Welcome Nica 54

Ahhh... by writing this that means I have been in country for a year. I remember one year ago jaunting around Cape Cod, traveling to Martha´s Vineyard and freaking out about leaving the country. If any new 54ers are reading this, don´t worry, Nicaragua is absolutely amazing and you will love it.

For most of you, as was for me, the worst part was thinking about what to pack. Here is my trimmed down list:

Jeans, everyone wears them, I don´t care what Peace Corps say. Teachers show up to school in dirty tshirts and sandals. Just try to one up them a bit with a clean shirt and jeans.

Shorts, no one wears them so beware. I feel awkward in shorts and only wear them when I am working out or going to the river to swim.

Khakis or cotton pants will be your best friend for working outside and just walking around.

Maybe one longsleeved shirt that you like for when the mosquitoes are at their worst or those random cold nights.

Polos are your utility uniform. They can be dressed up for any formal event and are worn daily around town.

A light jacket for at night during the winter months.

Rain gear, a jacket or an umbrella that can double up as sun shade

Exercise gear, you are going to have plenty of free time to work out and it is just more comfortable.

Plenty of socks and underwear.

Clothes that dry quickly

For the kitchen bring
• Special spices/seasoning that you enjoy using at home and are difficult to find in Nicaragua (taco seasoning, garlic pepper, lemon pepper, and Italian seasoning to name a few)
• Recipes
• Mess kit (useful when cooking on your own before buying a whole dishware/cookware set)
• Tupperware/Gladware plastic containers
• Measuring cups/spoons (difficult to find)

Electronics
• Laptop or netbook (Internet access is available throughout Nicaragua and Volunteers find personal laptops helpful in writing work reports, other work related letters/grants/budget proposals, and for communication purposes)
• Portable DVD player
• Digital camera
• USB, thumb/flash drive
• iPod, MP3 player, or small radio
• Speakers
• Surge protector

Random

Some things I can´t live without are
Good switchblade
headlamp
Flashlight
Good backpack
Bandana
Sewing Kit
Games
School Supplies
Watch
Water Bottle
Travel Towel

Enjoy your last few weeks in the States and I will see you in Managua