Packing

The title of the post says it all: we've hit the home stretch. We really can't believe we're at the packing stage of the game, but here we are with piles strewn around the house and lists out the wazoo (lovely mental picture, I'm sure). Currently, each assist is planning on bringing in her carry-on:

doxy pills
1 change of clothes
sunglasses
sunblock
small facewash
1 pair of contacts
pertinent paperwork
books
earplugs
eye covers

and will be concealing passport, tickets and money about her person. Packing list for the big bag includes:

several long dresses
pajamas
flip-flops for the shower
flip-flops for walking
rainboots
sneakers
exercise clothes
3 months worth of sunblock
" of contacts
" of contact solution
first aid kit
LOTS of ibuprufen
personal sanitary products
camera and ipod - we were informed we would be glad we brought them and would be able to charge them.

1 asst is bringing multiple memory cards and both are bringing usb cords.

Here I would like to insert a plug for Walmart, as a service to future travelers. Though their labor practices are REALLY UNACCEPTABLE, credit where credit is due. Asst 1 went there for her prescriptions and paid less than 30USD for her doxy, as it should be. Asst 2 went to CVS, where they attempted to charge her 115USD. No kidding. Asst 2 then went to Walmart, where she was able to fill the doxy and a prescription for a broad-spectrum antibiotic for less than 80USD. That is a significant difference, and both assts are now relying on Walmart for many of their travel needs. We hear Costco and Walgreens are also good, if there's one near you.

Shopping list at present includes:

immodium (good idea from oft-travelling cousins)
bacitracin
triple antibiotic ointment
calamine lotion
more sunscreen
poncho (the last month or so of our time there, it will rain all day, every day. fun!)
diflucan
probiotics
daily multi-vitamin

Both assts are now also in possession of REI quality hiking backpacks. Aren't we prepared? One of us might not necessarily FEEL prepared, but as a recovering asst, I know that lists help establish a false sense of control - essential to surviving on foreign terrain. I know helpful blogs have been to us - I hope to put up a list of key sites before we leave - and I hope this list will help others with the daunting task of deciding what 40 lbs of their life to take on a mission to the bush.