Staging in DC

Today was my first day as a Peace Corps Volunteer!  The day was spent meeting my fellow PCVs and learning about safety and the mission of the Peace Corps.  Overall, the session was laid back and a repetition of aspects already taught and to be discussed again.

So I am packed, but it seems that I have more to carry than my fellow PCVs.  Part of the reason may be that my carry-on is less robust than most, as I am determined to board the plane with only my messenger bag. 

I am providing a list below of all that I packed for the next 27 months.  I hope this helps those who are preparing for service in Macedonia or an East European country.  The limits on luggage are 2 checked bags of 50 lbs., which is larger than warmer climate countries since we must prepare for the winter with bulky, heavy clothing.

Packing List for the Peace Corps

Personal Items

Sleeping Bag-  North Face Cat’s Meow

Quick Dry PackTowel

3X Bandanas

Pack of Cards

Headlamp

Bottle Opener

Money Belt

Pens

Pencils

P90X

2X Workout Bands

Camel Pack

5-Subject Notebook

Pictures of Family and Friends

Gifts for host families

Winter Wear

Winter Coat

4X Long Underwear Bottoms (SAXX)

Scarf

Smartwool Liner Gloves

3X Wool Socks

3X Smartwool Athletic Socks

Footwear

Converse Sneakers

Black Dress Shoes

3X Shoe Laces

Flip Flops

Casual Boots

Hiking Boots

Electronics

VCT Adaptable Power Surge Protector

Phillips Mobile Speaker

AV Cord

Camera Charger

iPod Connect Cable

External Hard Drive

Computer Mouse

Computer Charger

Toiletries

Contact Lenses

Nail Clippers

Trimmers

Razor Heads

Blistex

Airborn Vitamin Tablets

Glasses

Toothbrush

Cologne

Contact Case

Toothbrush

Brush

Apparel

2X Underarmor Top, Coldwear

2X Underarmor Bottom, Coldwear

Crew Shell

Swimming Trunks

3X Waffle Tops

5X Sweaters

6X Casual Collared Shirts

3X Ties

3X Dress Shirts

Dress Belt

4X Pairs of Jeans

3X Pairs of Shorts

8X Casual Socks

3X Dress Socks

9X T-Shirts

4X Pairs of Jeans

1 Pair of Sweatpants

4X Athletic Shorts

4X Athletic Shirts

11X Underwear

3X Athletic Socks

2X Under Shirts

2X Dress Pants

1 Suit Jacket

Running Shoes

Suit Jacket

Travel Pack- 36 lbs.

Suitcase- 46 lbs.

My next 27 months packed into bags

What I wish I could take with me to Macedonia

Also, this was my first time in DC, and it was amazing!  I was able to hang out with some college friends (Keerti, Alex, Max, Aaron, and Ngiste).  DC is an amazing city, and I can definitely see myself moving here after my Peace Corps service. 

Time to head to bed before my flight to Skopje!