on packing
I've been researching Peace Corps packing lists to different countries in eastern europe and central asia (my vague, vague destination, come September,) and wow! They're crazy! They have these LOOOONG lists of things you should bring (everything from a sleeping bag to a portable radio to taco spice), and it looks like I'm going to have to actually BUY stuff here... which seems stupid since I'll also be getting rid of perfectly good stuff, which I like. These lists say things like:
You'll only need a few outfits for work, because people here wear the same thing every day. But you'll want four pairs of high-grade long underwear, because schools are often unheated and do not necessarily have windows, despite the snow. You'll want to bring gloves with the fingers cut out with you, so you can write on the chalk board. And did we mention the chalk? You'll want to bring that too. And, by the way, you need locks on all your bags so your host family doesn't rob you blind, and you need to be able to carry everything you bring with you, because you may be put on public transportation to your site. And you need to bring three months of prescription drugs with you, and maybe the kitchen sink. In fact, why not the whole kitchen? And winter boots. Ladies, you're expected to wear skirts, even in the snow, so you want dressy, yet warm and waterproof and high quality and TALL winter boots.
eta: And how could I forget the ever encouraging 'If you're a female and wear over a size six, buying clothing locally may not be an option.' Niiiice.
You'll only need a few outfits for work, because people here wear the same thing every day. But you'll want four pairs of high-grade long underwear, because schools are often unheated and do not necessarily have windows, despite the snow. You'll want to bring gloves with the fingers cut out with you, so you can write on the chalk board. And did we mention the chalk? You'll want to bring that too. And, by the way, you need locks on all your bags so your host family doesn't rob you blind, and you need to be able to carry everything you bring with you, because you may be put on public transportation to your site. And you need to bring three months of prescription drugs with you, and maybe the kitchen sink. In fact, why not the whole kitchen? And winter boots. Ladies, you're expected to wear skirts, even in the snow, so you want dressy, yet warm and waterproof and high quality and TALL winter boots.
eta: And how could I forget the ever encouraging 'If you're a female and wear over a size six, buying clothing locally may not be an option.' Niiiice.