Pre-Departure Checklist

Tomorrow at 10:15 AM I will begin my 20 hour journey to Tanzania. It's my second time going to Tanzania and I'm returning with the same program I did last summer.

Last year I participated in the Engineering World Health-Tanzania program, but this year I'm coordinating it. I am the OTGC (on-the-ground coordinator) for the second month and will be checking up on the students when they work in their assigned hospitals in the Moshi-Arusha area.

Since my job requires quite a bit of traveling, it was tough to pack light, smart, and compact. I spent my last full day in the U.S. doing lots of last minute packing. Things I'm taking for my 5 week trip include:

• 9 Shirts
• 3 Jeans
• 2 Shorts (not for wearing in public)
• 2 Kangas (traditional garb that I bought last year)
• 1 Rain Jacket
• 1 Fleece
• 1 Pair of Old Sneakers (they went with me to Tanzania last year too)
• 1 Pair of Chacos
• 6 Pairs of Socks
• Underwear (not pictured!)
• 1 Fleece Throw Blanket
• 1 Towel

• Toothbrush + Toothpaste + Floss
• Mouthwash
• Lotion
• Sunscreen
• Facial Wipes
• Contact Solution and Case
• Glasses
• Sunglasses
• Hairbrush, Bobby-Pins, Hair-Ties
• Neosporin
• Advil
• Mosquito Repellent
• Malaria Medicine
• Pepto-Bismol + Imodium (truly necessary)
• 2 Mini-Shampoo Bottles
• 2 Mini-Conditioner Bottles
• 1 Mini-Hairspray Bottle

Above are the things that I need to stay hygienic and moderately comfortable. Below are the things I need for work + sanity reasons.

• Computer + Charger
• Canon Camera (not pictured for obvious reasons)
• Flip Video Camera
• Phone + Charger
• Ipod + Charger
• British Style Adaptors
• Medical Instrumentation in the Developing World Handbook
• Swahili handbooks
• Passport + Yellow Fever Immunization Card (both are needed for entry into the country)
• Cash, Bills Printed 2006 and Later
• Wallet with my ID and ATM card
• Prototype to test Oxygen Concentrators (courtesy of Tulane University Design Class)
• 2 PICAXE USB Download Cables + Incubator Alarm I built in BME 354 Lab
• A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin, Book 4 in the Game of Thrones Series

I fit all of the things above into a single backpack with room to spare. While it is a large backpack, I'm still quite proud of my planning and packing skills. It's a Rei Grand Tour 80 Travel Pack and super great for what I need it to do. It's suspension loaded, unzips like a suitcase, and has a separable day pack. Hopefully this pack will help me travel safely from hospital to hospital without being too bulky.

As I wrap up, Duke is looking amused as he watches me pack.

Last meal before leaving: Traditional Borscht made by my Ukrainian Grandmother who's staying with us until September. I could eat this by the truck load.

I'll do my best to keep this blog alive while I'm in Tanzania. Internet can be spotty and frustrating but I promise to keep everyone posted on my travels and I promise to stay safe!