Wednesday, January 12, 2011

2.5 weeks.

I feel like I don't have much time to focus on Ghana! I am a TA this semester and it is more work than I expected... and not as easy as I had hoped it would be. I feel as though I still have so much to do for Africa, but I think there are a lot of things that I have to do last minute. The bank is at the top of my list right now - I need to open a new account because TD doesn't work in Africa. Good thing my dad will be here to open one with me... that way he can put extra money in if there is an emergency. I am not counting on an emergency, but things happen. 

Oh, the other thing that is kind of stressful is that the travel agent didn't get my bank draft yet. She has all the others, but not mine... I sent it the same day as everyone and that was 2 weeks ago now! Makes me a bit nervous. She said to not worry about it until later next week, but I'm worried now!! Worst case scenario is that I need to issue another one. I don't know how bank draft's work, but if the first one shows up then I can cancel it or something. This is another thing I will be figuring out tomorrow. 

Not much has been crossed off my packing list, but that is partially due to items still being in use. I am surprised by how many things I need to pack. There is no way it will weigh the allotted 50lb!!!  My second bag needs to be free for medical supplies though! We'll see how this goes.

  • Bug Spray (K and I are sharing one and then we will buy more there)
  • Bug Repellant Lotion
  • Sunscreen 40 spf
  • Sunscreen 50 spf (sharing this one too - we'll use it for our face)
  • Sunglasses
  • Ciprofloxacin
  • Anti-fungal Cream
  • Multivitamins
  • Fish Oil 
  • Electrolyte Powder
  • Towel
  • Bed Sheet
  • Travel Pillow
  • Hand Sanitizer (hope I have enough!)
  • Antiseptic Wipes
  • Mosquito Net (I had to order one in because they were out)
  • Plastic Bowl and Spoon
  • Travel Journal
  • Pen Knife
  • Ziploc Bags
  • Travel Kleenex
  • Wet Wipes
  • Camera
  • Camera Charger
  • Extra Memory Card
  • Small Mirror
  • Pictures of family, friends, home, scenery
  • Money belt
  • Tank Tops (5)
  • T-shirts (2)
  • Sarong
  • Swimming Suit
  • Long Pants (for the animal reserve)
  • Comfortable Sandals
  • Runners
  • Sports Bra (3)
  • Shorts (2)
  • Underwear (haven't decided how many)
  • Light sleep wear
  • Tank top with built-in bra to sleep in 
  • Scrubs (2)
  • Name Tag
  • Plastic Gloves
  • Head bands and handkerchief
  • Hat
  • Shampoo
  • Hair Elastics
  • Tampons
  • Playtex Wipes
  • Granola Bars
  • Oatmeal
  • Head Lamp
  • Rope
  • Nailclippers
  • Batteries 
  • Tide to go Pen
  • Pen/pencil, paper
  • Hobbies (knitting maybe?? so hot!)
  • Card games and books
  • Dutch Blitz
  • Pepto
  • Afterbite
  • Immodium
  • Benadryl
  • Ibuprofen
  • Tylonel
  • Sennokot
  • Polysporin
  • Bandaids
  • Gravol
  • Visine Eye drops
  • Q-tips
  • Moisturizer Cream
  • IV Set
  • First Aid Kit
  • Needle Stick Kit
  • Sewing Kit
  • Safety Pins
  • Universal sink plug
  • String
  • Removable hooks to put up mosquito net
  • Comfy clothes for the plane
  • Rolling suitcase
  • Pack
  • Skirts (3)
  • Socks (6)
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Photocopies of passport, visa, and ticket (5)
  • Laundry detergent
  • Metamucil
  • Aloe Vera
  • Sweat Cloths (aka bandannas)

4 comments:

Nancy Anderson said...

Hey Ashley- just one thing that came to mind reading your list (I'll give it more thought over the next couple days) is that I would want my own my own plug adapter. I really never needed a voltage converter in my 5 years because my Ipod, camera, computer, hair dryer, etc all did the voltage conversion. But, I couldn't survive a day without the adapter to fit the outlet- I sometimes used more than one at a time. So, I wouldn't want to just rely on a group one. They're relatively inexpensive and very small and light. Happy packing- so excited for you!

Charisa said...

Okay... your bag is so over the limit! :) But really this is the "everything-you-could-possibly-need" list. You could cut back and survive. I'm sure of it. :)

Ashley said...

Yes!! Tell me what I could cut back! This is the list we have from our teacher. We "have" to bring it all, but I would love to "forget" some at home!

Lauren Heinen said...

just a tip.. with the medications.. not everyone in your mini group needs to bring all of those! we ended up sharing all our meds anyways because we didn't all bring everything. also, save space and take the meds out of the boxes and put them in ziplocs.
and i'm on board with nancy - we had 2 in our group of four and it worked out okay, but 1 wouldn't have been enough.