&nbsPicture #1-The Problem
This is all the stuff that is on "The List" that I already own. So roughly about 3/4 of the stuff that I believe I want to take to Benin. ("Do I want to take it? Do I need it? Can I get it there?" Blog is probably coming soon) Everything is laid out (or in the case of the cloths thrown from the closet into a pile) on my double bed. I was dubious about this plan from the beginning... who's plan was this anyway? Oh, wait. It was mine.
Picture #2-The Solution
These are all of the bags that I am taking with me: my "big bag", the Osprey Porter 90- basically a duffel bag with backpack straps; my smaller bag, the Kelty Redwing 2500W which I took around Europe for 2 months; my trusty "large" Timbuk2 messenger bag; and, my guitar case. As far as I can tell these bags will pass all airline, airport and Peace Corps guidelines for luggage and such (the guitar is the only questionable part, and I have researched it enough to put myself at ease).
Picture #3-The Miracle at Summit Place!
That's it! All packed! And there is nothing but my guitar in my guitar case (I plan to pack some cloths around it for added protection) and "wonder of wonder, miracle of miracles" good ol' Tammy (my Timbuk2 bag) is COMPLETELY EMPTY! Not only that, but I didn't really even have to try to pack my other bags, no sitting on them, no straining the zippers, not even the layering of cloths and less squishy stuff to maximize space efficiency! I think packing for two years like this might be a possibility! Even a pleasure and joy! I can't believe my good fortune! I hope that I still think so when I have to pack for real!
The next challenge: Is it too heavy? But I would have to have a scale for that!
Thus ends my pre-Peace Corps musings! Good night!
1 comment:
hey there!
im currently a PCV in country I cant wait to meet you all when you arrive. I was just looking at your packing list, can I just say whoa thats a lot of crap. Some advice. Dont go out and buy expensive sunproof or quick drying or bug repelling clothes seriously go down to the salvation army and find cotton shirts and pants. any clothes that you bring will be hard used dont expect to want to bring back any. tank tops, dont bother with 6 I only have 1 and its fine, tank tops while you may see the beninese wear them it is completely not the type of attention you want to attract here, trust me you get enough of it already. as far as all solar powered equipment, most of us have power. and you can get power adapters here for real cheap. dont bring too much soap or anything like that you can buy it all here. I brought clothes mostly the only thing i went out and bought was an Ipod nano which was a good purchase. a whole lot more durable than CDs and less space. That and you can buy a CD player here. One thing that I would spend money on, I really like my techwick hiking underwear and bras. I wouldnt exclusively buy this but one or two pairs are really awesome to have. oh and get a diva cup. hey hope that helps, someone did something like this for me when I was in your place. if you have any other questions dont be afraid to email me id be happy to answer. happy packing enjoy those hot showers and all that food in your grocery store.
melissa
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