In no particular order, here’s my tips for incoming trainees:
-Write down email addresses and phone numbers of people back home (don’t just have them saved on your computer, you need a hard copy). During training some PCVs will offer to send messages home for you or let you use their phones to “flash” (call and hang up, expecting a call back) someone.
-I mentioned a thermos for food last time. A good one for liquids is also nice, as the ones available here are of variable quality. It’s so nice to not have to start a fire more than once a day. You won’t need these during training, so you can go ahead and mail them to yourself if you’re worried about squeezing everything in your luggage.
-Moisturizer. Your hands and feet will get trashed. I walked around barefoot all the time at home with no problems, but within a month here I was hurting.
-Dedza gets cold. Not parka cold, but definitely sweater cold.
-Socks: I wear sandals/slippers all the time, but the socks are great for keeping your feet warm, keeping the mosquitoes away from your poor feet and ankles at dusk, and helping to keep your cracked heels moisturized.
-Head lamp and extra batteries.
-Wind-up/solar flashlight/radio. If you can get one that will also charge your ipod, that’s pretty nice too.
-Sewing kit: Africa is hard on clothes. Plus, your weight will probably change and you’ll have to take things in or let them out.
-Leggings: Trying to keep your knees covered while biking in a skirt is just an accident waiting to happen.
That’s all the packing advice I’ve got at the moment. If you have questions, feel free to ask. Hope that this has been somewhat helpful!
