Packing

So as I get ready to leave this week, there is really only one thing left to do: finish packing. Now trying to figure out what exactly I’ll need for two years in Africa is not the easiest task, and while the Peace Corps has given suggestions, I’ve taken them with a grain of salt. Anything I absolutely need, I can get there. The way I see it millions of people survive without gizmos, gadgets, and a whole bunch of other things I could fill by bags with.

Now, my favorite part about packing for any kind of trip, is topping off my bag with random spur of the moment decisions. This trip is no other, so I’d like to share some of the brilliant ideas I’ve had on what to bring with me to Benin. So, in no particular order, here are some of packing greatest hits.

• Beanie Babies. Thanks to my Aunt Diana I have an almost endless supply of beanie babies. Sure, some might say the market for beanie babies has gone a little soft (although I still feel the beanie baby heavy portfolio will rally). I am convinced that this will make great gifts, especially with my students. And besides, who doesn’t need a furry friend.
• Snack foods. Nutty Bars, Oreos, Keebler Fudge Stripes, this is my in case of emergency portion of my bags. I don’t feel like I even need to explain anymore.
• Football. So soccer may be king in Benin and the rest of Africa, but what better way to introduce people to American culture than America’s favorite sport.
• A bunch of dice. So in addition to Uno, a Rubik’s cube, and a pack of cards, I brought a bag full of dice. This introduces a bunch of dice games that can be played, mostly Yahtzee and liar’s dice. Great replay-ability factor.
• Whistle. I’m bringing this almost solely as a potential classroom management tool. It’s a great addition, and will go well with my some of my motivation techniques.
• Wikipedia. I went ahead and downloaded Wikipedia onto my computer (apparently you can do that). If you know me, then you know I love Wikipedia.
• The O.C. Perhaps my best idea was loading my computer with the entirety of the classic television show the O.C. The people of Benin need to know about Oliver Trask, about the time Seth burned down his dad’s office, about the time Luke’s father came out of the closet, about George Lucas’s speech on the virtue of the American prom, about the time Seth brought Donnie to a Newport party, and about the time Ryan dated his adopted  mother’s sister. The people need to know.
• Minnesota Vikings jacket. These colors don’t run, I’ll bleed purple and gold until I die.

So there’s a greatest hits of what I’ve packed away, and I’m absolutely, 100% positive that each and every one of these things will be vital to my work.