Two Posts in Two Days!

So, me and Matt are still in town and I feel like posting again.  This post is a bit early but it is primarily for new volunteers to be.  It will be about items that I am glad I brought with me and/or would suggest to bring.  This will apply to about 5 people (more precisely girls) whom I haven't even met yet and don't even know they will be in Fiji next year, but here goes...

1.  Clothes that you feel comfortable and like yourself!  As long as the shirts aren't super tight, way low cut or completely sleeveless and the skirts are below the knee, you are fine.
2.  Skirts that you can comfortably sit on the ground and cover your knees/entire legs.  Try it at home first!
3.  Good tennis shoes and sandals/flip flops that can get wet.
4.  Computer and plenty of shows/movies that can keep you entertained, as it gets dark between 6-8pm here (and many places don't have electricity).
5.  A sturdy mid-sized purse.
6.  A head lamp and/or solar flashlight.  As mentioned, many sites (rural) don't have electricity.
7.  A good cooking pot/frying pan.  It should be one that you can use and abuse while in Fiji and then leave behind when you go home.
8.  Knifes (2-3) and cutting board(s).  I have a set of flexible plastic cutting boards from home that I am so glad I brought!
9.  Spices!  You can make pretty much anything as long as you bring with spices.  Bring Italian, vegetable seasonings, meat seasonings (which you probably won't have much meat but can use for other things), black peppper, taco seasoning, chicken or beef boullion, grill seasons, etc... Don't worry about Indian or curry- there is plenty of that here.
10.  Dish washing sponges.  Sounds stupid but the sponges here suck and I would bring about 6 with you.
11. An umbrella.  I use mine almost everyday for rain or sun protection.
12.  A digital camera.
13.  A hard drive for your computer.  Again, you will use that computer a lot for entertainment but will also need it for work purposes.  Save your work and your entertainment!
14.  A small amount of 'office supplies,' such as pens, notebooks, two pocket folders, markers, scissors, tape (duct and scotch), stapler/staples, paperclips, rubberbands, etc.  These things can be tough to find here and you may need them for your projects but find yourself living in the middle of nowhere.
15.  Some (just a couple) clothes/jewelry/make-up that you can where to 'go out.'  You will be in Suva, resorts and other places where you may want to look like you normally would back home.
16.  A sweatshirt.  You will likely get chilly at night here occassionally.
17.  Plastic bags (small and gallon sized).  Maybe too much information, but in the village some things, such as underware, need to be kept in plastic bags, so that the ants don't eat them.
18.  Sports bras.  These are much more comfortable than regular bras in a crazy hot environment.
19.  Pictures of family and friends (maybe even some in frames, cuz pictures do mold here).
20.  Certain bathroom items, such as contact solution, eye drops, toothbrushes, dental floss, deodarant, razors, shaving cream, tampons/mini pads (if you don't want to use cardboard applicators and maxi pads supplied by Peace Corps), facewash, lotions, and shampoo/conditioner for fine hair. Most of these items you could buy here but they would be expensive and hard to come by. If you have room and extra weight, I would bring them if you are at all particular about this type of thing.
21.  A set of sheets.  Only if you are willing to pay about $80 for a set of sheets can you get any of decent quality here.
22.  Misc:  a sturdy water bottle, water proof watch, travel size sewing kit, sunglasses and/or hat (whichever you would normally wear in America)

Things not to bring...
1.  Peanut butter- there's plenty here!
2.  A lot of sunscreen or bug spray.  Peace Corps can give you that.
3.  Tons of books.  Bring a few but then swap with other Volunteers and the library at the Peace Corps office in Suva.
4.  Excessive amounts of nice clothes.  If you end up in a village most of your stuff will be ruined anyways.
5.  Tons of kitchen stuff.  You can buy most of it here (but bring the couple things I suggested above).
6.  Food stuff- there's plenty here that you will figure out stuff you like!!!
7.  Your cellphone.  Unless you are really attached and want to try to have yours unlocked when you get here, just buy one in country.
8.  Cleaning or gardening supplies or tools.  We bought all of ours in country and it wasn't too hard to find them or afford them with our Peace Corps money.  This includes laudry soap- buy it here!
9.  Medications- over the counter or prescription- or first aid kit.  Peace Corps will supply these things, so just bring what you need for the first few weeks.  Also, Peace Corps DOES SUPPLY BIRTH CONTROL PILLS TO ANY FEMALE VOLUNTEER.  Sorry to put that so bluntly but some future volunteers may be curious. 

Stuff you may consider bringing...
1.  A tent and sleeping bag/sleeping pad. There are suprisingly quite a few Peace Corps gatherings where you may want it.
2.  Some cards, small games, crossword puzzles/brain games or craft items.  There is plenty of spare time in the village and villagers will also get a kick of it!
3. A world map... and maybe a USA map, too.
4.  A little chocolate- it's expensive here!
5.  Exercise bands (I brought a mat, too, but it wasn't that necessary for me...)
6.  Coffee and tea, if you are particular about the type you drink.
7.  MP3 player.  Matt listens to his all the time, though I could care less...
8.  A decoration or two that will remind you of home/those you love.

Okay, I hope this list is helpful to anyone coming to live in this beautiful country.  That was kind of fun! :)

Alyssa