My House On Wheels!

After reading so many Peace Corps Volunteers' blogs and emails on what and how they packed for their two year 3 month service in Kenya, I have built up my own packing list.  But with too much time on my hands a month or two ago, I find myself going to stores constantly to buy an item or two, a piece of clothing or two.

But now, it comes down to the ultimate test -- to put everything I thought I would need, and what I bought, into two bags that total 107 inches and weight up to 100 pounds total.  I also could have a carry on (as a third bag) that would fit overhead or under the seat.

So, today, with 3 days left before departure, I charged my daughter Sami to help me with the packing.  She is very good at that, so I am not sure how I would do this without her.

The packing took us two rounds.  The first round failed.  The bags were bursting at the seams, and overweight.  So we took a break and a breather.  That gave me some time to reflect on what things I thought I needed are actually what I would NOT need after all.  My expectation and tolerance levels have to droop lower.

So I gave up several shoes, t-shirts, jeans, short-sleeved shirts, long-sleeved shirts, and some other items.

We made it!  Both bags can be zippered up easily, and could accommodate some more items when I collect them during training (e.g., mosquito net, training resources, etc.).

Then it hit me, this is now my house on wheels.  This is my life as I know it.  It will evolve as I evolve over two years.  Maybe I will return with a single carry on and won't need that much stuff, or maybe I am just dreaming?

On the other hand, thanks to Sami's other half Jarvis for willing to work on my Harley.  Everything it needs for long term storage has been performed.  All thats left to do for it is some polish before we will raise the bike up (wheels off floor), cover it, trinkle-charge it, and let it go into long hibernation.

In 27 months I shall kiss it to awaken it again. Maybe I would do that better than what the Prince did to his Snow White...

For fellow Peace Corps Volunteers, whether they are going with me, or for the future volunteers that will follow us, here is my detailed packing list.  

In about 6 months or later, maybe I will come back and review this list and comment on whether I made correct decisions, and why not.

Clothing:

• 5 long sleeve work shirts
• 5 short sleeve work shirts
• 3 short sleeve polo shirts
• 5 solid short sleeve t-shirts
• 3 printed short sleeve t-shirts
• 1 casual long sleeve shirt
• 12  underwears
• 2 ties
• 3 cargo shorts
• 1 blue jean
• 1 casual gray pants
• 4 work pants (cream, tan, brown, black)
• 1 sweatpants
• 1 fleece shorts
• 1 running shorts
• 1 pajamas pant
• 1 pajamas short
• 1 long John pants 
• 1 swimming trunks 
• 1 fleece pullover
• 1 jacket
• 1 fleece vest
• 5 pairs of work black socks
• 6 pairs of black ankle socks
• 2 pairs of white running socks
• 4 pairs of casual colored socks
• 2 pairs of casual white socks
• 1 pair of thick "slipper" socks
• 1 pair of Keen sandals
• 1 pair of Keen shoes
• 1 pair of black dress shoes
• 1 pair of running sneakers
• 1 pair of flip flops
• 1 pair of thin slippers
• 1 baseball cap

Items:

• 5 packs of various card games, plus a pack of dice
• 8 each rechargeable AAA and AA batteries, plus charger
• 1 small camera and accessories
• 1 dSLR camera, tripod, and accessories
• 2 sticks of deodorant, and 1 travel-sized 
• 1 bottle of shampoo
• 4 toothbrushes
• 1 tube of toothpaste
• 1 large and one small nail clippers
• 1 small sewing kit
• 1 pack of safety pins
• 1 pack of razor cartridges with 1 razor
• 1 bottle of shaving cream
• 1 wind-up flashlight
• 1 headlamp
• Several small elastic hooks and 1 large one
• Several mechanical pencils with replacement erasers and lead
• Several pens
• Scissors, mini stapler and staples
• 2 rolls of duct tape
• Several carabiners of various sizes
• 1 large padlock
• 1 sharpie marker
• 1 highlighter
• 1 magnifying glass
• 1 keychain light
• 1 cigar clipper
• 1 pair of bicycle gloves
• 1 multi-tool (leather man)
• 1 pocket knife
• 1 kitchen knife
• 1 camp mirror
• Various Meds
• 3 small notepads
• 1 calculator
• 1 blow-up globe
• 1 spiral notebooks 
• 1 world atlas
• 3 envelope books (gift from friends and family)
• 1 full-size bed sheet pack
• 1 hand and 1 bath REI quick-dry towels
• Small travel size pack of q-tips
• 1 bicycle helmet
• 1 sleeping bag and 1 deflatable padmat
• 1 thin pillow
• 1 laptop and charger
• 1 iPad and charger
• 2 external hard drives
• 3 pairs of Rx glasses
• 2 pair of sunglasses
• 2 suitcase padlocks
• 3 bars of soap (plus an half-used one)
• One accordion file of PC paperwork
• 2 USB thumb drives 
• 1 desk clock/vibrator and batteries
• Extra ziplock bags
• 1 gallaudet string bag

1 large suitcase
1 medium suitcase
1 backpack
1 knapsack

Large suitcase weights 47 lbs
Medium suitcase weights 42 lbs