Packing for Peace Corps El Salvador

Yes, I have started packing. Please do not judge me too harshly for packing so early. First, I am just so excited. Second, I am a terrible packer so the more time I devote to it the less likely I will screw it up. Third, I am an over-preparer. Plus there is nothing I hate more than procrastination. So here it goes:

Electronics/Battery Operated Devices/Equipment:
Mac
Kindle
Ipod
Flip Cam
Short Wave Radio
External Hard Drive (1 large, 1 small)
Flash Drive
Energizer Rechargeable AA's and AAA's (4 of each and charger)
Headlamp
Garmin
Portable Speakers
Headphones (2)
Watch
*including chargers and cases for necessary electronics

Around the House:
Hand Crank LED Lantern
Nalgene (2)
Swiss Army Knife
Duct Tape
Masking Tape
Scissors
Ziploc bags
Trash Bags
Wall Calendar
Map of the World
Febreeze
Lint Roller
Photo Albums
Small Memories from Home
Sewing Kit
Travel Pillow
Car air fresheners
Kleenex
Umbrella
Combination lock & Key Master Lock (2)
Ear Plugs
Eye Cover
Travel Detergents (3)

Toiletries
Shampoo (1)
Conditioner (1)
Body wash (1)
Bars of soap (3)
Lotion (1)
Deodorant (4; excessive I know, but this is a simple splurge.)
Toothbrushes (3, another important item)
Toothpaste (2)
Mouthwash (1)
Perfume (1)
Razor and extras
Shaving Cream (2)
Hand Sanitizer
Chap Stick (3)
Sun Tan Lotion (2)
Nail kit
Towel (1 regular, 1 travel quick dry)
Wash Cloth
Hair clips, berets, scrunchies
Brush
Q-tips
Baby Wipes/hand wipes
Pantyliners
*I know that I can buy a lot of this in country, but I find that these are nice comforts and smells from home, which I think are extremely valuable when living abroad. Plus, I want to save money for a bit while I am actually in country. People here (cough, mom, cough) are willing to buy some stuff before I leave, which is nice.

Medicine
Eye glasses & sunglasses
Prescription for three months
Band Aids
Muscle Cream
Anti itch cream
Neosporin
Ibuprofen
Aloe
Bug Spray
Favorite Cough Drops
Claritin
Sports Tape


Shoes
Running shoes (1)
Vibram Five Fingers (1)
Birkenstocks (1)
Hiking Sandals (1)
Flip Flops (1)
Formal Sandals/Flats (2)

Clothing
Hoodie (1)
Rain Jacket (1)
Light weight running jacket (1)
Scarf (1)
Socks (20)
Underwear (20)
Bras (4 sport, 4 regular)
Swearing in outfit (1)
Casual & conservative dresses (2)
Long skirts (2)
Long Shorts (2)
Dress Pants (1)
Khaki Colored Cargo Pants (1)
Jeans (2)
Running Shorts & Capris (3)
PJ Pants (1)
Blouses & Dress Up Shirts (3)
Polo (2)
Light Cover Up Cardigan (1)
T-Shirts (5)
Tank Tops- conservative (5)
Running Dry Fit Shirt (1)
2 freebie shirts I can't part with :) - undecided
Swim Suit (1/2)
Wide brimmed hat (1)
Belt (1)
Bandana (2)
Work Gloves (1)
Money belt (1)

Nerd Supplies:
Planner
Notebook
Small Pocket Notebooks (2)
501 Spanish Verbs
El Salvador Guide Book
Pens
Pencils
Drawing Pencils
Pencil Sharpener
Colored Pencils
Markers
Highlighter
Sketch Pad
Envelopes
Notecards
Folders
Peace Corps documents/file folder
*I have downloaded countless books/information/how to guides/teaching resources/etc onto my Kindle, which I feel is cheating, but in a good way.

Fun Things I just had to Bring:
Battery Powered Fan Sprinkler
Casablanca Movie Poster
Jump Rope
Glee Seasons 1 & 2
Gifts for Host Family/kids including games, bubbles, and other fun items!
Over the shoulder purse I take everywhere
Camel Bak

To carry it all in:
Hiking back pack (this is pretty freaking big)
Small Rolling Bag (small enough it could be a carry on, but I am checking it)
Day/Weekend/School Back pack (carry on)
*luggage locks

*This is round one. I will reevaluate as my time gets closer. So, I assure you this will change.

Finally, I just have to add that I have booked my train (the same train out of the same station that my fellow Delawarean and Vice President Joe Biden made famous) to Washington, D.C. for my one day staging event. I feel it is only appropriate that I leave out of the capital. Not only is it the nation's capital, the home of my lovely President Mr. Barack Obama, my college town, but it also is near and dear to my heart as it was my home for the past four years. It holds countless memories and I am just so grateful to head back there on my final day in America.