Packing: A look back...

Well, almost one year ago I packed my bags and headed for the smallest country in West Africa (all of Africa?). Now I'm getting ready to be in the "old" group as a new, and much larger, crowd of Environment volunteers prepares for The Gambia. Since they have no idea, and I have an experts opinion, and I know I spent hours and hours surfing the web searching for "Peace Corps Gambia What to Pack," let me take this chance to offer some words of wisdom on what a suitcase coming to this country should contain.

Things I Brought That I could not live without:

Capri Pants and long shorts
Running shoes
A hat
Lots and lots of deoderant, because I'm never going to buy any here at inflated prices
Solar Charger (although a word of wisdom, it works better if you don't actually leave it out in the rain)
Rechargeable batteries (but beware battery thiefs)
Flashdrive (really, don't leave America without one)
Lots of pens (and subsequently more mailed to me... you can't have enough pens)
Sweatshirt (seriously, it gets cold here)
Queen size sheets
My favorite books
Daily planner
Jeans
Sleeping Pad
Diva Cup (Ladies, just do it. You will not regret it. Saves you money and precious room in your suitcase. I would advise bringing two as there is the distrinct possibility of accidentally dropping it down your pit latrine).
Comfy pants for lounging around in the evenings
A good knife/multi-tool
Spices (I had these mailed to me right away, and it's been a good thing. Even if you don't cook at site you'll cook when you come to Kombo.)

Things I brought that are completely useless here (i.e. Don't Bother)

A zillion flashcards (what was I thinking?)
Business Casual outfits (These are basically just molding away in my suitcase... Agfos don't need fancy clothes. Don't be fooled. Plus in a bind an African outfit will always do)
Also, I attempted to find an unlockable phone to bring with me, which was a big waste of time. Good phones can be bought here easily and affordably. Don't bother stressing about this in the US.

Things I wish I brought, but did not:

Cute clothes! Even in The Gambia there are occasions to get dressed up and go out, and even on days when you're not doing much it's nice to have the option to look nice. If I were to do it again, I would just bring the clothes I already had in my closet and make them work.
French press for making coffee (I luckily inherited one, but had I not I would definitely be regretting it)
Contacts (I know they say only glasses, but having been a contact person my whole life, I am really missing them).
Sleeping bag and tent
Laptop (even agfos can find plenty of use for these)

Okay, that's just off the top of my head. Certainly not complete in any way, but maybe what I can think of first means it's most important. Good luck all you incoming trainees, see in a couple of weeks!