So there is a new group of volunteers coming to Malawi in February. I remember perusing many blogs leading up to my departure to discover the must needed items I should pack. So here is a list of things I'm very grateful I packed, and some things I wish I hadn't bothered bringing.
**I over packed and my luggage was 100 pounds, way over the 80 pounds PC allows you to bring. For the record, I had a luggage fairy watch over me the entire trip cause I paid little in luggage fees. I pleaded my case to many airline employees that I'm a new Peace Corps volunteer and couldn't pay the exorbitant fees. However, this didn't work for anyone else, so be warned. I believe those with oversized luggage ended up paying $150+ out-of-pocket to bring their stuff.**
Clothing:
-long skirts
-capri pants (I live in an urban area so am able to wear these often)
-tons of tank tops (Seriously, it gets hot in most areas of Malawi and you will wear them often)
-jeans
-bathing suit (You can definitely bring your bikini/2 piece, even Malawian women wear them)
-sweatshirt (for those super cold days in Dedza training site)
-leggings (long and knee length)
-tons of underwear
-several bras including sports bras
-2 Rain jackets (1 lightweight & easy to carry, 1 heavy duty one)
-Keen Sandals (or Chaco's, Tevas...the quintessential PC accessory)
-flip flops (PC will give you some for shower shoes)
-tennis shoes
-pair of nice, closed toed shoes for those professional moments
-shorts to lounge around in
-hiking socks
Camping Gear:
-headlamp (most used item!) & batteries
-tent (brought a 1 person tent, which is fine, but wished I had something bigger) w/fly (for rain)
-sleeping bag
-sleeping pad (invest in something lightweight and comfortable)
-Leatherman or equivalent
-quick dry towel (absolutely amazing)
-hiking boots
-tarp
-bandannas
-sun protective hat
-2 Nalgene bottles
-carabiners
-bungee cords
-hiking backpack
-sunglasses
Personal Care Items:
**You can get most toiletry items in country, but not during training so bring enough to get you by for the first 2 months. These items can be really pricey in Malawi, so it is nice to have your favorite items sent in care packages.**
-contacts & solution (If you wear them, you should bring them. Yeah, yeah, Peace Corps doesn't want you to bring them, but I'm really glad I did.)
-2 pairs of glasses
-plenty of waxed dental floss (PC at this time does not provide the waxed version...)
-several tubes of your favorite deodorant
-couple of toothbrushes
-1 tube of toothpaste for training
-enough shampoo & conditioner to get you through training...and then have friends/family ship you your fave stuff
-brush/comb
-favorite face wash (rarity in Malawi)
-enough razors to get you through training
-Ped Egg/pumice stone (Your feet will change into new creatures that you never knew could exist, so bring something to scrub them with)
-nail files
-nail clippers
-sunscreen
-your necessary medications & vitamins
-sanitary products for training...suggest Diva Cup and/or tampons with cardboard applicators (easily burned). PC medical office will provide you with this pads & tampons as needed, so you don't need to buy them in country.
-makeup for the ladies...you'll be glad you brought it
-several sticks of my favorite Chapstix
-Ear Plugs...roosters, cows, and goats wake up super early, shouldn't mean you have to!
-Q-tips
-several travel size containers for shampoo, conditioner, etc...its easier to use these than carry around large bottles of your products when traveling
Electronics:
-Netbook (strongly recommend bringing your laptop or netbook, you won't regret it!)
-iPod
-Speakers that iPod plugs into to recharge (best thing I brought no doubt!)
-Camera
-Rechargeable batteries
-Solar battery charger
-Solar crank radio
-2 pair of headphones (in case I lose one)
-adapter/converter
Miscellaneous:
-umbrella
-games (I brought Scrabble, cards, Uno)
-puzzle books (crosswords, sudoku)
-pictures of family & friends
-spices
-Crystal Light (recommend the fitness version for those days when you need electrolytes and ORS just doesn't taste good)
-American dollars (PC will safe keep up to $750 USD. Cash is great when you want to travel outside Malawi.)
-sharp kitchen knife
-address book
-envelopes
-American Forever stamps (often volunteers travel back to America and can mail letters for you easily)
-journal
-sewing kit
-scissors
-duct tape
-reading books
-Malawi travel guide such as Lonely Planet
-your favorite candy, gum, snack foods
Host Family gifts:
-candy from America
-little plastic toys for kids
-stickers
-or calendars, things from your hometown
Things I wish I had packed:
-external hard drive
-waterproof bag/back pack (rainy season is no joke and you don't want to ruin your electronics or other precious items)
-pajama pants...i just miss them so much!
-electrical tape (just in case your computer cord begins to fray or you have a termite infestation in your walls and want to cover the holes)
-calendar
-small, non-stick fry pan (had one sent in care package and has been a life saver)
-rain protector for hiking backpack...waiting for transport in the rain is unpleasant enough, even worse when all your things get soaked!
-cute, fun, girly clothes
-galoshes for the rain!!!!!
Things I wish I hadn't packed:
-slip (PC makes it seem like a must needed, big deal item. However, it is ok to not wear them.)
-solar shower (It's so hot in my area that the water is already warm, but some people do find them very handy)
-medical kit because PC will provide you with a medical kit that has everything you could possibly need during your two years
-white clothing...nothing stays white, nor could you ever wash it well enough to make it look pearly white ever again
Hope this helps!
