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[astronomermadi]

1. I'm packing right now. I'll be a p-sup in Nicaragua. Anything you guys think is important to bring? It's been a while since I packed for Amigos.

2. I'll be writing about my summer as often as I can, so you're all welcome to check out my journal if you like.

Comments

[boxingsquirrel]

which project in nicaragua? i was a vol in masaya/carazo last year, so i might be able to help.

[astronomermadi]

I'll be in Chinandega, I actually was a vol there ages ago, so I know how to deal with the weather and stuff, was just wondering if there were random things people thought important for a p-sup to bring. Packing is a nightmare.

[peterhill]

yes! most useful thing I had was this awesome plastic divider folder. I didn't have to change money (rock on, globalization...), but I sorted vol mail, receipts, small notebooks, etc. with it and it was amazing. I would also recommend bringing different sizes of bags: a light bag for day trips, a hiking backpack for route... I spent hours in REI picking a route bag with water holders and small pockets and places for pens and books... it was very much worth it (also, another sup borrowed my second [gigantic] hiking backpack for route.... I don't know WHAT she was carrying out there). and hugely important: your COMPUTER (any old laptop with a word processor will do...) and a small USB jump drive. if my staff hadn't had six laptops, I don't know what we would have done. we still had to fight over who was using the computers when, but any fewer than that would have been pretty unmanageable

[terwilliger]

6 laptops?! That's crazy. Each time I was on staff (98 & 00) we had but one amigos provided desktop computer. Back then the feedback forms weren't so brief, either. It used to be 2 essay questions per page, 6 (or so) pages per vol. We used to do things like schedule blocks of time well throughout the night to be able to get it all done (well, and copy/paste a bunch).

I think Dan's going to Masaya.

So wait a minute, if you were Dan's supervisor last year, then I think that means you were on staff with Callie (?). I was Callie's supervisor her first summer. Hearing about her applying to grad school makes me realize how long it has been!

- M

[kukukesem]

hey!
like peter said, an accordion folder is essential, and fun to decorate! i was a sup in guanajuato, which is so different than nicaragua, so i have no advice as to specific things for Nica. bring somewhat formal clothes, like business casual.. i'm trying to remember what i packed. to route i took a large backpack, but theres really no need for one of those hiking backpacks the vols bring. if u have room, bring freesbes or stickers to take out on route.. its always fun to get useful gifts when you're in community. a messenger type bag for when you're in staffhouse was soo useful.. i cant really think of anything else. but feel free to ask any other questions, hopefully i can think of better, less rambling answers then this! ;)
Kesem (gto psup05, panama04, honduras03)

[kukukesem]

oh, and unlike peter's staff, we only had 3 laptops, it was definitely harder to get computer time but it worked out fine and everyone got their work done. there are also always internet cafes.. i just know i really didn't want to bring my computer with me, so i dont think it'll be the end of the world if you only had a couple. bring games! any travel size game or soemthing u can take out of its original box for space (i brought twister and it was awesome)