Travel Guide

From Ni Wiki

Revision as of 03:23, 27 June 2007

This is Nourish International's travel guide for students working in developing countries.

Overview

Vaccinations

East Africa

Packing List

Caveat: this packing list is a suggestion -- it has been edited by many individuals since then, namely Joel Thomas. You probably do not need everything on this list. For example, Joel finds it necessary to bring rope with him whenever he leaves the country. With that said, the rope was handy both in Argentina and Uganda.

General Clothing for everyone to consider

• 1 Belt
• 1 Rain gear-Jacket/Poncho
• Sleepwear-1 set of comfy clothes to lounge around in at night
• 1Sun hats or ball cap (optional)
• 1 Sweater, sweatshirt, or windbreaker (remember it can get chilly at night) Shoes
• One pair of comfortable dress shoes do they have to be heels for girls or can they be flip flops?
• One pair of sturdy, comfortable work shoes with closed toes
• (flip-flops and simple canvas shoes are available in Uganda)

For Women

• 1 basic below-the-knee skirt
• One or two pairs of culottes what IS that? hahah for bike riding and fieldwork
• Four short-sleeved (not sleeveless) tops for physical labor (tank tops can be worn underneath if desired)
• 1 below-the-knee dress for special occasions (Soiree’s or Important Meetings)
• 1 week supply of cotton underpants, and socks
• 3 Durable sports bra, or Short sleeved Camisole (bra built in)
• 1 one-piece swimsuit (just in case) Bikini’s not appropriate

For Men

• 1 pair of nice cotton or polyester-blend trousers for work (For giving interviews)
• One nice dress shirt and tie for special occasions (a sports coat is useful but not a must)
• 2 button-down short sleeved shirts for interviews
• One or two pairs of shorts (conservative length) for sports and wearing around the house
• 3 T-shirts for casual wear and physical labor
• 1 week supply of cotton underwear and socks
• Swimsuit (speedo not acceptable)

Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items

• Prescription drugs needed for the duration of the 6 weeks
• Two-week supply of sanitary napkins or other feminine hygiene supplies (ob-brand minipads are available locally but are expensive)
• Shaving cream (available locally)
• Mosquito Repellant- stick, oil or lotion (no aerosols allowed on plane) lotion and oil aren’t either, right?
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush and travel case (toothpaste is available locally, but bring an initial travel supply)
• Hair clips, bobby pins, covered elastic bands

Personal Entertainment-Completely Optional!!!

• Something to read (Paperback is lighter!) Try to coordinate and switch off to reduce weight
• I-pod (Consider that this requires power to recharge)
• A good book • A good flashlight/headlamp

Region Specific Advice

East Africa (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania)

It should be noted that Ugandans place great emphasis on being well-groomed and appropriately dressed. When you aren’t getting dirty building Universal Nut Shellers you’ll be out representing The Full Belly Project and we ask that you put your best face forward. When it comes to dress, it is best to err on the conservative side.

Tight, torn, revealing, and skimpy clothing is unacceptable.

Women’s skirts should be below the knee. Most Ugandan women do not wear sleeveless garments or trousers in the workplace. For men, button-down shirts are a must for interviews; T-shirts are not appropriate as professional wear. Do not bring military- or camouflage-style clothing. The climate in Uganda is pleasantly moderate, although it can be quite cool at night and in the rainy season(May is still part of the Rainy Season). Keep in mind dark clothing is better at hiding mud and dirt. When Packing for this trip, remember you can get almost everything you need in Uganda. Should we aim to stay away from cotton clothes ? – don’t dry quickly and don’t keep you warm when wet…