Bags!

Peace Corps stated that we are allowed to haul only two bags, both combined at 104 inches (w+d+h) and up to 80 lbs (with one bag up to 50 lbs).

So what does that mean to me?  Pack wisely and choose only those items that are hard to get in Kenya. I would think some things can be bought in-country or shipped to me at a later date.  I realize shipping is a gamble in itself, but I got some tips on how to ship things to me and not let them wander off into twilight zone or get caught up in the corruption system with hefty "fees" (aka bribes) attached.  I hear that writing "God is watching you", "Bibles", or "School Supplies" on the boxes helped somewhat, but more on that later...

I decided I would want one that is very portable, functional, multi-purpose, and last longer than my life.  I would use my current square wheeled "box" suitcase as my second suitcase.

Upon recommendation from Josh (who is in-country right now), I decided on Osprey Meridian.  It includes a day pack that allows for small laptop (my Macbook Pro), maybe my digital camera, and other stuff, yet it can be zippered in/buckle-locked into the back of the larger "mother ship" bag.  Got it in my favorite color too -- green.

So, ordered this from Amazon.com, but to my surprise R.E.I. has this too, at same price.  I always thought R.E.I. gives out ridiculous prices to fund their employee adventures.

Osprey Meridian 28"

Day pack included (black shown, but purchased in green too)

Now with the bags resolved (unfortunately its probably the easiest part), I need to start working up my pack list.  So far based on numerous tips, I do know the following:

• Do not buy white undies or socks, they get filthy over time when you wash them in who know whats
• Need power converter as well as adapter for their Type G power outlets.  Having an adapter alone will not do the trick as they use 220 volts and our electronics use 120 volts (in most cases unless they are already dual-voltage like most laptops, etc.)
• Solar chargers (Joos Orange), but it is on the fence on my "worth it or not worth it".  It seems to charge small electronics such as iPhone (dont have) but maybe not my Macbook Pro
• Sharp kitchen knife (yes, for cooking not stabbing in self defense)
• And some other items that I do not know yet.

Worth It or Not Worth It?

With only 57 days to my departure rushing up at me, I decided I better build up some energy to start shopping.  Before I start explaining, let me warn you that I have shopitis syndrome.  When I shop, my attention span drops very quickly and I kick myself for shopping in the first place.  On average, my interest and concentration drops 50% after I browse my first item.  Then another 50% lost after browsing my second item (25% remaining).  Then another 50% lost on my third (12.5% remaining). By the time I am on my fifth, I have zero interest to continue on.

Oh sorry about all the mathematics in the logic above.  I am supposed to a secondary education math teacher, so I better polish my skills.

First I visited R.E.I. outdoors store, and their prices simply led me back to their exit doors.  I browsed some items that I thought I might need, and when I saw them, I start to think whether they are "worth it or not worth it".  Some buttoned shirts go like $75 (with all the technology in it, such as wick dry, wrinkle-proof, sunburn-proof).  Nah, not worth it.  

I went to an education store nearby that seem to cater to school teachers.  I walked through aisles and realized that I really have no clue what to buy because I am not a teacher in the first place.  Furthermore, I am supposed to teach secondary education, but I have no clue what that measures up in Kenya -- 10th grade or 3rd grade?  I figured I might as well download some free math games and exercises on my Macbook Pro and iPad (yeah I know I didn't mean to bring any more electronics, but more on this later).

So I walked out with this $2.99 blow up globe and a thin world atlas.  I figured a lot of people would want to know how far I travelled.  At least you can say my day was productive, no?

Blow up Globe

I went on to visit Costco.  I came in thinking maybe I would buy USB flash drive and check out their bags and other stuff.  But I came in with like 10% interest left in me, so I left only with a bag of Acai Blueberry Dark Chocolate bag.  Highly recommended, but not for travel though.  Maybe my daughters would ship a bag to me one of these days (hint, hint).

I pulled off into Gander Mountain store.  There were a 50% clearance tent set up on the parking lot, so I figured maybe I could get some Columbia or Northern Face clothing.  When I looked at the first thin jacket, it was marked at $45.  And that was 50% marked-down.  What a crock!  My interest went down to 0% even before I entered the store, but I proceeded in anyway.  

Nothing real useful (aka good price that rings my "worth it" bells) except maybe the following items.  Think I could get a good closeups on cheetahs, hippos, giraffes, etc., wearing this outfit and lying near their pile of poop?

Choo ni wapi? (where is the bathroom, with choo meaning toilet/bathroom in Kiswahili).  I am all prepared to use their choos which are pretty much a hole in the ground, and this picture is probably among their nicest ones...  Don't ask where the toilet paper is, because frankly I do not know.  

Choo

So, with that in mind, maybe I should consider having this, so I can stay cooped up in my mosiquito net wrapped straw bed and not have to worry about walking to the choo and get bitten by heaven knows what...  Nah never mind, I guess that would not be called "roughening it up". 

But I would love to watch females use this though.