Pants- 3 pair of jeans, it is really hot, (except on my mountain) but Dominicans wear jeans most of the time. I also brought 2 pair of black dress pants, 2 khaki pants, 1 pair linen pants, 1 pair denim shorts.
Skirts and dresses- try and be modest otherwise all the men will shout at you more. I brought a ton of dresses and skirts; they've served me well.
Shoes- I am not a granola shoe kind of gal so I brought a few pair of sandals. That said all the shoes I brought have been wet, muddy, and well used, so bring durable ones. *I do hike in my Keens, and am looking into getting Chacos.
Shirts- anything light weight and breezy. It is hot, but you are expected to dress business casual during Training and at the Peace Corps Office. No shorts, rubber flip flops, or spaghetti straps. After getting an awesome tan when you arrive you start to worry about the sun. It is intense you will want to cover up. They think jean jackets are for sun protection
Sweaters, Jackets, and warm clothes- 2 thin sweaters, 1 jean jacket (very popular here) long sleeve shirt, and 2 sweatpants. I know what you're thinking, I live on a Caribbean island. At night it gets chilly and if they send you to the mountains, it will be cold. My lovely mom had to send me tall socks, more long sleeves and my winter coat.
Sweaters, Jackets, and warm clothes- 2 thin sweaters, 1 jean jacket (very popular here) long sleeve shirt, and 2 sweatpants. I know what you're thinking, I live on a Caribbean island. At night it gets chilly and if they send you to the mountains, it will be cold. My lovely mom had to send me tall socks, more long sleeves and my winter coat.
Swimsuits- bring a few, you will definitely be at the beach!
Headlamp- best thing I brought. Extra batteries is a good idea, the ones here are expired and expensive
Quick-Dry Towel- great idea. I also brought a Turkish towel for the beach.
Insulated Klean Kanteen- keeps my water cold all day long!
Pocket Knife- with a corkscrew a plus!
Umbrella
Rain Coat
my pillow and a set of full sheets (both highly recommended)
Sleeping Pad- I put this on top of my less than comfy mattresses. I'll probably use it when I have visitors or visit other volunteers too.
Luggage- this was one of the most challenging things to pick out, and I'm not sure I got it right. I brought 2 suitcases and my backpack. I bought an Eagle Creek No Matter What Large Duffle. It is durable and huge. It worked great to get me here, but now I wish I had a smaller bag for weekend trips. A smaller No Matter What would work well. I also packed a rolling duffle bag. You move a lot in the beginning of your service so make sure you can carry everything and have extra room to pack books and things PC gives you.
Toiletries- You can find a spread of US products here like toothpaste, deodorant, lotion, and soap. If you have brands you like bring a supply with you.
Electronics- computer (netbooks are great), external hard drive, ipod, Kindle, lots of batteries
I wish I had brought- a lantern, can opener, portable ipod speakers
* * *Ask everyone for a discount : ) As soon as you get your invitation start applying for ProDeals. Most suppliers give PCVs a pretty good discount (Keen, Teva, Klean Kanteen, Cascade Designs for sleeping pad, quickdry towels, Eagle Creek)
Pocket Knife- with a corkscrew a plus!
Umbrella
Rain Coat
my pillow and a set of full sheets (both highly recommended)
Sleeping Pad- I put this on top of my less than comfy mattresses. I'll probably use it when I have visitors or visit other volunteers too.
Luggage- this was one of the most challenging things to pick out, and I'm not sure I got it right. I brought 2 suitcases and my backpack. I bought an Eagle Creek No Matter What Large Duffle. It is durable and huge. It worked great to get me here, but now I wish I had a smaller bag for weekend trips. A smaller No Matter What would work well. I also packed a rolling duffle bag. You move a lot in the beginning of your service so make sure you can carry everything and have extra room to pack books and things PC gives you.
Toiletries- You can find a spread of US products here like toothpaste, deodorant, lotion, and soap. If you have brands you like bring a supply with you.
Electronics- computer (netbooks are great), external hard drive, ipod, Kindle, lots of batteries
I wish I had brought- a lantern, can opener, portable ipod speakers
* * *Ask everyone for a discount : ) As soon as you get your invitation start applying for ProDeals. Most suppliers give PCVs a pretty good discount (Keen, Teva, Klean Kanteen, Cascade Designs for sleeping pad, quickdry towels, Eagle Creek)
