Peace Corps Packing List: The Essentials

If you have ever had the tingling sensation that pushes your brain squares to even consider joining the Peace Corps, here is a list of a few items that I believe should be stuffed in that enormous suitcase of yours.

DURABLE TRAVEL BAG:

Not too big, not too small. Something to keep your shit in and can fit comfortably on your lap. Of course you can put your belongings in multiple plastic bags or a gigantic REI mountain pack. But you’ll look like stupid and be overburdened. You’re packing for the Peace Corps, try not to look too homeless.

EXOFFICIO UNDERWEAR:

Buy 2. They dry fast so you can wash one everyday. A fresh pair of underwear can really make you feel good about life. Even if you’ve just shat buckets all over yourself. No big deal. It happens to the best of us. On another note, they come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and colors. They’re not your grandma’s panties. Unless you want that shape, because they have that too.

DARK SUNGLASSES WITH UVA/UVB PROTECTION:

Don’t be fooled by the knockoffs that they have here. Yes, they look super cool, but they don’t have the protection that your eyes need. Safety first.

A SOLID PILLOW:

Not that blow up shit. But a nice one that makes your body feel tingly and pass out like your drunk uncle. This is the best thing I brought to country. Hands down. It does take up a bit of space in your luggage, but it’s either sleep peacefully, like a big baby, or get really fucking itchy from the local or foam pillows here. Your choice.

PHOTO ALBUM:

It doesn’t have to be the encyclopedia of your life. But your host family and friends here will be curious about you. Just make sure it’s kind of durable. You have no idea the damage children’s hands can cause.

DIVING SHAMMY:

I prefer the small one. You can get the medium if you’re fancy. It’ll keep you dry, travels really well, and will never stink. Well, I’m pretty sure you could make it stink. No, I’m positive that it will stink if you try hard enough. But why would you want to do that. Nobody wants that.

SHARPIES:

Everything is better with a Sharpie. Your penmanship will improve tenfold. Drawings become 3-dimentional. People will like you. Children will sing your name. And you will forever be recorded in the annals of history as that guy with the awesome markers. Forever.

SLEEPING BAG:

Okay. So it’s not winter everyday. But there is a cold season. And if you happen to be in the north of Senegal, I’ve been told, at great length, that it gets balls cold at night. And if your body is getting used to the African heat, this type of cold will freeze your nipples right off. So, it’s a good idea.

EXCEDRIN EXTRA STRENGTH:

Because you’re bound to get hammered, and this is just good to have on you. You’re welcome.

LONG SLEEVE BUTTON-UP SHIRTS:

You might be saying to yourself, duh, no-brainer. But it’s a serious staple. Sometimes you want to look fancy. And nothing says fancy-pancy like a buttup-shirt. You can button down if it’s hot, roll the sleeves up if it’s hotter. When it’s cold, you’ll be thanking yourself that you brought something other than short shorts & tank tops.

SHORT SHORTS & TANK TOPS

Your body wants to breath. Just give it what it wants. You won’t be able to wear these things in a very conservative village, but what you do in your hut is your own business. Who wears short shorts? I wear short shorts. And it feels damn good.

SHARK KNIFE:

There aren’t any sharks around here. But look at that knife. Just take a fucking second to look at that beautiful knife. I dare you to tell me that’s not awesome. You can never have too many knives.

LEVI’S:

Jeans < Levi’s. It’s a fact. Especially here. Leave your Rock & Republics, Paper Denim & Cloths, and 7’s at home. Unless you’re a level 5 pants magician who knows the perfect repairing spell for overpriced jeans good at keeping your jeans clean, leave them at home. But if you must. Don’t say you haven’t been warned…idiot.

EARPLUGS:

Because mosques are fucking loud.

iPOD:

Pretty self explanatory. Long bike rides would be impossible without it. And drinking sans Ke$ha & Gaga blasting would be a disaster. Bring extra ear buds while you’re at it. You’ll be surprised how gross they can get. Which reminds me, clean your GD ears. Q-tips may not be on this list, but proper hygiene (the kind you keep in America) should always be encouraged. You should see some of the volunteers here. Their mama’s would not be happy. I’m looking at one right now. Sick.

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This is definitely not an entire list of what I brought. But these are the things I need to get by. Email me if you need more ideas. Or better yet, email the other PCVs in Senegal. More specifically, email Hadiel, Maddy & Paul, Spence, Emily, Jessica, or Evan. They’re much more eloquent. And they’re all from the west coast, so they’re super chouette. Except for Spence, he’s from Michigan, but I think he’s vachement bien aussi.