Tuesday, August 19, 2014

What's in My Bag- Travel Edition


Though my primary work commitment is to my own community, in the past few months I've also been traveling a lot for my new positions as National Agribusiness Coordinator and GAD Treasurer.  I don't think it's any secret that I love to travel so I've loved the opportunity to move around and get to know other volunteers and their communities.  

And with all this traveling, I think I've finally got down my ultimate travel bag.  In keeping with our minuscule Peace Corps budget, most of my travel is done on a nice little combination of busses, trucks, and boats, which has a pretty huge impact on what I need to have with me: Electronics, snacks/meals, and a mini medical kit.  


What's in the medical kit?
Though we receive a thorough (and huge) medical box upon arrival in country, I've found that all the things I might need on a weekend trip can easily fit in a small plastic bag.  
  • 2 pouches Oral Rehydration Salts
  • Bandaids
  • 2 Envelopes of itch relief paste
  • 2 Alcohol Swabs
  • Throat Lozenges
  • 2 sets each of the following pills
    • Basic Pain Relievers
    • Sinus Medication
    • Benadryl
    • Motion Sickness Pills
    • Travelers' Diarrhea Pills
  • Probiotics - They're great for when something is just a little off 


And what About Food?

To save money, I always try and bring some easy meals & snacks.  Though what I pack varies depends on where I'm going and for how long, here's some examples.
  • Tuna + Crackers 
  • Bags of Carrot & Pepper Sticks 
  • Travel Sized Peanut Butter 
  • Fruit that doesn't easily damage (I've had some gross run-ins with bananas & papayas...)
  • Water Flavor packets - Especially helpful when the water is questionable
  • Protein or granola bars



Anything Else?
Other things I always carry with me are:
  • A fork/spoon/can opener/jackknife combo.  I got mine for less than $10 at Target
  • A fully charged ipod and/or ipad
  • Lip balm
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Extra hair ties and plastic bags

Thursday, August 14, 2014

My Peace Corps Panama House Tour

I've had several requests for a house tour and despite a broken camera, I finally managed to get around to it.  If you're curious about where I live, how I cook, and what some cute neighbor kids look like, check it out!


And some photos...

Kitchen

Storage Area

Hammock + Reading Area

You can't see it, but my kitchen table is on the other side to the left

Downstairs

Loft, minus the bedding and desk