Packing

I'm all packed!!! okay, well, almost all packed. Just a couple more items need to be collected and shoved into my duffel. :)

For future reference for those of you joining PC-Ug...here's my list: (the rest of you can skip this, unless you're curious how one packs for 2 years)

1 6,250 cu. in. duffel, 1 2,500 cu. in. backpack, and 1 small Timbuktu messenger bag

1 jacket
1 sweater
1 formal dress
4 skirts (below the knee)
1 pair khakis
1 pair track pants
2 button down shirts (short sleeved)
3 plain cotton tees
1 moisture wicking tee
2 sets of pjs (shorts/short sleeves)
2 pairs hiking socks
2 pairs running socks
5 bras
10 pairs underwear
2 bathing suits
1 hat

1 pair nice-ish shoes
1 pair chacos
1 pair flip flops
1 pair sneakers
1 pair hiking boots

2 flat sheets
2 pillow cases
1 regular towel, 1 camping towel, 4 pill towels
1 stuffed animal (go ahead and laugh)

2 pairs glasses
1 pair sunglasses
8 toothbrushes
3 tubes toothpaste (2 regular, 1 travel)
2 things of moisturizer (1 regular, 1 travel)
1 tube of Aquaphor (like petroleum jelly)
1 large jar facial scrub
1 solid thingy of shampoo (Lush)
1 mini bottle conditioner
1 razor with 24 replacements
1 thing of sunscreen
nail clippers
4 tubes of chapstick
1 yr. supply of tampons
1 Nasonex spray
1 eyedrop dispenser
8 tablets Singulair
1 makeup compact
4 pieces of jewelry (earrings, necklaces)
1 watch
3 hair ties
1 travel sized tube of rolaids
1 bottle DEET (100%!)
1 bottle camp suds (all purpose)
1 hairbrush

2 p. tent
0 degree bag
1 duck pack (rain cover for backpack)
booties, snorkel, and mask (for diving/snorkeling)
1 travel wallet (that fits Passport)
Leatherman
travel alarm
shortwave radio (handheld)
SteriPen (water treatment)
laptop
iPod
digital camera, plus spare battery
cell phone (unlocked)
1 roll duct tape
1 travel sewing kit
Solio charger
headlamp
1 pack AAA batteries
4 AA batteries
6 dvds
1 little handheld game
1 deck of cards
chargers for everything electronic
2 gb jump drive

dive log/certification
journal
1 5-subject notebook
2 pens, 1 pencil and refill lead
date/address book
16 pg. book of photos
travel guides (Lonely Planet E. Africa/Trekking in E. Africa)
LP Swahili dictionary
16 envelopes
16 US stamps
1 large book of random puzzles (crossword, word search, etc.)
3 luggage locks
1 locker lock
3 luggage tags
3 D-rings
1 Platypus (1 litre)
1 nalgene (1 litre)

PC Handbook and Staging papers
22 passport photos
2 passports (PC and personal)

1 set measuring cups (collapsible)
3 1-gallon ziploc bags, 12 sandwich ziploc bags, 5 quart-sized ziploc bags
2 packs of gum

$500 cash
credit/atm card


Now that I've written out this list, I find it a miracle that all this crap fit into my bags. I owe you, Sally.

I'm so excited....

I made reservations today to get to Staging in Philly. I have my train ticket!!! I arrive in Philly at 12:10 on Sunday, August 5th for 2 days and then head back to the city to JFK for one of the longest plane rides in my life. Also very exciting. I figure I won't be able to feel my butt for a good day or so. Which could be a good thing. Who knows where they'll be sticking those damn needles...

And, as a bonus, my PC passport still has the visa for Tanzania! Hurrah for free visas!

Reality is sinking in...

I think we have reached the end of the PC saga in terms of getting to Africa....I finally received my Staging Kit today! That means I get to book a plane ticket to Philly for Staging. WOOHOO! Staging will be on August 5th and 6th, and I fly out to Uganda on the 7th. (For those of you unfamiliar with PC lingo, "Staging" is another way of saying "waiting", "to fill out paperwork", and "be stuck with multiple needles that hurt like hell".)

Now I just have to figure what (not) to pack. And what "dress shoes" are.