The Longest Flight Ever

Let me just start by saying that I have done a reasonable amount of international travel. But if anything were to keep me in Comoros for the whole two years, it is the thought of taking that flight again.

After arriving at Dulles, our group of twenty, baggage in tow, was forced to wonder back and forth while the airline decided where we could check in. After they pointed us to the right place, they charged everyone who wanted to check two bags (nearly everyone in our group) $100 to do so. Since we lacked any official power there was little we could do to argue. We found out after everyone paid that, indeed, the airline was not supposed to charge us.

We had to wait around for about five hours before our flight to London. We had an 8 hour flight and then a pretty uncomfortable 10 hour layover at Heathrow. We then had another 8 hour flight to Kenya and a five hour layover. Our last four hour flight had an hour stop in Mayotte before we landed in Comoros.

We were all pretty much walking zombies when we arrived only to discover that most of the baggage never arrived. And apparently this is the best flight PC Comoros has ever experienced. I'll cross my fingers for next year's volunteers.

I will also add that the view of Comoros from the airplane was worth it. It's the kind of breathtaking thing you see in the movies.

Staging

Staging was a whirlwind affair. We all left for DC on the 8th. I meet up with another volunteer, Sam, in the airport. We commuted to the hotel together and shortly after check-in we had our first meeting. We received ATM cards with $165 on them to get us through the next few days. Staging is different for each country I am led to believe. Ours seemed to be very brief, perhaps a result of the expense of housing us in DC. Rooms during staging are shared and you use your ATM card to pay for meals. A last American meal with fellow trainees is a good way to say goodbye to home.

The morning after arrival our staging sessions really began. We learned about Peace Corps rules, policies, and regulations. Lots of ice breaking and team work activities so you can get to know your fellow volunteers. We also received our new passport and visa documents. After a few hours of sessions we left for the airport.

Having our staging in DC is apparently unusual. It is generally cost prohibitive but the DC staff wanted to be involved in our staging since we are the first cohort to be sent to Comoros since the program closed in the 1990s.

Most of staging is a blur. After barely 24 hours in DC we were on our way to Comoros.

Packing List

I have a few odds and ends left to buy, but for the most part I am packed! I am spending a week in Seattle right before departure so I need to get this done sooner rather than later. It is my intention to post follow up information as time and experience gives me insight. I figure at a later date I will post a list including things I wish I brought and things I wish I had left behind.

This is what I have so far:

Electronics:
Laptop and charger
1TB hard drive
Solar charger and attachments
Bluetooth rechargeable speaker
Headlamp
Earbuds
iPod
Kindle
Adapter
Batteries
Flashlight
USB drives

Toiletries:
Body Wash/Face wash
Shampoo/conditioner
Deodorant
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes
Flossers
Razor/blades
Baby powder
Sunscreen
Nail clipper
Hair ties/headbands
Comb
Tampons (box of 18)
Menstrual cups (I have one Diva and one Lily cup)
Birth control (3 months)
Pumice stone
Tweezers
SPF lip balm



Clothing:
Knee-length skirt and dresses (5)
Pants- 1 tan linen and 1 black slacks
Jeans-1
Shorts- 1 plaid, 1 knee length cargo
Cardigans- 2
Tanks tops/undershirts- 5 in different colors
Thigh length tunic-1
Work shirts/blouses- 3
Casual shirts/t-shirts- 5
Leggings- 2
One piece swimsuit-1
Workout clothes- shirt, shorts, leggings
Raincoat
Bras- 2 normal, 2 sports
Underwear- 25
Socks- 2 dress, 2 sport
PJs- 1 pair
Hoodie- 1

Miscellaneous:
Quick-dry towel
Journal/notebooks
Pens
Hat
Sunglasses
Back-up glasses
Tiny frisbee
Umbrella
Knitting needles/yarn
Combo lock
Note cards
Family pics
Hammock
Duct tape
Watch
Peanut butter
Hammock
Games

Documents:
Private passport
Yellow vaccination card
Passport photos
Student loan paperwork
Vaccination records

Shoes:
Running shoes
Flip flops
Teva sandals
Boat shoes
Work flats

Everything should fit in my 75L hiking bag and one carry on. I feel like am underpacking on some things, at least compared to others. But I also believe that I am packing more than needed. I expect that I will be able to buy culturally appropriate clothing in Comoros. I don't want to bring much in the way of teaching material since that isn't very sustainable. I can live without American snacks and bath products. There is some specialty gear that I wonder if I will regret not having. I keep reminding myself that 735,000 Comorosians get by in Comoros just fine. And I am supposed to be living like a local anyway!

I will update as I discover everything that I have done wrong...


UPDATE: So I have received some advice and a care package that has added to my packing list. I picked up a number of games to use with the kids. I also bought some extra flashlights and basic supplies like sharpies and crayons. I've been convinced that one simply cannot come to Comoros without snorkeling gear. My best friend sent me a package with soap, pictures, and hanging clips. So I think I might end up using two checked bags instead of one! There are more pictures and details about my packing mishaps here: Packing Nightmare Continues