In the meantime, read this....

New post on its way shortly. In the mean time, I highly suggest you read this account from a volunteer who recently contracted HIV during her service. Really powerful reading. Read all of it. Seriously.

Your Best Resource

About this time two years ago, I (yes, I, faithful readers) was scouring the interwebs for blogs from current volunteers about what it was like living in Peru, living in rural areas, and what volunteers DID.   In the process, I remember stumbling over one blog that gave me a little fright.  It was a WATSAN volunteer’s blog, and he wrote about doing survey work to improve a waterlines (or something along the theme) in the community. Survey work? Sounds like engineering!  Fuck.  I look on the dude’s profile, and he’s a Master’s International Student in Engineering and has a giant beard. I qualified for WATSAN with skills as a carpenter in a college theatre and mediocre Spanish grades. I am neither an engineer nor a facial hair grower.  How am I going to survive in Peru (a fear reverberated by most other volunteers, especially sans beard)?

(First off) Well, two years later I gotta say – it didn’t matter that I wasn’t an engineer. My job (and most Peace Corps jobs) didn’t require being engineer but rather just being a leader.  Being a leader in the community and knowing how to talk to people.  So when I didn’t know something and I hit a wall.  I did have some good resources.

I’ll let you in on a little hint: your best resource is….

How do you pack for two years of your life?

This is the wrong question to ask yourself when packing for Peace Corps - whatever country. Although you’re going away for two years, you don’t need to pack for it.  You could walk onto the plane with a carry-on and be set. Seriously.

Why?  Well, people live where you’re going.  You’re not going to live out in the middle of nowhere, and this is not a camping trip.  You may be living in rough conditions, maybe without light or running water, but never the less people live there and have for generations, and will continue to after you leave. People buy and make clothes, wash themselves, wash their homes, sleep, wash their clothes, make their own food, and do pretty much everything else that you do. It might be a little different but that’s why you signed up, right?

Blogs about development

Most likely you’re reading this blog because you a) know me personally  b) found this on Peace Corps journals and are thinking of joining the Peace Corps c) found this on Peace Corps journals and are coming to Peru

While reading stuff about Peace Corps and Peru is all well and good, it’s important to look a little bit more into development and the complexity of the issues. Before service, I recommend that future volunteers check out the following blogs on development to get a fuller (haha) sense of development beyond buzzwords, Bono, and Kristoff:

Tales From the Hood – Highly recommended, filled with insights and accounts by the author
Good Intentions Are Not Enough – What is Bad Aid?

So you’re coming to Peru – clothes and what to bring

 

I can’t remember if I actually wrote at one point about packing and such for PCTs coming to Peru, but might as well do it again (assuming I’m awesome and completed the task in the first place).

The skinny: packing for Peru is easy and hard. Easy in the fact that Peru has a lot of stuff available (well, stuff that you need) for purchasing and the cold hard truth is that no Peruvian I met has an REI membership but somehow manages to get by day-by-day. The hard part is that in Peru is: you don’t know whether you’ll be in hot or cold climate and that some sizes are hard to get. For the climate thing, bring stuff you can layer (i.e. long sleeve shirts, sweaters, flannel shirt, fleece jacket) so you can transition from hot to cold in style. I would advise bringing a big ass jacket – if you need it (aka if other people wear it), you can buy it closer to your site (full disclosure, I live in the coast).

Speaking for men (the often forgotten gender), pants are generally made for short people around here. So getting something to fit my 6’2” 33/34 frame is tough. In fact, I’ve never bought pants in Peru. Shorts, yea. Pants, nope. They never really fit right. Shoes are the same issue. If your foot size is around 44 or less (look up the converstions yourself), you should be ok. My 46s just cant seem to squeeze into too many of the black market shoes available here. Even department stores have a limited supply of my clown shoes.

So what to do?

For clothes - I actually recommend around 3-4 pairs of hiking pants (think North Face, ex-Officio, Columbia) that are tough, durable and that preferably look like regular pants rather than something off the front cover of the North Face catalog. While you won’t be battling the wilderness every day, your pants will face the rock and brush of clothes washing and these brands usually hold their own. Even the campesinos wear buttondowns and trouser pants, so I had to leave some of my choice t-shirts at home. Simple short sleeve button downs or plain t-shirts can work. Oh, you’ll be line drying your undies, so no white underwear unless you want to show off your skid marks.

Shoes – I wear my boots like a mofo. Everywhere I go is flat, but since they’re closed toe and pretty durable it works. Sandals are a no-no if you’re in ‘work’ mode. I have a pair of sneakers, but they get beat up here in the desert so I only wear them sparingly. But when I go home for a visit, I will be bringing back a few extra pairs. Trail shoes are also a popular choice.

Backpack: I have a regular American jansport backpack that I use for everyday use and weekend travel, and a hiking backpack for extended trips. For coming to Peru – I brought my hiking backpack (50L – 65L is recommended), my Jansport backpack, and a large army surplus duffle bag – which I haven’t used since I got here.

Although, many volunteersvolunteers also sport the ubiquitous Peruvian market bag to carry their accessories. Provided my base camp is a hostel room, these bags (teamed up with a Jansport) hold a ton of stuff, and don’t stick out as much as a big hiking pack might. Available at any market place in Peru, these stylish bags are available in a wide variety of checkered colors (red/green/blue) as well as with Disney characters.

Beyond clothes and shoes, you really don’t need too many accessories. Laptop (definitely), some kind of MP3 player, maybe battery powered speakers, small mag light, rechargeable batteries, USB drives (a big one and one or two small ones), some books to read and trade around, and bring a few momentos from home. I have a sleeping bag and pad that gets used once in a while, but I’m not a big camper.

Weird things I brought for mementos: Homer Simpson bobble head (been following me since college), Terrible Towel (I’m a proud Pittsburgher), a few t-shirts that remind me of home (including a Sydney Crosby shirt and Doink the Clown), and a bunch of photos. I have a wall covered with photos from home, and (soon enough) of stuff from Peru. It brightens up the room, seeing the drunken smiles and being reminded of drunken memories.

I can’t really think of stuff that I brought but don’t use…largely because it’s probably stuffed in the back of my closet and will be pulled out come mid-December (COS).

You’re going to overpack. Just don’t do it too much.

Should I bring an iPod?

 

So I try to balance this blog with both information relevant to future Peace Corps volunteers, ideas of what it’s like in Peru, and thoughts on development/Peru/Peace Corps in general.  It’s gotten a little serious, so here’s an easy one:

Should I bring an iPod (or any MP3 player)?

Yes.

Your music will save your sanity.

While a laptop is a larger beast and might stick out more, the MP3 player is pretty common around these parts.  Most kids in my town have USB memory sticks filled with music and then connect them to their moto-taxis, radios, or this recently introduced MP3 ghetto-blaster boombox.  It’s like a boom box (fierce speakers, battery powered) but instead of cassettes or CDs, you just plug in your USB and it automatically reads your MP3s. 

I don’t walk around listening to my iPod all the time and really only use it when I’m traveling.  For the long bus rides (or even the 2 hour rides to the capital city) or travelling, it can’t be beat. When I’m traveling around and staying overnight, I’m likely to stay in the cheapest place possible aka dorm hostel rooms.  The MP3/iPod can be a great friend against the snoring backpacker and/or loudly blasting music and/or drunken chatter.

What type should I bring?

I have one of the big iPod classics, and I might actually recommend against that.  It’s bigger so not as easily to keep in your pocket, but it’s good to have all your music in one place.

I also use a 1GB iPod shuffle, which is easier to move around with but alas has limited capacity.

Something you might want to consider is bringing an iPod touch. It can play music, videos/movies (great for long bus rides), and can connect to WiFi which is usually available in the capital cities.  Phones like Blackberrys and even iPhones can be seen in Peru (well the rich parts of your capital city).  Even for me, the WiFi makes the iPod Touch really tempting to buy.  Especially when coming into the capital city for a few hours, having the WiFi capabilities to check email/Facebook/news beats the hell out of lugging my 15” Dell around town.  So if you’re in the market for an MP3, consider the iPod touch.  But, at the same time, don’t go out and buy one if you’re short on cash and/or already have a fully functioning MP3 (part of the larger scale disease future Peace Corps Volunteer shopping sprees at REI).

And I know that I’ve only been listing the iPod and it’s because really, I have no idea what else is on the market – so make substitutions as necessary.

DC Staging

So first of all...I'm in DC safely....   I stayed with friends in Baltimore and took a train out to Washington DC today.   Although it wasn't as easy as planned.  I walked about a mile with all my stuff (about 50-60lbs worth) to a metro station in Baltimore, got on the rail, and then found out the rail didn't go EXACTLY to my station.  So I had to hike it about three-four more blocks or so to Penn Station and wait for a train.   Got into DC and waited for a train, got on and whatdoya know but someone allegedly got hit by a train a stop or two before mine.   So I hopped off the light rail, and hiked it about six blocks to the hotel, dripping in sweat but feeling accomplished.  But the moment I walked in, there were other PCT waiting who were not really interested in my harrowing story (okay, so not really harrowing or dramatic, but I had story!!!).  Beyond that, registration went okay.  As did 'orientation', which was explaining our fears, aspirations, and the rules of the PC.   Nothing to really write home about except that there were 60 of us (three groups of about 20), which surprised me. There's a lot of us loading onto the bus tomorrow.

After orientation, myself and a few other PCTs went to a bar to eat and watch the Steeler game.  While the crowd was good, the other PCTs wanted to go back to the hotel while myself and one other PCT decided to head to another Steeler bar to watch the game.  It was kinda cool actually...the bar had a 'special' of I.C. Light for $2.50 (those from Pittsburgh are probably saying what???).  Myself and the other PCT talked with some other ex-Pittsburghers in DC and mentioned that we were Peace Corps and leaving tomorrow and it might be the last Steeler game we saw.  Everyone we met was really cool and fun for the most part. In fact, I met/saw two people I graduate high school with.  What a coincidence!  I think it just proves the idea of the Steeler nation.  We're everywhere!

We head out at 8am tomorrow, but I'm a leader so I have to make sure everyone's there, plus a few small tidbits not mentioning here.  So we head off to Miami tomorrow at 1:15, and we leave from Miami to Peru at 5:15.  We're expected to arrive around 9-10ish, with a crew of current PCV waiting and greeting us.  It should be an interesting experience for sure.  And to continue on a lifelong tradition, here is your Bon Jovi Thursday link...salud!

How do you pack for two years?!?!?

Pretty common question.  One, in fact, I was asking myself many a time.  It was about two years ago to date that I was throwing my life into an oversized suitcase (seriously, one of those massive ones on wheels), a duffel bag, and a backpack before heading to Oman for three months.  But after living there for awhile, I realized I overpacked.  Some of the clothes I packed I never wore and others I wore a couple times a week.  Turns out, contrary to the packing list, we didn't need entirely nice and formal clothes all the time; just presentable clothes (the packing list said the Omanis dressed 'formally').  I didn't need to pack all the toiletries for the three months as there was a corner store a block from my family's house, and a Carrefour (Wal-Mart like store) and Hypermarkets all around the area.  I even remember one girl in my group who brought a printer!  Whew!   So what I learned from that is a) take packing lists lightly, b) you can buy anything you need in country.

When thinking about packing for the Peace Corps, the question is 'How do I pack for two years?'.  But really, I think, it's the wrong question.  Think about packing for three months, or even shorter.  Maybe even a month.   People bathe, wear clothing, wear shoes, write, etc in whatever country you will be working at.  So things like soap and toiletries, just pack/case/bottle of each.  For the most part, in most other countries, people try to look neat and presentable.  That doesn't mean formal business clothes all the time.  Usually that means pants (depending on where/the situation, jeans might work, but they can be a pain to wash/dry) instead of shorts, and either a button down t-shirt or long sleeve button down.  It's hard to say until you're actually there.

 

As for shopping: most PC'ers are going to visit REI or Cabella's at one point I imagine.  I would start making a list of things you need that you don't have, especially high-end or things you can't pick up at a thrift store: boots, sleeping bag, pack, etc.  Search online for REI alternatives, such as backcountry.com, sierratradingpost, campsaver.com, etc.  These sites are typically cheaper than REI or other similar stores.  But shop as early as possible, so you can take advantage of free shipping and be able to return items if needed.  I also learned that REI is pretty cool about letting you try stuff out, so if you don't know what type of sleeping bag you want or what size boot/Chaco to order, check it out at REI.  And on the other side, sometimes you just won't find a better price unless you find a sale (such as with backpacks).

Saying all of this, I know I overpacked.  Namely, I took a few too many shirts, but ones that will remind me of home.  I took the Doink shirt, the Sidney Crosby shirt, and the Wooster Pipeband shirt, plus my favorite plaid/flannel shirt.  While these shirts will definitely make me stick out as a foreigner, my six foot+, floppy blonde/brown hair really don't help the cause either.  And then again, These will be good mementos for when I'm homesick, or something to tell people about as they all represent a different part of my life.

I think what might be worth noting is what I'm NOT taking: 

-long underwear (never worn them even in the coldest of winters, why would I start wearing them all of a sudden?)

-suit jacket: I can get one in Peru as needed, and it looks like the volunteers swear-in wearing PC track suits (?)

-Most OTC medications since they're available in Peru and provided by the PC

-Fannypack/moneybelt: see long underwear, never used it in Europe or Oman

-Food: I can get it shipped down later and there will be plenty to eat once I arrive!

Below is a list of what I'm taking.  However, this actually means very little as I still have no idea of what I actually need, or what is useless.

So here's what I'm taking:

 

(Here's all three bags packed. The two main ones weigh about 50lbs, half as much allotted by the PC)

 

Osprey Atmos 50L bag (I originally ordered the 65L and actually thought it would be unnecessarily large, and the 50L was on sale at REI) (Final weight: ~30lbs)

Large Army Duffel bag: $23, solidly built and durable (Final weight: ~10lbs)

Jansport backpack: carry-on for a few days, plus day-to-day usage

Also, compression sacks are really useful to make room and keep everything on the small side.  I fit all of my clothes in an XL and a M bag and then used another M bag for my sleeping bag + sleeping pad, so consider using them to make travel easier.  

 

(Two compression sacks stored all my clothing.  The larger one is the width of a sneaker, about a foot tall and weighs 10lbs!  The other one is markedly smaller)

4 pairs of 'work pants': Columbia and Ex-Officio.  Check out the Exofficio pro-program for PC volunteers, and check out Sierra Trading Post (SierraTradingPost.com) for great deals on overstock, or last season's merchandise at fantastic prices)

1 pair of jeans

1 pair dress pants (some of the work pants can double as khaki pants if needed)

1 pair sweat pants

1 pair track pants

1 pair swim trunks

2 pair athletic shorts

10 pairs of underwear, some are travel or underamor which can be washed easily and dry out

5 pair of Smart Wool/REI hiking socks (once again, check Sierra Trading Post)

6 pairs of regular socks

1 pair soccer socks

1 pair formal socks

2 belts (one leather, one fabric)

3 t-shirts: Pittsburgh Penguins shirt, Doink the Clown, and College of Wooster PB shirt

3 solid color travel t-shirts 

2 long sleeve t-shirts

2 long sleeve shirts button downs (one solid color, one striped shirt for 'going out, but looking nice')

2 short sleeve, button down shirts (plaid, of course)

1 flannel shirt

1 short sleeve polo

1 packable rain jacket

1 rain jacket with a bit on insulation

1 fleece jacket

1 hoodie

1 pair dress shoes

1 pair running shoes

1 pair hiking boots

1 pair sandals (could be bought in Peru)

Sun glasses

Soap/shampoo combo (one bar)

3 tooth brushes

2 tubes of toothpaste (more than enough)

Floss (According to my dentist, flossing is the key to prevent any tooth/gum problems while abroad)

Contact lens solution

A year's supply of contact lenses

2 pairs of glasses

2 pack towels (1 XL, 1 Medium)

Athlete's foot spray/foot powder

1 Leatherman Wave (check eBay, they're much cheaper)

1 Leatherman knife

Headlamp

Photo prints of family/friends/home

Digital camera, memory cards

Rechargeable batteries (AAA and AA) w/ charger

MP3 player

Travel speaker for MP3 player ($20 at Best Buy, good sound quality)

Laptop

2 Thumb drives

External, USB powered hard drive (as a backup and to store movies)

Simpson DVDs (also in Spanish!)

Travel notebooks

2 Nalgenes

Deck of cards
Travel alarm clock (runs on batteries and decently loud)

Paracord

Duct tape

Sleeping bag/sleeping pad: we do a lot of travel to other sites, so it's helpful.  Plus, from my experience with mattresses in foreign countries, sometimes you need a little extra support. 

Few random things:

Terrible towel + Pens rally towel

A few small desk items that have been following me around for some time 

Football

(Army duffel: XL stuff sack (10lbs), sneakers, dress shoes, sack of misc stuff, fleece)

(From the Osprey pack: sleeping bag and sleeping pad (stuff sack), other purple stuff sack, toiletries/contact lens solution, pack towels, insulated coat)

So I'll try to update at some point and say what's kind of useless to pack.  Just remember that you don't need EVERYTHING on the packing list, and you can get most of anything wherever you're going...and if not, you probably don't need it!

Start to Finish

I know there's a lot of questions about the timeline for the Peace Corps. In truth, it took me a year (more or less) between application and departure. I don't know when some of my colleagues applied, but I know they received their invitation about six weeks to a month before staging.  So your mileage, experiences and time line may vary based on skill set, time of year applying, placement of nomination, medical/dental clearance, political factors, phases of the moon, etc.

August/September 2008:  Completed online Peace Corps application and follow up materials.  


Early October: Received a call from Peace Corps office, visiting campus and scheduled interview

October 17th: Hour long interview and conversation about aspirations for the Peace Corps, skills, etc. Click here for more information on the interview.

October 21st: Received e-mail saying possible legal issue wasn’t an issue (family member’s employment with government)

October 21st: Received a call a few hours later from recruiter with a nomination to serve in Central/South America in Fall 2009

Mid November-early December: Medical (campus health center), dental (family dentist willing to do the services for the PC reimbursement rate), vision (eye doctor filled out paper work, refused any kind of payment), psychological (school counselor filled out forms) paperwork/forms completed and mailed to PC (note: make sure you have your complete medical records on hand...this held me up with the student wellness center)

Mid-January: Received medical and dental clearance from Peace Corps (also remember the government took a week holiday more or less during December)

March 26th, 2009: Invitation to serve in Perú, staging beginning September 9th, 2009

August 10th, 2009: Received information about staging (changed to September 10th)

September 8th, 2009: Leave for Baltimore, MD to visit friends

September 10th, 2009: Arrive in Arlington, VA/Washington DC


So there's a rough time-line of my application from start to finish. I'll write a little more about the application process later, as well as what the hell I'm packing for two years....