a couple of months out of the year, but during those times you’ll be happy you have it!
-Headlamp (one of my favorite things I have here)
-Travel alarm
-Water bottle
Sigg, Nalgene, Klean Kanteen, whatever’s cool these days… Pick your poison.
-Umbrella (optional)
You’ll maybe use an umbrella a couple of times a year. I usually just get wet or hide inside when it’s raining, though.
-Bug Tent (optional)
Many volunteers have these tents and I’ve used mine a few times throughout my service. They’re far from a necessity, though. You can often borrow tents from other PCVs or regional houses if you need them.
-Thermarest (optional)
I have an inflatable sleeping pad that has come in handy a few times during my service, but it’s not a necessity.

Electronics
-Ipod/charger/case/2 pairs of cheap headphones
-Portable battery-operated speakers
These are a good “luxury item” to bring. I use mine a lot.
-Batteries (rechargeables are optional)
-Plug adapters (2-3)
We have French sockets. Look for adapters with 2 round prongs. Sometimes they’re listed as compatible in southern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. I don’t have a converter, because none of my appliances require it. Check if you have anything that requires conversion.
-Laptop
I highly recommend bringing a laptop! Many volunteers use the cheap mini Acer/Asis laptops. I brought my MacBook. It’s held up well, but I’ve had to replace the power cord. I also came with the expectation that at best it would make it to the end of my service. Don’t bring anything you’re not willing to part with. People say that this is where electronics go to die. The heat and dust are hard on them. Backup your important files and insure items that are of great value to you.
-Digital camera/case/extra battery/battery charger/memory card/USB cord
-USB keys (2)
-External hard drive
Many volunteers like having these so they can store and exchange movies, TV shows and music. Umm, I mean work files… If you feel like loading it up with new stuff to share with deprived PCVs when you get here, we will only love you more.
-Shortwave radio
-Solio solar charger (optional)
Wait and see if you’ll have electricity—many volunteers either have it at site now or live close enough to a town with electricity that they can periodically charge their items there.

Health and Body
*PC Med will provide you with almost all of the medical supplies you could ever need, as well as a lot of stuff you’ll never need. Just bring medical supplies to get you started or if you have a special brand you like. You can buy body products like shampoo and conditioner in cities here, but they’re expensive, so I brought some big bottles from the U.S. to start out.*

-Sunscreen (1 to start out—you can get more from Med)
-Ibuprofen (1—Med provides more)
-Travel pill case
-Travel toiletry case
-Hand sanitizer (1 large bottle, 2 refillable travel bottles)
-Facewash
-Shampoo
-Conditioner
-Body Wash
-Loofah
-Lotion
-Deodorant (3+)
This is the one thing that’s really hard to find here. They have deodorant in the supermarkets in Dakar, but it’s a different type, and I don’t think it works as well. Some PCVs don’t wear deodorant at site—b.o. is much less stigmatized, or even noticed, here—but as a sweaty girl, I’m an advocate of the deodorant.
-Razor and replacement blades
-Tootbrush
You can buy good brand name toothbrushes here, so just bring extras if you have a special type you like.
-Toothpaste
You can buy Colgate easily here.
-Floss (1—Med provides more)
-Travel brush
-Hair bands
-Elastic headbands for working out
-Tweezers
-Nail clippers
-Q-tips
-Small mirror
-Makeup and makeup case
-Chapstick w/ SPF
-Feminine products for the ladies
Many female volunteers use and love—and talk at length and in somewhat disturbing detail about why they love—the Diva Cup. It’s not for me, but I’ll let you women make your own decisions.

Miscellany
-Copies of important documents
-Books
Bring a couple to get you started and maybe a favorite or two that you know you’ll want during your service. You can always exchange with other volunteers or pick up and drop off books in regional houses. The PC will give you more resources and manuals to read than you know what to do with.
-Senegal/Gambia or West Africa travel guide (optional)
These might be useful if you plan on taking some trips or hosting people and want your own copy. You can also borrow from others of find older versions in almost every regional house.
-French/English dictionary if you speak French and think you’ll use French for your work
-Maps (World, U.S., Africa) with which to decorate
-Photos for decorating your room
-Address list of friends and family members you plan to write to
-Blank cards to write home (optional—you can also just send postcards)
-Games you can play with other PCVs or teach tokids at site (cards, Uno, Bananagrams, etc.)
-Photo album
Fill it with photos from home. It’ll be fun to look at when you’re feeling homesick, and you can show it to everyone in you’re village. It’s a nice way to get to know people, and they looove photos here.
-Sewing kit
I use the kit to fix holes in my clothes and the tape measure for gardening.
-Cooking supplies (optional)
I love to cook, so I’m glad I brought cooking supplies. You might not need them, though. I brought a non-stick frying pan, wooden spoon, pancake flipper, rubber spatula, measuring cups and spoons, favorite spices from home, a can opener, a peeler and 2 good knives. Regional houses have cooking supplies, so just think about what you’ll want for yourself and if you’ll want to buy a gas burner for site. You can buy cooking supplies of decent quality here, too.
-Tupperware
I packed some of my things inside Tupperware so I could use the boxes once I got to site. I’ve found that plastic boxes that seal are useful for organizing and storing things, and for keeping the bugs out of food.
-Ziplock bags
-Swiss Army Knife and/or Leatherman
-Drink mixes (Crystal Light, Gatorade, Propel, etc.)
-Plastic accordion file for transporting documents
-Small notebooks/journal
-Daily planner
-Good pens
-Scissors
-Other office supplies (optional)
In a pencil pouch, I brought a mini stapler, calculator, paper clips, thumb tacks, white out, tape, a highlighter, a few Sharpies, and pencils.
-Duct tape
-Earplugs if you have trouble sleeping—it’s loud here!
-1-2 Survivor Island luxury items: a musical instrument, stuffed animal, photo printer, etc.
These things aren’t necessities, but they’ll probably make you really happy at some point in your service. And as I like to tell people, possibly the best skill you can bring to the Peace Corps is the ability to make yourself happy. No one else is going to do it for you, and you’ll be the most effective when you’re happiest.
-Food from home.
I can almost guarantee that your #1 care package request will be American food that you miss. If you have extra space in your luggage (ha…), you might consider bringing some food right away to get you started. You might also want to have things like granola bars to snack on during training, while you’re still adjusting to the changes in diet and feeding schedules. I also brought some tea from home. Coffee addicts often have good coffee sent (pre-ground, of course). My commonly requested items include dried fruit, Peanut Butter M&Ms and other chocolate, gummies, crackers and Goldfish, and Clif/Luna/Lara bars. Meat eaters often request beef jerky.

Potential Gifts
-Cheap costume jewelry
-Cheap perfume
-Candy
-T-shirts or other items that represent your home
-Stickers or other little trinkets for the kids
-Empty photo albums
-Blue and red pens for the kids who attend school—the pens here are not of very high quality