Tight Pants

So here is a picture that explains why we called this blog "Tight Pants". This picture shows the popular style of guys wearing very tight, often stonewashed or white jeans. They are also break dancing in the picture, and tight pants are part of the dancehall dress for some males.

Some Questions...

1. What type and brand of sleeping pad would you recommend? $100 seems to be a standard price for Therm-a-Rest. That is a lot of money, so is it worth it?

The brand of sleeping pad isn't too important but it is a very useful item to have. We got the store brand ones from REI and they were cheaper than Therm-a-Rest ones but work just as well. The self inflating types are more comfortable than just the foam pads. Also the smaller the pad the easier it will be to carry on buses which means you will be more inclined to use it.

2. What type and brand of a solar shower would you recommend?

We have a 5 gallon one from Wal-Mart and it holds enough water for both of us to shower and has lasted 2 years with moderate use. For a single volunteer you might want a smaller one because it will be easier to fill and hang. I don't really think brand matters too much as long as it looks sturdy.

3. How formal is "business casual"? Is a nice skirt and top okay, or should it be business suits?

Lots of Jamaican women wear suits to work so you wouldn't look out of place wearing one, but most volunteers don't and wear a blouse (button-down shirt) and skirt or slacks. It is pretty easy to have a suit made in Jamaica once you are here if that is what your agency requires.

4. What kind of work shoes do you recommend that will look nice enough but be comfortable? Must they really be closed toe?

The shoes don't have to be closed toe, but they shouldn't be flip flops or Teva/Chaco type sandals. I have found a few pairs from Naturalizer that have worked well.

- Kaelyn

Packing Questions

1) What gifts would you recommend bringing for a host family? I've read that calendars, hard candy, and postcards are common, along with footballs and soccer balls.
I would just bring something small with you, like your favorite candy that you can share with them the first night or something. Then I would get to know the family better and buy them a gift before you leave, this way you can get them something you know they will like and use. Or maybe there will be something that you have that you want to leave behind with them, for instance we gave our family one of our DVDs because our host sister watched it over and over again while we were there.

2) What is something that you brought with you that you haven't used?
A raincoat, it was really hot to wear it and Jamaicans don't use them so I really felt like I stood out and looked silly. I brought it back to the States the first time I returned. A nice sturdy umbrella that you can fit in your bag and carry all the time is really a much better option.

3) What is something that you wish you brought had with you?
I've had tons of packages sent to me which has been really awesome. Here are a few of the things I have requested: towels (both quick dry and regular bath towels), a solar shower (really great when you have to take a bucket bath because you can get a better stream of water), a coffee grinder and french press, a good quality can opener, and a good quality kitchen knife.

4) What is the difference between a world band and an emergency crank radio? If there is a difference, which would you recommend bringing?
One main difference is the fact that you can crank the one to recharge it, so it would be better in a case when you had no electricity and you ran out of battery power. The other advantage of the hand crank radio is that many have a cell phone adapter so you can recharge your cell phone as well. I have both and the primary reason I got the crank one was for the cell phone adapter. Also the main advantage of the world band is that it has shortwave radio, but Jamaica gets tons of FM stations (including BBC) so you don't ever need the shortwave stations. I'd say go with the emergency crank kind.

5) Sleeping bags and sleeping pads...are they essential? I've heard that they are nice for sleeping during training.
We have sleeping pads and find them pretty handy because we go visit other volunteers a lot and have people stay at our place pretty often. All the floors in Jamaica are concrete covered with tile so having that extra cushion is really nice. I don't really find that a sleeping bag is too necessary, we usually just bring a sheet because it is easier to carry and most places aren't very cold.

6) I saw that you used a pack from REI. Did you have another bag to put the pack in for the flight?
We checked our backpacks as they were and just buckled and tied up all the straps and they got through fine. But there really isn't any advantage to having a backpack because you won't be able to travel very easily around the island with a backpacking backpack (and it makes you stand out which could make you a target for crime) so I would recommend bringing 2 duffel bags or suitcases for your checked bags because they will be easier to pack.

7) I've come across recommendations to bring a laptop to Jamaica, as it helps with work, keeping connected with friends, uploading pictures, etc. What are your thoughts on this? Would my work be at a disadvantage because I do not have something readily available to type up documents, research, and such? Are many PCV's in Jamaica bringing laptops?

Lots of PCVs in Jamaica have laptops and I know several volunteers who didn't bring one at first and either had a visitor bring them one or got one the first time they went home so I would definitely say it is an item in demand. We use ours a lot for music, games, movies, etc. And to do some work at home. We don't have internet at home but we just save things on a jump drive so that when we do get internet we can upload things quickly (definitely a concern if you are paying for internet). I think the biggest use of laptops among the volunteers I know is not to do work for their agency but to help fight the boredom at home.

Updated Packing List

I recently made my own revisions to the packing list that Peace Corps Jamaica sends to it's trainees. Here's what I would suggest you bring:

PACKING LIST
This list has been compiled by Volunteers serving in Jamaica and is based on their experience. Use it as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that experience is individual. There is no perfect list! You obviously cannot bring everything we mention, so consider those items that make the most sense to you personally and professionally. You can always have things sent to you later. As you decide what to bring, keep in mind that you have an 80-pound weight limit on baggage. And remember, you can get almost everything you need in Jamaica.

General Clothing
Men
The workplace (bring enough to last 2 weeks without washing):
• slacks (not jeans)
• shirts with collars (short-sleeved, lightweight button-down, wash-and-wear are best, polo shirts are acceptable)
• shoes: lace up leather (brown or black)

Fieldwork and Recreation wear:
• jeans (dark pants are preferable, as light colors show soil quicker)
• long shorts
• short-sleeved non button-down shirts and T-shirts

Special Occasions (e.g., swearing-in ceremony, church, weddings, and funerals):
• lightweight suit or sport coat
• tie
• dress shoes

Women
The workplace (bring enough to last 2 weeks without washing):
• mix-and-match skirts (no miniskirts)
• short-sleeved blouses (no spaghetti straps or low necks)
• slacks
• professional pantsuits
• shoes: black or brown closed toed with or without heel

Fieldwork and Recreational wear:
• lightweight pants or jeans
• capri pants
• T-shirts or polo shirts

Special Occasions (e.g. the swearing-in ceremony, church, weddings, and funerals):
• cocktail dress
• at least one formal or casually elegant outfits appropriate for church
• one or two pair of closed toe dress shoes and dressy high heeled sandals

Other items to bring:
• Ball cap
• Belts (of any material except suede)
• Bandannas or handkerchiefs (widely available and cheap in Jamaica)
• Small collapsible Umbrella (Raincoat, optional)

Shoes
Bring three or four pairs of shoes, including your work and dress shoes. They should all be comfortable and sturdy.. It is advisable to have more than one pair to allow for a day of “drying time.” Due to the high humidity, clothing and shoes do have a tendency to mildew. Although Birkenstock/Teva/Chaco-type sandals are nice to have for their comfort, they are not suitable for most professional situations.

Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items
• Travel-size toiletries for weekend trips
• Brush, comb, hand mirror, nail clippers, nail file, razor and blades
• Contact lens solution, if you wear contacts (it is available in Jamaica but is costly and hard to find)
• Three-month supply of any prescription drugs you take
• Feminine hygiene products—tampons, maxipads, and panty shields are available locally, but are a little more expensive than in the United States, so consider bringing a supply
• Hair dryer
• Hairpins, barrettes, etc.
• Inexpensive, lightweight bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths
• One beach towel or backpacking quick-dry towels
• Insect repellent (provided by Peace Corps, but bring if you have a preference)
• Sunscreen (provided by Peace Corps, but bring if you have a preference)

Kitchen
• Basic cookbook or recipes for your favorite dishes
• Plastic containers (like Tupperware) ; available locally, but slightly more expensive
• Plastic storage bags in assorted sizes; available locally, but slightly more expensive
• Artificial sweetener (if you use it); available locally, but expensive

Miscellaneous
• Two pairs of prescription eyeglasses (if you wear them; photochromic lenses are recommended)
• Sunglasses (preferably with UV protection)
• Watch (inexpensive, durable, water-resistant) with extra batteries
• Satchel/Messenger bag and/or lightweight overnight bag (Volunteers often go on short, two- to four-day trips, so bring something you can comfortably carry on a crowded bus, backpacks tend to make volunteers stand out)
• Therm-a-Rest or other portable sleeping pad (for use when visiting other Volunteers)
• Duct tape
• Plastic water bottle (e.g., Nalgene) or canteen
• Earplugs for sleeping through loud music, roosters, and barking dogs
• Camera and extra film (available locally but expensive)
• World band radio (Portable AM/FM radios are available in Jamaica)
• CD player, or other music player with cord and batteries (especially important if you are not into listening to reggae and dancehall music all the time)
• Laptop Computer (if you have one, it is very useful)
• USB drive (very useful)
• Games (e.g., cards, backgammon, chess)
• Snorkel, mask, fins and swimming goggles (if you are so inclined)
• Hobby and craft supplies (available locally but expensive)
• Resource materials (e.g., textbooks, dictionary, thesaurus) and office supplies (e.g., small stapler, rubber bands, paper clips, scissors, tape, pens, markers); some host agencies will provide these, but others will not. You may want to prepare a box to be sent to you later if you find you need them.

Countdown Questions

Here are some answers to the questions posted in a comment:

Do you need adapters for the electric outlets? Or are they like the US outlets?
You don't need adapters for most appliances, but a small surge protector would be a good idea. We use a surge protector with our laptop, but no adapter other than the one that comes with the computer. Electric clocks do not work, so bring a battery-powered one.

Regarding backpacks. Can you elaborate on the satchel instead of backpack? What is a satchel and where can you purchase one?
By satchel, we mean an over the shoulder bag with one strap, such as a messenger bag. Men often carry black ones.

During work hours, what is appropriate to wear? Long sleeve or short sleeve or both?
I would bring mostly short sleeve, because that is what most Volunteers where in school and office settings, but a few long sleeve are handy for important meetings or formal events. Some guys brought suits for these formal events, whereas I just wore a tie and long-sleeved shirt.

Is a money belt recommended?
I used a money pouch for the first couple months until I got comfortable traveling. Now I just disperse money into different pockets and my shoes while traveling. So that is a personal preference.

Should you bring an iron? They are just so heavy.
You don't need to bring an iron. Your host family will have one for you to use during training, and then you can buy one down here. Also, other Volunteers who are completing their service often give their irons away.

Also can you wear guayaberas to work? Do you suggest long sleeves or short?
I wore my guyabera shirt yesterday. They are good office wear for men. Bring a couple because then you do not have to tuck your shirt in and you can be cooler. I have only seen people in Jamaica wearing short sleeve guyabera shirts, which they call "bush jackets" down here.

- Shane

Slacks for Men

Below are my thoughts about male fashion in PC Jamaica, bracketed after the line from the actual packing to which they correspond.

"Men should bring at least five to seven outfits for work [this is because you may only do laundry once every two weeks, and then you can wear everything twice, although really, you can wear your pants up to three times or more in a pinch].

This means slacks and shirts (lightweight and wash-and-wear are best) [I wear khakis and a shirt with a collar every day to work, sometimes I wear a polo, sometimes the shirt is not tucked in, but usually it is a button down shirt tucked in],

and jeans or long shorts;[for traveling on the bus or going places on the weekends, I usually wear jeans or other pants. Shorts are mainly when walking around my neighborhood, but some volunteers wear them while traveling]
and short-sleeved shirts, T-shirts, or polo shirts for fieldwork and recreation wear[True enough].
Dark pants are preferable, as light colors show soil quicker [I should have read this one closer, but figured dark pants would get hotter. I wish I had brought more dark pants, though]

You should also have a lightweight suit or sport coat, a tie, and dress shoes to wear on special occasions such as the swearing-in ceremony, weddings, and funerals. [bring a sportscoat if you have one, if not you can usually get away with wearing just a tie and long-sleeved dress shirt; some volunteers like to bring suits and there are definitely opportunities to wear them]"

More later.

-Shane

What They Say To Bring

I finally got around to digging out the Packing List provided by Peace Corps in our Welcome To Jamaica guide that came with our invitation. Of course some of us current volunteers have a few things to say about this list, thus the motivation for creating this blog. So now we will continue to enlighten you on which suggestions were helpful, which were not, and what we felt ws completely left off the list.

Enjoy!
-Kaelyn


PACKING LI ST

This list has been compiled by Volunteers serving in Jamaica and is based on their experience. Use it as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that experience is individual. There is no perfect list! You obviously cannot bring everything we mention, so consider those items that make the most sense to you personally and professionally. You can always have things sent to you later. As you decide what to bring, keep in mind that you have an 80-pound weight limit on baggage. And remember, you can get almost everything you need in Jamaica.

General Clothing
Men should bring at least five to seven outfits for work. This means slacks and shirts (lightweight and wash-and-wear are best), and jeans or long shorts; and short-sleeved shirts, T-shirts, or polo shirts for fieldwork and recreation wear. Dark pants are preferable, as light colors show soil quicker. You should also have a lightweight suit or sport coat, a tie, and dress shoes to wear on special occasions such as the swearing-in ceremony, weddings, and funerals.
Women should bring at least 10 to 12 outfits for work. This means wash-and-wear dresses, mix-and-match skirts (no miniskirts) and blouses, or pantsuits, and lightweight pants or jeans, long shorts; and short-sleeved shirts, T-shirts, or polo shirts for fieldwork and recreation wear. You should also have at least two formal or casually elegant outfits for special occasions such as the swearing-in ceremony, weddings, and funerals.
Other items to bring:
• Sun hat
• Belts (of any material but suede)
• 10 to 12 bandanas or handkerchiefs
• Poncho or rain suit

Shoes
Bring three or four pairs of comfortable and sturdy walking or tennis shoes. It is advisable to have more than one pair to allow for a day of “drying time.” Also bring one pair of dress shoes. Although Birkenstock-type sandals are nice to have for their comfort, they are not suitable for most professional situations.

Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items
• Travel-size toiletries for weekend trips
• Brush, comb, hand mirror, nail clippers, nail file, razor and blades
• Contact lens solution, if you wear contacts (it is available in Jamaica but is costly)
• Three-month supply of all prescription medications (including birth control pills) you are currently taking.
• Feminine hygiene products—tampons, maxi pads, and panty shields are available locally but are a little more expensive than in the United States, so consider bringing a supply
• Hair dryer
• Hairpins, barrettes, etc.
• Two to four inexpensive, lightweight bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths
• One beach towel

Kitchen
• Basic cookbook or recipes for your favorite dishes
• Plastic containers (like Tupperware)
• Plastic storage bags in assorted sizes
• Artificial sweetener, if you use it

Miscellaneous
• Two pairs of prescription eyeglasses; if you wear them (photo chromic lenses are recommended)
• Sunglasses (preferably with UV protection)
• One or two watches (inexpensive, durable, water-resistant) with extra batteries
• Day pack, backpack, and/or lightweight overnight bag
(Volunteers often go on short, two- to four-day trips, so bring something you can comfortably carry on a crowded bus)
• Therm-a-Rest or other portable sleeping pad (for use when visiting other Volunteers)
• Umbrella
• Duct tape (has numerous uses)
• Plastic water bottle (Nalgene) or canteen
• Costume jewelry
• Earplugs for sleeping through loud music, roosters, and barking dogs
• Camera and extra film (available locally but expensive)
• Portable AM/FM radio or cassette or CD player with cord and batteries
• Music tapes or CDs (especially important if you are not into listening to reggae and dance hall music all the time)
• Games (e.g., cards, backgammon, chess)
• Snorkel, mask, and fins and swimming goggles (if you are so inclined)
• Hobby and craft supplies (available locally but expensive)
• Resource materials (e.g., textbooks, dictionary, thesaurus) and office supplies (e.g., small stapler, rubber bands, paper clips, scissors, tape, pens, markers); some host agencies will provide these, but others will not. You may want to prepare a box to be sent to you later if you find you need them

Other Items
❒ Verify that luggage meets the size and weight limits for international travel.
❒ Obtain a personal passport if you plan to travel after your service ends. (Your Peace Corps passport will expire three months after you finish your service, so if you plan to travel longer, you will need a regular passport.)
❒ Bring at least four passport-size photos (to be used mainly for ID purposes).
❒ Bring a copy of your certificate of marriage or divorce.
❒ Purchase personal property insurance to extend from the time you leave your home for service overseas until the time you complete your service and return to the United States.

First Post

Packing for Jamaica was an incredibly nerve-wracking experience. And then we show up at staging in Miami and Peace Corps pretty much tells everyone that we got it all wrong. Two words: Business Casual! All the time! Which led many of us to the question of why the packing list they sent us was so vague. So in an attempt to save the new group some of this grief we have created this forum for sharing some of our recommendations about what would be useful to bring to Peace Corps Jamaica. It's also just for fun! You know the saying - if I only knew then what I know now.

Later,
Kaelyn