Packing Advice for MOZ 20

Oi! Greetings to our future MOZ 20ers from Mozambique! My name is Wendy and I am part of Moz18. May is here, which means that you will be in country at the end of the month! Exciting, neh?! I know most of you might be stressing about what to pack (most of us were) so I’ve compiled some list of things I wished that I had brought with me, things I wish I hadn’t bothered with, and things I was really glad to have brought with me. I’m hoping that this helps you with your own packing

After arriving in country most of us agreed that:

1. We all brought way too many clothes! Save the space for other things.
2. The clothes we brought were too “professional.” Most of the guys in my group lament bringing an entire suit. They have never worn it and probably never will. Business casual is much more laxed in Moz. Think: Khakis & polos (perhaps some long sleeve button downs) for men. The same goes for ladies too- but long skirts can be thrown into this (w/ or w/out leggings; skirts are to be pass your knees in the majority of communities) combo along with blouses that are conservative. Jeans that are clean and presentable (no holes, tears, fading or other distracting elements) can also be worn as part as business casual attire here.

Things I am glad I invested in/brought with me:

sentimental trinkets from home/past travels:
my wood-carved elephant from Yucatan & my Zapatista 

-water proof hiking boots (more compact and practical than rain boots, in my opinion)

- rain jacket

-swiss army knife

-Camelbak water bottle

-A good cutting knife

-Headlamp & flash light

-Rope!

-Zip lock bags in a variety of sizes

-My camera

-my North face backpack & travel backpack

-my art supplies J

-sharpies & good pens/pencils

-a handful of books I’ve been meaning to read

-a soft set of sheets

-a money belt

-little trinkets (of sentimental value) from home and/or past travels to decorate my house (also, pictures of friends and family)

-My iPod (Mp3 player) & Laptop

>>INSURANCE for my valuables!

Things I wished I brought:

-my yoga mat

-women’s basketball shorts

-more yoga pants/workout bottoms

-external hard drive (later had one sent from home)

-flashdrive with more capacity (more than 4g)

-portable speakers

-non-stick pan & other kitchen essentials

-Good tea

-Linen clothes! The weather is hot and tropical. You will want clothes that breathe easily and are light-weight.

-Leggings

-a 2^nd pair of sheets

-a good PILLOW (or two)!

- 32oz. Nalgene water bottle

Things I wished I hadn’t spent my money on:

-Camelbak Microbiological UV water purifier

-Solar charger

I know that packing for ‘two years’ of your life is an incredibly daunting task (hence, why I left it for the last minute, aha), but don’t think about it in this sense. Think about the essentials you would want for 2-3 months of variable weather conditions. Also, many things that you need and could want will be available here (just at higher prices and different quality).

Other things to keep in mind:

-If you’re an avid coffee drinker, bring a French press & a supply of ‘real’ coffee. Drinking real coffee is probably one of the things PCVs and expats rave the most about. If you like tea (whether on a daily basis on when you’re feeling cold/ill), bring some of your favorite flavors. I know hot tea is the last thing on your mind when you think of moving to Africa, but I really wish I had brought my Teavana tea maker (ahemm. Don’t judege me).

-“501 Portuguese Verbs,” and a Port/Eng Dictionary are ESSENTIAL. You will not be provided with these. “501 Port Verbs” will be lent to you during training, but it is not yours to keep. I suggest bringing a personal copy. It will help you greatly.

-If you'd like to stay connected, bring an unlocked Blackberry smart phone. Vodacom (one of the service providers here in Moz) has an unlimited data package for 550mets (about $16 USD) per month. 

-*LADIES* … (ahemmm) when the list says to bring “personal, intimate devices that will help you cope with loneliness,” they are NOT talking about your teddy bear (although some of us certainly read it that way; on second thought, I really wish I had brought my little T-rex). These coded words are talking about battery operated, adult toys. If you have one, bring it. Many of us regret not doing so, ahaha.

…. Alright, if you’re freaking out about all the information you’re getting via fb/blog post and PC issued packing list- stop & breathe. Packing is always stressful, but try not to let it get to you. Bring things that you will want and things that bring you comfort as you adjust to your new site. Now, as far as your last few weeks in America goes- indulge in all your favorite foods and snacks. Spend as much time as you can with your loved ones and enjoy those simple moments... 

Now, here are some (more) suggestions from your new friend, and native Los Angelino-

-Go get some animal style fries from In-N-Out (west coast/Cali people)

-Enjoy some of your favorite cocktails for happy hour or at any hour.

-If you’ve heard of Umami burger, go get yourself a gourmet burger with truffle cheese & cheese tater tots. Mmmm

-Tequila, tequila, tequila. Enjoy good liquor while you can.

-Margaritas. Not just for Margarita Mondays, you feel me?

-Chipotle. Have as many burritos as you can possibly stomach for the next few weeks.

-SOUR CREAM. Put sour cream on everything! Ok, maybe not everything…. But eat as much of it as you can.

-& CHEESE! You won’t know how much you love and crave cheese until you arrive.

-DRAFT (Draught?) BEER. Share a pitcher of your favorite beer with your best friend. Enjoy those Belgian white ales while you can!